OUR TEAM
Celil Yaka
CEO
Celil Yaka is a passionate and driven professional with a robust project management and business development background. With over 17 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Celil has successfully led numerous projects from inception to completion, delivering measurable results and driving organizational growth.
His strategic mindset and ability to foster productive relationships across teams and stakeholders have been critical to his success. Skilled in analyzing market trends, identifying opportunities, and implementing innovative strategies, Celil has optimized efficiency and profitability in every role he has undertaken.
Before joining Embrace Relief as CEO in July 2024, Celil served as the Executive Director of the Center for New Americans and held leadership positions at the Global Business Council and Turkic American Chamber of Commerce. His academic foundation in Business Administration and Management from Marmara University further strengthens his expertise.
Savas Metin
Project Manager
A dynamic and results-driven professional with extensive experience in project management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement across various international organizations such as the United Nations, African Union, and Clinton Global Initiative. Proven track record of effective leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and successful management of diverse teams and projects.
Has the ability to craft innovative solutions and drive organizational growth through strategic partnerships and effective management. Demonstrated expertise in aligning projects with mission-driven goals and fostering collaboration on a global scale. Skilled in fundraising, grant writing, and sustainable development practices. Adept at managing cross-functional teams and implementing initiatives in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ismail Arican
Business Manager
Ismail works as the Business Manager and Bookkeeper at Embrace Relief. He is responsible for all accounting matters. Mr. Arican has worked as a Business Manager and a Bookkeeper in the non-profit sector since 2000 and for Embrace Relief since 2014. Mr. Arican holds a B.S. in Theology from Ankara University.
Kerri Brennan
Graphic Designer
Kerri Brennan is the Graphic Designer and Social Media Coordinator at Embrace Relief, where she is responsible for creating and designing a wide range of materials for both print and digital media, as well as managing and coordinating social media content.
Kerri has a strong passion for helping others and spreading awareness about global issues through impactful visuals and digital engagement. She able to prioritize and manage multiple projects while meeting design specifications and deadlines.
Kerri graduated from William Paterson University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art, with a concentration in Graphic Design, and has over six years of professional graphic design experience.
Kevin Meacham
Content Writer
Kevin Meacham is the Content Writer at Embrace Relief, where he writes, edits, and proofreads text for a variety of materials for print and digital media. Prior to working with Embrace Relief, Kevin spent more than a decade as a journalist covering local issues for several newspapers in Essex County, New Jersey.
Kevin is a graduate of the University of Connecticut with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Journalism and Political Science.
Elshad Abdullayev
Midwest Chapter
Elshad Abdullayev was born on December 12, 1976, in Azerbaijan. He is married and a father of two boys.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master of Business Administration, with 10 years of professional experience in his field. In addition, he has dedicated 11 years to philanthropy, including 6 years of active involvement with Embrace Relief Foundation.
Elshad combines his technical and business background with a strong commitment to helping others, focusing on creating positive impact through service and community engagement.
Yusuf Yildirim
Southwest Chapter
Yusuf Yildirim was born on March 1, 1972, in Turkey. He is married and a father of two girls and one boy.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physics Engineering with 16 years of professional experience in his field. In addition, he has dedicated 6 years as international humanitarian aid coordinator to one of the top 100 NGO in the world.
Yusuf combines his technical and humanitarian aid organization background with a strong commitment and leadership to helping others, focusing on creating positive impact through service and community engagement.
