Hi, my name is Talia Kayali and I am helping Zeynep Girisgen to organize this fundraiser to cover funeral expenses of our dear friend Melissa Azize Gokmogol.

Our beloved best friend and sister Melissa Azize Gokmogol went to heaven on May 24, 2023. She left a legacy of passion of faith, patriotism, compassion, integrity, leadership, and loyalty.

Melissa was born in Istanbul, Turkey on December 5, 1961.  She is survived by her brother Ruhi Gokmogol and her husband Paul E. Broussard.  She came to America at age 19, initially to attend University of Southern California under an academic scholarship.

She excelled in everything she touched and in every job she held whether it was banking, insurance, teaching, counselor and leadership coaching, or working as a certified translator. She became the co-owner and CEO of Evani Collections in Los Angeles, California with Ceramics and Porcelains imported from Turkey; she was the Associate partner of South Bay Asset Management Company to name a couple. 

Because of her passion for America, at the age of 50 she decided to pursue a degree in Political Science and graduated from Purdue University. She attended Yale University and received her Masters in Political Management from George Washington University in DC. She became the State Field Coordinator for NRA in Iowa, New Jersey, Nevada & Ohio. She was very passionate about and proud of her contributions to America. She was the Regional Field Director, in Western Arizona Trump Victory Team, for the Republican National Committee.

Melissa loved her family dearly. She adored and looked up to her dad Refik Gokmogol and her mom Turen Gokmogol who are both deceased. Melissa loved life, especially her friends, her Cats Tiny and Pamuk.  Her sweet and warm personality would always light up the room. 

She loved faith-based get togethers, traveling, tour guiding, road trips, dancing, Turkish dishes, especially pastries.

Melissa will live in our hearts forever.  We will remember her with a big smile, laughter, and fond memories.