On Wednesday, March 21 the 2012 International Awards Ceremony was held where Nurten Ural won the Charles A. Gliozzo International Award for Public Diplomacy.

In addition to owning her own businesses, Nurten Ural is the Honorary Consul General of Turkey for the State of Michigan in Detroit. She is also a Michigan State University alumna, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in human environment and design and a Master of Fine Arts degree in human shelter and interior design.

Having served on numerous committees and boards, Ural has been involved throughout the State of Michigan working with businesses, community groups, charities and non-profit organizations. Some of these include American Society of Interior Design, Institute of Business Design, National Association of Women Business Owners, Woodcreek Homeowners Association, Farmington/Farmington Hills Chamber of Commerce, Livonia Chamber of Commerce, Republican Club, Farmington Exchange Club, Construction Association of Michigan, Special Olympics and Professional Women’s Roundtable Groups.

Ural has had a significant impact through her unending commitment to education and the promotion of knowledge and understanding of Turkey. Her accomplishments include receiving the 1998 Athena Award, Business Accomplishment Award, serving on the Board of two Chambers of Commerce, serving as Vice Chair and Chair of the Board of Directors on the Farmington/Farmington Hills Chamber of Commerce, serving as treasurer and President on the Board of Directors of TACAM (Turkish-American cultural Association of Michigan) and serving as President-Elect, Vice President on the Board of Directors of ATAA (Assembly of Turkish-American Associations).

A wonderful ambassador for business development, Ural continues to lend her expertise to Turkish-U.S. delegations involved in business and academic development activities. She has worked closely with MSU’s Center for European Russian and Eurasian Studies to improve educational programming related to Turkey, Turkish language and culture.  As a tireless advocate for U.S.-Turkish relations and an invaluable resource to the State of Michigan and Michigan State University, Nurten Ural has made significant and lasting contributions through public diplomacy.