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).
Dana Coppola
Director of Development
Dana Coppola is a Director of Development at Embrace Relief, where she is responsible for campaign planning and implementation, fundraising, and event planning. She is heavily involved with the Health/Cataract Program and the Mobile Farmers Market. Moreover, she has played a key role in the planning and implementation of events, including monthly fresh produce distributions and the annual H2Ow Far Can You Walk 5K for clean water. Dana is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Corporate and Organizational Communication with a concentration in Global Studies at Northeastern University.
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.
Bea Yabut Richardson
Social Media Specialist
Bea Yabut-Richardson is the Social Media Specialist at Embrace Relief where she is responsible for content creation, social media, digital, and email marketing. She connected with social media influencers who have 20K to 5M following and also with different celebrities and public figures for Embrace Relief’s first livestream fundraiser “Stronger Together” that had over 6,000 viewers and raised more than $105,000. She booked Lisa Guerrero and Gary Busey as guest speakers of the aforementioned fundraiser. She graduated from De La Salle University – Manila, Philippines with a BS in Business Management and further continued her education with a dual degree Masters in International Business and International Marketing from Hult International Business School – London, UK and Boston, MA.
Sarah Elsakhawy
Program Coordinator
Sarah Elsakhawy is a project manager at Embrace Relief, where she is responsible for campaign design and execution, fundraising, and grant applications. Previously she headed the Clean Water Initiative, and currently works as the Women’s Empowerment Project Coordinator, where she manages four unique programs. Sarah graduated with a B.S. in Diplomacy and International Relations from Seton Hall.
Kerri Brennan
Graphic Designer
Kerri Brennan is the Graphic Designer at Embrace Relief where she is in charge of creating and designing various materials for print and digital media. She has knowledge of Adobe PhotoShop, Illustrator, InDesign, and other graphic design software. She has a passion for helping others and spreading awareness on global issues. Kerri is able to prioritize and manage multiple projects within design specifications. Kerri graduated from William Paterson University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Studio Art, and has over 4 years of graphic design experience.
