Webinar Invitation | Turkic Identity and Minority Status in the U.S.

Turkic Identity and Minority Status in the U.S.
Legal Frameworks, Global Practices & Challenges

Sunday, January 25, 2026, 1pm ET

Register online @
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fLuwtqRDTVa1ecSTH-eFYw
or scan QR code below

Guest Speakers

Lydia Borland
President, LB International Solutions LLC

Hülya Erol-Garvett
Realtor, TC-USA PAC Treasurer

Moderator

Nilüfer Esen-Bilgin
ATAA Past President

Biographies

Lydia Borland has more than 34 years of public and private sector experience in government relations in Washington, DC. She has a keen understanding of how Congress works, and how the institution and other agencies of the US government interact to affect foreign policy, and has developed a large network of contacts in the nation’s capitol. She is a seasoned observer of US politics, and has devised and implemented several successful programs on behalf of clients which have either resulted in the elimination of negative measures, the advancement of positive ones, or the implementation of foreign aid packages. Although Borland is well known on Capitol Hill, she approaches all projects with the enthusiasm of a novice. Members of Congress and congressional staff regularly reach out to her for guidance on issues affecting international relations. Borland is currently President of LB International Solutions LLC, a boutique international consulting firm which either takes on projects by itself, or partners with larger firms. LBIS is now the main contractor for the Turkish Embassy in Washington DC, and works with subcontractors. For over 15 years, Lydia has helped establish Political Action Committees (PAC) which support candidates and political campaigns. In this capacity, she meets with promising candidates or incumbents and generates support for their races. Borland served as Washington Representative for the Turkish-U.S. Business Council (TAIK/DEIK) from 2000-2007, and Deputy Executive Director of the U.S. Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce for several years. Borland speaks fluent Turkish as well as Spanish, Italian, Azerbaijani, and French. She has earned a B.A. in International Affairs from George Washington University and a M.B.A. in Finance from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

Hülya Erol-Garvett is a respected real estate professional, entrepreneur, and a leading voice in Turkish-American civic engagement. She serves as President of the Turkish Coalition USA Political Action Committee (TC-USA PAC) and Vice President of the National Coalition of Turkish American Women PAC (NC-TAW PAC), advocating for strong U.S.-Türkiye relations and active political participation within the Turkish-American community. With over two decades of experience in Southeast Michigan’s real estate market, she founded The Hulya Group, a successful brand recognized for high-quality client service and agent mentorship. Her career began in international trade, where she led an import-export business and traveled to more than 100 countries, bringing a global perspective to her work. She holds a degree in International Relations and an MBA, and is committed to women’s leadership, civic service, and community wellness. She has served on the North Oakland County Board of Realtors and actively mentors new professionals in her field. A passionate advocate, she also supports causes such as Relay for Life and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Proudly Turkish-American, Hülya continues to make a meaningful impact at the local and national levels.