At iACT, we are so grateful for our Board of Directors! In this Board Spotlight, Mehmet Candas tells us a little more about himself.

Q: Where are you from? How long have you lived in Austin?
A: I am from Turkey, and came to Austin in 2002 for graduate studies at UT.
How long have you served on the iACT Board?
I have been serving as an iACT Board member for almost one year.
What made you want to serve as an iACT Board Member?
I love what iACT is doing, and wanted to be a part of it. I have been attending iACT events for a long time (I even remember the days iACT was called Austin Area Interreligious Ministries). I always admire the people who volunteer. And now, it is a great privilege for me to be a part of iACT’s Board of Directors.
What do you enjoy the most about your role as a Board Member of iACT?
Being with an amazing group of people from various backgrounds.
What’s the most challenging thing about working as a Board Member of iACT?
As part of being with an amazing group of people, it is always a challenge for me to keep up with them. The people on iACT’s crew are so hard-working, self-sacrificing, and generous that I feel myself not deserving to being a part of them.
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a Board Member of iACT?
I am a strong believer of iACT’s mission, and being a very small part of it is extremely precious for me.
Why would you encourage others to support the work of iACT?
I believe at this time of polarization and divisiveness, not doing anything and just expecting others to fix these issues is not an option anymore. Everyone has to do something, small or big, but something, to stop and reverse the current trend. The organizations like iACT are extremely valuable and play a very critical role for this goal.



