Mission
The Uyghur American Association (UAA) is a non-partisan organization with the chief goals of promoting and preserving Uyghur culture, and supporting the right of Uyghur people to use peaceful, democratic means to determine their own political futures. Based in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area, the UAA serves as the primary hub for the Uyghur diaspora community in the United States.
Leadership.
The UAA was the first Uyghur organization to be established in the United States. Since its founding in 1998, the UAA has held democratic elections triennially. Leadership is held accountable by all members of the UAA and the Uyghur community in the United States.
Humanity.
Uyghurs face unprecedented challenges in the 21st century. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is perpetrating genocide against the Uyghur people, the largest in scale since the Holocaust. Millions of Uyghurs have been detained in concentration camps and imprisoned without due process. Millions more languish in the largest open-air prison in the world, East Turkistan (Xinjiang).
The CCP’s campaign has prompted the UAA to direct its efforts to closing the concentration camps and ending the Uyghur genocide. By leveraging our collective voice, and upholding democratic values and human rights to the highest value, we aim to to create the political will necessary to improve the lives of Uyghurs in their homeland.
Community.
Based in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area, UAA leaders and members live throughout the United States. UAA leadership is dedicated to serving the Uyghur community within the U.S. and beyond to the best of its ability. Our priority is to make sure we serve our members and make Uyghur voices heard.
Our Team
Misran Dolan | President
Misran Dolan is a software engineer currently living in Washington D.C.. He has served on the board of the Uyghur American Association in the past, and has developed software aimed to summarize and contextualize Uyghur research and reporting. Despite having been born in the United States, Misran is passionate about advocating for Uyghur human rights especially for those who cannot represent themselves or who are voiceless.
Zilala Mamat | Vice President
Zilala Mamat is a senior undergraduate studying Government and Public Policy at Cornell University. She was born in Urumqi, East Turkistan, and since coming to America, has strived to amplify the voice of the Uyghur people. She is the President and founder of United Uyghur Youth as well as a co-founder for Rawan Mentorship.
Uighur Abdulla | Treasurer
Born in Australia, Uighur Abdulla studied Linguistics at the Australian National University. He has worked as a HIV prevention worker in the VA public health sector, and is currently the project manager of the Uyghur Wellness Initiative.
Ayturk Tashpolat | Director of Communications
Born in Urumqi and raised in Istanbul, Ayturk now pursuing a filmmaking degree at Indiana University. She grew up closely involved in Uyghur advocacy and actively participated in community events in the D.C. area. Her experiences have fueled her passion for filmmaking, with a focus on amplifying Uyghur stories and marginalized voices. Ayturk has been actively involved in UAA events for many years, reflecting her commitment to advocacy and community engagement.