It is with profound sadness that Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) mourns the passing of Dr. George Schieber, a distinguished economist, dedicated philanthropist, and cherished member of the TPF community whose generosity and commitment to education have helped shape the futures of young women from Türkiye.

A former World Bank economist, George dedicated his professional life to advancing economic development and improving opportunities for people around the world. Yet, beyond his professional accomplishments, he leaves behind an equally meaningful legacy: his belief in the power of education to transform lives and his determination to create opportunities for future generations.

In 2015, George established the Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award at TPF in loving memory of his wife, Sena Eken Schieber, an accomplished economist and pioneering international civil servant whose distinguished career included leadership roles at the International Monetary Fund and advising the Central Bank of Türkiye.

What began as a deeply personal tribute became an extraordinary investment in the future of young women. Through this award, George sought not only to honor Sena’s remarkable life and achievements but also to ensure that her legacy would continue through generations of aspiring female economists.

Over the past decade, the award has supported 21 talented young women from Türkiye in pursuing graduate education in economics at leading universities in the United States. Each recipient represents an opportunity made possible, a barrier overcome, and a future enriched by George’s vision and generosity.

George was far more than the founder of this award. He remained deeply invested in the accomplishments and aspirations of its recipients, encouraging them to think beyond their individual success and consider how their knowledge and talents could contribute to a more equitable and prosperous world. His philanthropy reflected a conviction that education is not simply a personal achievement but a responsibility to society.

For TPF, George exemplified the very best of philanthropy: giving rooted in love, guided by purpose, and sustained by a belief in the potential of others. He showed us how a personal legacy could become a shared opportunity, connecting generations through knowledge, compassion, and service to others.

As we remember George, we do so with immense gratitude for the trust he placed in TPF, the partnership we shared, and the lives he helped transform. His legacy will endure not only through the award but also through the accomplishments, contributions, and leadership of the women who follow in Sena’s footsteps.

We extend our deepest condolences to George’s family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

George’s life reminds us that one of the most meaningful ways to honor those we love is to create opportunities for others. While Sena’s accomplishments inspired the award, it was George’s devotion, generosity, and vision that brought it to life and sustained it for more than a decade. Through the Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award, that spirit of generosity will live on for generations to come.

With heartfelt gratitude and remembrance,
The Turkish Philanthropy Funds Family

Nesrin, Medical Student
Nesrin gives her full energy and commitment to everything she does. From playing volleyball on her school team since 2nd grade to writing and performing in a theater piece in high school, exploring, learning, and doing her best have always been part of who she is.

Her decision to study medicine, however, comes from a deeper place. Showing up for others has always been central to her life. In her hometown of Adana, she supported a wheelchair campaign by collecting bottle caps and helped mobilize her community after a wildfire. She continues to do this alongside her studies, passionately. With your support, she’s able to focus on her studies while continuing to care for others. 

Evin, English Teacher Major
Inspired by her English teacher’s kindness and curiosity, Evin is now studying to become a teacher at Çukurova University. But the path to get here wasn’t easy. After the February 6 earthquakes, her world was turned upside down, and her family moved in with relatives in another city. Despite the challenges, they eventually returned to their damaged home in İskenderun.

Through it all, Evin pushed past her own expectations and made it to college. Today, she looks only ahead, focused on building a life where she can offer the same support and inspiration she once received.

Bilgün, Engineering Major

For Bilgün, creating is what sparks her curiosity whether through music, art, or robotics. For her, it’s all connected, and she thrives when she can bring ideas to life.

Now in college, the engineering program is her happy place, where she is building her technical skills. Looking ahead, Bilgün hopes to use these skills to make a difference in communities, driven by her passion for volunteering.

Asya, High school student 

For Asya, resilience has been a part of life from an early age. Raised by her mother as the youngest of three, she learned to stay strong through challenges.

At just seven years old, she was diagnosed with kidney cancer. After months of chemotherapy and surgery, she recovered. Just as life was returning to normal, the earthquake changed everything. Their home was severely damaged, and her family was displaced.

Despite all these obstacles, Asya never gave up on her education. She is determined to follow in her brothers’ footsteps and go to college. The scholarship she receives is more than financial support—it is her motivation, her confidence, and a source of pride.

Through TPF, donors create scholarship opportunities that reflect their passions, honor meaningful legacies, and invest in the next generation. From undergraduate studies to advanced degrees, and from healthcare and engineering to economics and other fields, TPF scholarships support students at different stages of their academic journeys.

With applications opening soon, now is the time to explore the opportunities available.

Join Our Scholarship Information Webinar

Wednesday, October 28, 2026
1:00 PM ET | 8:00 PM Türkiye Time

 Learn about TPF’s scholarship programs, eligibility criteria, application requirements, and selection process. Our team will introduce the available opportunities and answer your questions.

Register for the webinar

Scholarship applications open November 1, 2026

Explore Our Scholarship opportunities

Different Ways to Give. More Ways to Make an Impact.

These scholarships illustrate how donors can use TPF’s platform to support different fields of study, levels of education, and student communities. Whether establishing a scholarship in someone’s honor, supporting a particular discipline, or expanding access to education, donors can turn their philanthropic priorities into meaningful opportunities for students.

Interested in creating or supporting a scholarship? Connect with TPF.

Know a student who could benefit? Share these opportunities and encourage them to attend our webinar.

Last year, TPF shared information about the federal tax changes affecting charitable giving beginning in 2026. As we approach the first year-end under these new rules, donors now have an opportunity to look beyond the provisions themselves and consider how they affect actual year-end giving decisions.

There have not been major new federal tax-law changes that alter the charitable giving framework introduced for 2026. What has become increasingly important, however, is understanding how the new rules interact with a donor’s income, investment portfolio and longer-term charitable plans.

For TPF Donor-Advised Fund holders in particular, here are several questions worth reviewing with your tax or financial advisor before December 31. 

1. How much will you actually give in 2026, and how does that compare with your AGI?
Beginning in 2026, taxpayers who itemize can deduct charitable contributions only to the extent their aggregate contributions exceed 0.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI). The IRS has incorporated this new floor into its 2026 tax guidance and estimated-tax calculations.

For example:

For a donor with $1 million of AGI who makes $50,000 of otherwise deductible charitable contributions, the first $5,000 would generally fall below the new floor.

One important feature of the new law is that the amount disallowed because of the 0.5% floor generally does not simply carry forward to a later year. The statute provides a carryforward for amounts lost to the floor only in certain years in which the donor has also exceeded an applicable annual charitable deduction limitation.

That distinction makes year-end planning more important than it may initially appear.

2. Would bunching several years of giving into your DAF make sense?
For donors who already expect to give consistently over several years, a Donor-Advised Fund can help separate the timing of the charitable contribution from the timing of the ultimate grants.

Instead of contributing, for example, $25,000 each year for four years, a donor might—with guidance from their tax advisor—contribute a larger amount to their TPF DAF in one year.

The donor receives any available charitable deduction when the contribution is made to the DAF, while continuing to recommend grants to nonprofit organizations over subsequent years.

This strategy can be especially relevant now because it may help donors:

• exceed the 0.5% AGI charitable deduction floor in fewer tax years;

• exceed the standard deduction in a year when they itemize; and

• maintain consistent annual grantmaking even when contributions to the DAF are intentionally concentrated in selected years.

The appropriate approach will depend on each donor’s income, deductions and charitable plans.

For donors anticipating an unusually high-income year, perhaps because of a business transaction, bonus, exercise of stock options, sale of securities or another liquidity event, 2026 may also be an appropriate time to discuss whether accelerating future charitable giving into a DAF fits within their broader financial plan.

This change is designed to create a more structured review process while allowing TPF to conduct more thorough assessments of organizational capacity, financial management, program readiness, and compliance requirements. 

Quarterly Application Schedule

Beginning in July 2026, new partnership applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis according to the application calendar below. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions approximately four weeks after each application deadline.

The next deadline to apply is July 31, 2026.

Application Resources

Please download the Partnership Application Form here and carefully review the eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and required supporting documentation before applying.

Once your application is complete, please submit the Partnership Application Form together with all required supporting documents by email to Seval Gülen Arıkan, TPF Programs Lead, at seval@tpfund.org.

Becoming a TPF Partner

Organizations must first become an approved TPF Partner before they are eligible to receive funding through TPF grant opportunities, donor-advised grants, or other philanthropic initiatives administered by TPF.

Approval as a TPF Partner indicates that an organization has successfully completed TPF’s organizational due diligence process. However, partnership approval does not constitute a funding commitment or guarantee that a grant will be awarded. Funding decisions continue to be made based on the specific grant opportunity, donor intent (where applicable), program priorities, and available funding.

Once approved, organizations become eligible to be considered for future funding opportunities without having to complete the full organizational due diligence process each time.

Annual Partner Information Update

To maintain active partner status, all approved TPF Partners are required to submit an Annual Organizational Update by July 31 of each year.

The annual update enables TPF to maintain current information regarding each organization’s governance, leadership, financial status, legal registration, and operational capacity, ensuring continued eligibility for future funding opportunities.

Organizations that do not complete the required annual update may have their partner status placed on inactive status until the required information is received and reviewed.

We appreciate your interest in partnering with Turkish Philanthropy Funds and look forward to learning more about your organization and exploring opportunities to create meaningful and lasting social impact together.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact Seval Gulen Arikan at seval@tpfund.org.

“Our Board of Directors is proud to welcome Başak Yavuz and Ayşe Yüksel Mahfoud to Turkish Philanthropy Funds,” said Mustafa Kemal Abadan, Chairman of TPF. “We are deeply grateful to have such accomplished leaders join us, bringing valuable experience, insight, and vision, along with a strong dedication to advancing the mission we are shaping together.”

Başak Yavuz is a Partner at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, where she serves as Co-Chief Investment Officer of Fundamental Equity and Head of Emerging Markets Equities. She also manages the firm’s Emerging Markets Equity Fund. Since joining Goldman Sachs in 2011, she has advanced through a series of leadership roles, becoming Managing Director in 2017 and Partner in 2022. Prior to Goldman Sachs, she worked at HSBC Asset Management in London.

“I am honored to join TPF and be part of this great organization. Over the years, TPF has built something distinctive – not just funding programs but a community of people deeply committed to lasting impact and to investing in the future that we all share.”

Ayşe Yüksel Mahfoud is a corporate lawyer and member of the Supervisory Board of Norton Rose Fulbright. She advises companies, funds, and financial institutions on complex cross-border transactions across M&A, private equity, capital markets, and strategic alliances. Based in New York and Istanbul, she leads the firm’s Istanbul office and has held several global leadership positions, including being a member of the Global Head of the Corporate, M&A and Securities Group.

“I’m delighted to join the Board of Directors of TPF, an organization with a deep commitment to strengthening connections between Türkiye and the global community, advancing philanthropy, and supporting sustainable social impact initiatives,” said Ayşe Yüksel Mahfoud.

“Our Board of Directors brings together leaders who help shape the vision and future of TPF,” said Senay Ataselim Yılmaz, Executive Director of TPF. “We are excited to welcome Başak and Ayşe to the Board. Their expertise, leadership, and global perspective will help us deepen connections, foster collaboration, and strengthen the philanthropic ecosystem that enables greater generosity, innovation, and collective impact.”

With the addition of these new members, Turkish Philanthropy Funds continues to deepen its commitment to drive positive change in Türkiye, the United States, and beyond, for a vibrant and ever more impactful philanthropic ecosystem.

Meet All TPF Board Members

This week marks the 250th anniversary of the United States—two and a half centuries shaped by the belief that freedom creates opportunity, and that opportunity carries responsibility.

It is a moment to celebrate the people who built America and the generations who continue to move its promise forward. Among them are Turkish-Americans who, across fields and disciplines, have contributed to the nation’s story through creativity, discovery, entrepreneurship, scholarship, and service.

For generations, they have helped strengthen communities, expand knowledge, create opportunities, and give back to the country they call home. Their contributions remind us that the American promise is fulfilled not through success alone, but through what we choose to do with it.

At Turkish Philanthropy Funds, we recognize that our own story is built upon their legacy. Long before TPF was established, generations of Turkish-Americans were already living the values that continue to guide our work today: generosity, civic engagement, community leadership, and a commitment to creating opportunities for others. TPF exists because of that tradition, and our mission is to carry it forward for future generations.

As we celebrate this historic milestone, we honor those who came before us, those who continue to shape our communities today, and those who will write the next chapter tomorrow.

Because our stories are woven together. And the story of America is still being written.

Happy 250th Anniversary, America.

To the years ahead, and to the stories we will continue to write together.

THE PIONEERS
Building Foundations (Late 1800s – Mid 20th Century)

Morris Schinasi – One of the earliest Turkish-born success stories in America, Morris Schinasi built a thriving business in New York and used his success to support hospitals, schools, and public institutions. He demonstrated that achievement and generosity could go hand in hand.

Selma Ekrem – A writer, educator, and cultural ambassador, Selma Ekrem helped introduce Americans to Turkish culture and identity. Through her work, she built bridges of understanding between two nation. 

Muzafer Sherif – A Pioneer in social psychology, Muzafer Sherif helped transform our understanding of human behavior, cooperation, and conflict. His work continues to shape how socities think about community and belonging. 

Elia Kazan – One of the most influential directors in American theater and film, Elia Kazan helped redefine storytelling for generations. His work expanded the cultural landscape of the United States and influenced countless artists. 

Halil Inalcik – A towering historian whose scholarship transformed the understanding of the Ottoman Empire and world history. Through education and research, he connected generations of scholars across continents.

Ahmet Ertegun  – As co-founder of Atlantic Records, Ahmet Ertegun helped shape the sound of modern America. Beyond music, he believed deeply in supporting culture, education, and future generations.

Dilhan Eryurt – A pioneering astrophysicist whose research at NASA advanced our understanding of the Sun and stellar evolution. She opened doors for women and international scientists in the space sciences.

Ilhan Mimaroglu  – An innovative caomposer and pioneer of electronic music, İlhan Mimaroğlu challenged artistic boundaries and helped expand the possibilities of American contemporary music.

THE BUILDERS
Strengthening Institutions (1050s – 1990s)

Aziz Sancar – A Nobel Prize-winning scientist whose discoveries transformed our understanding of DNA repair and cancer biology. His life reflects the power of education, perseverance, and scientific excellence.

Dr. Vamık Volkan – A psychiatrist and scholar who dedicated his career to understanding identity, trauma, and conflict resolution. His work has helped communities and nations navigate some of the world’s most difficult challenges.

Dr. T. Byram Karasu – A respected psychiatrist, educator, and academic leader whose contributions have shaped mental health education and patient care for generations.

Mina Bissell – One of the world’s leading cancer researchers, Mina Bissell changed how scientists understand the relationship between cells and their environment. Her work has influenced modern biomedical research worldwide.

Suna Kili – A scholar of democracy and political development whose work helped deepen understanding of constitutional governance, citizenship, and modernization.

Talat Halman (1931–2014) – Scholar, poet, translator, diplomat, and cultural leader, Talat Halman dedicated his life to building bridges between cultures. As Türkiye’s first Minister of Culture and later a distinguished professor in the United States, he introduced generations of Americans to Turkish literature, history, and the humanities. Through education, scholarship, and cultural exchange, he strengthened understanding between nations and demonstrated the power of ideas to connect people across borders.

Muhtar Kent – As Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, Muhtar Kent led one of America’s most recognized global brands. His leadership emphasized innovation, global engagement, and responsible corporate citizenship.

Banu Onaral – A pioneering biomedical engineer whose work bridged technology, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. She helped demonstrate how innovation can improve lives and strengthen communities.

Eren Özker – As one of the original performers on Sesame Street, Eren Özker helped educate and inspire millions of children through one of America’s most beloved public institutions.

Rahmi Soyuğenç – A dedicated community builder who invested his time and energy into strengthening Turkish-American civic life and fostering connections across generations.

Günseli Tamkoç – A business leader and advocate for entrepreneurship whose work has empowered individuals and strengthened ties between communities and institutions.

Nesrin Bingöl – An entrepreneur and philanthropist who has championed education, culture, and community engagement, demonstrating the importance of giving back.

Eren Özmen & Fatih Özmen –Together, they transformed Sierra Nevada Corporation into a leading aerospace and defense company. Their success has been matched by a deep commitment to education, innovation, and philanthropy.

Haldun Tashman – Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community visionary. His belief that success should create opportunity for others inspired leadership initiatives, educational programs, and philanthropic efforts that continue to impact future generations.

Mehmet Oz – A physician, educator, and communicator who helped bring conversations about health and wellness into millions of American homes, expanding public understanding of healthcare.

THE INNOVATORS
Shaping the Future (2000s- Present)

Hamdi Ulukaya – Founder of Chobani and one of the most influential voices in purpose-driven business. He demonstrated that companies can create both economic success and social impact.

Daron Acemoğlu – One of the world’s leading economists, whose work explores the relationship between institutions, democracy, prosperity, and human progress. His ideas have influenced global policy discussions.

İvet Bahar – A pioneering computational biologist whose research has advanced understanding of biological systems and opened new possibilities for medicine and biotechnology.

Feryal Özel – An internationally recognized astrophysicist who helped lead the effort to capture the first image of a black hole, expanding humanity’s understanding of the universe.

Zeynep Tufekci – A scholar and public intellectual whose work explores technology, democracy, social movements, and public life in the digital age.

Bilge Yıldız – A materials scientist whose research focuses on sustainable energy solutions and technologies that address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Pınar Toprak – An acclaimed composer whose work in film, television, and gaming has brought Turkish-American creativity to global audiences.

Eren Bali – Co-founder of Udemy, a platform that has expanded educational access to millions around the world. His work reflects the democratization of knowledge in the digital age.

Refik Anadol – A groundbreaking artist who uses artificial intelligence and data to explore memory, creativity, and human imagination. His work is redefining the relationship between art and technology.

Burçin Mutlu-Pakdil – An astrophysicist whose discoveries have challenged existing theories of galaxy formation while inspiring young people to pursue careers in science.

Canan Dağdeviren – An inventor and scientist whose wearable medical technologies have the potential to transform healthcare and improve quality of life for millions.

THE LEGACY
Across three generations, these individuals pursued different paths. Some built businesses. Some advanced science. Some shaped culture.Some educated minds. Some strengthened communities.

Yet they were united by a a belief: That opportunity comes with responsibility. That knowledge should be shared. That success should create opportunities for others.

Long before Turkish Philanthropy Funds was established, they embodied the values that continue to guide our community today. Their achievements helped shape America. Their generosity helped strengthen it. And their legacy continues to inspire the generations still to come.

• BinYaprak / TurkishWin – BinYaprak / TurkishWin, $27,537

Support the employability and career readiness of 50 young women through peer mentoring circles, expert sessions, networking support, and structured job search guidance. It will also develop a scalable and repeatable Job Search Sisterhood Circles model for future cohorts.

• Defne Kadın Girişimi Uretim ve Işletme Kooperatifi – Defne Women’s Cooperative, $55,355

Strengthen the long-term recovery, psychosocial well-being, and economic resilience of approximately 100 women in Hatay through a combined model of healing, sustainable production, disaster preparedness, and local solidarity, while supporting women-led agricultural production and cooperative-based livelihoods.

• Dünya İnsani Dayanışma Derneği (WHR) – World Human Relief, $115,370

Provide trauma-focused mental health and psychosocial support services for 166 direct beneficiaries in Hatay. It will also strengthen WHR’s institutional disaster preparedness and emergency response capacity through disaster planning, first response systems, and coordination mechanisms for future emergencies.

• Erişilebilir ve Sürdürülebilir ve Yaşam Derneği (ESYAD) – Accessible and Sustainable Living Association, $88,580

Strengthen disaster resilience and livelihood continuity for about 300 vulnerable micro-enterprises and independent producers in Hatay through business continuity planning, disaster preparedness, psychosocial support, and resilience training, while developing a replicable micro-enterprise resilience model for future preparedness.

• Gelecek Nesil Bilim Derneği – Next Generation Science Association, $89,920

Provide drone soccer and FPV drone piloting training to 734 earthquake-affected children and youth in Hatay, supporting technological skills, psychosocial well-being, social participation, and future employability through STEM-based sports and hands-on learning opportunities.

• Hatay Senfoni Orkestrası Kültür ve Sanat Derneği – Hatay Symphony Orchestra Culture and Art Association, $66,969

Support up to 40 adults and young people in Hatay through a 48-week polyphonic choir training and performance program. This initiative will contribute to cultural recovery, psychosocial well-being, social connection, and the rebuilding of local cultural life after the earthquake.

• Samandağ Spor Kulübü – Samandağ Sports Club, $101,690

Provide safe, inclusive, and regular sports activities to 1,500 earthquake-affected children and engage at least 1,000 caregivers in Samandag, while strengthening psychosocial well-being, girls’ participation, child participation, and disaster awareness through a scalable sports-based recovery and preparedness model.

• Talebeyiz Biz Derneği – Talebeyiz Biz Association, $51,183

Support at least 50 young people and artists in Hatay through youth-led arts, cultural production, workshops, exhibitions, performances, and AI-based creative activities. This effort will strengthen psychosocial well-being, participation, collective resilience, and local cultural recovery in the post-earthquake context.

• Toplum Gönüllüleri Vakfı (TOG) – Community Volunteers Foundation, $108,882

Support+1,600 young people in Hatay by operating and expanding the Hatay Campus. This youth-centered community hub provides psychosocial support, education, arts and culture activities, volunteerism, climate awareness, and civic engagement opportunities within a long-term recovery and resilience framework.

• Türkiye Spastik Çocuklar Vakfı – Cerebral Palsy Turkiye, $139,800

Provide comprehensive rehabilitation, physiotherapy, special education, psychosocial support, and mobility services to 100 children with disabilities and amputee individuals in Hatay through its permanent disability support center and mobile outreach services.

With this announcement, the TPF Earthquake Fund has now supported 96 partner organizations through 187 projects. Together, these organizations have reached millions of people while addressing evolving needs in education, youth development, economic opportunity, psychosocial support, and community resilience.

Explore TPF Turkiye Earthquake Fund

Committed to raising awareness and strengthening community support for autism, we are once again proud to partner with MTS Logistics. Celebrating its 16th year, MTS Logistics is organizing an annual bike ride on June 13th. We will be riding together in solidarity, united by a shared commitment to inclusion and change.

In addition to raising awareness about autism, MTS Logistics—together with Spectrum Works—has helped create 25,000 job opportunities for young adults with autism, alongside workplace training and career preparation programs that open pathways to independence, dignity, and long-term employment.

You can be part of this impact by joining us on the ride or making a contribution to support this meaningful mission.

Learn More

Nida Aktaş Doğu who will start her MA in Public Administration in International Development at Harvard University notes: 

“To me, being selected as a Changemaker Scholarship recipient is both an honor and a responsibility. It is a reminder that talent and potential exist everywhere, even in places where opportunities are limited. As someone who grew up far from the institutions and networks that usually shape global policy leaders, this scholarship makes me feel seen, supported, and empowered to give back at a much larger scale.” 

Alisait Yılkın will begin his postdoctoral fellowship in The Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies (CES) Visiting Scholars Program at Harvard University shares:

“Looking back on my years and experiences, I consider the TPF scholarship to be the third major “lucky moment” in my life. Thanks to the financial and moral support provided by TPF, I will have the opportunity to participate in the Center for European Studies program at Harvard University. This program offers an international academic environment specifically designed for researchers from outside the United States. I believe this experience will not only deepen and enrich my ongoing research, but also broaden my academic perspective through engagement with scholars from diverse backgrounds.” 

Kaan Aydın will continue his BS dual major in Chemistry and Chemical Biology, sharing:

“This scholarship goes beyond financial relief; it serves as tangible evidence that my efforts, no matter how big or small, can lead to meaningful change, which further motivates me to continue working toward becoming a physician dedicated to a life of service.” 

Deniz Boz will continue his Doctor of Medicine (MD) studies remarks:

“This opportunity has definitely been a gamechanger in my future planning. It has removed a significant financial burden for this year, allowing me to focus on my current work and projects much better, and exploring previous opportunities with dual degrees and long residency programs. I hope I can live up to it by representing the field I love and the community that I am a part of in the best way, throughout my future career.” 

As a second-year Changemaker Scholarship recipient, Uraz Eren will continue his studies at Arizona State University, pursuing a BS in Economics shares: “

This support has helped me focus on my education without constantly worrying about financial concerns, grow as a leader, and become more involved in my community at Arizona State University. As an economics student, I hope to continue learning, creating opportunities for others, and making a positive impact wherever my career takes me.” 

Eren Ersoy will begin his studies in the United States at the University of Pennsylvania, pursuing a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics (MEAM) and Earth and Environmental Science  notes:

“Receiving the Changemaker Scholarship is both an honor and a reminder of the impact I hope to make through engineering. It will support my goals by giving me greater freedom to pursue meaningful projects, research, and opportunities for growth.”

Begüm İça will continue her studies at UCLA pursuing a B.S. in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics shares:

“As someone who aspires to become a physician-scientist, this scholarship will allow me to focus more deeply on my education, research, and personal growth. More importantly, being part of a community of Changemakers inspires me to dream bigger and continue working toward improving human health through science.” 

Naz Kaya will begin her studies at Brown University, pursuing a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering reflects:

“It is an exceptional honor to be selected as a Changemaker Scholarship recipient, and I see it as both a recognition of the work and dedication that have brought me to this point and a door opening toward the impact I hope to create in the future. This scholarship brings me one step closer to becoming a biomedical engineer who approaches global healthcare challenges with empathy and develops solutions that can create change for communities around the world.”

İlayda McIntosh will continue her studies at New York University, pursuing an MFA in Dramatic Writing notes:

“This award will allow me to strive forward in my career with even more ambition, lessened financial stressors, and the powerful reassurance that my community believes in my art. It truly takes a village. The path of an artist is rarely a smooth one, and this support meaningfully eases my journey.”

Bensu Mercan, a second-time recipient of the Changemaker Scholarship, will continue her studies at Boston College, pursuing an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling reflects: 

“This scholarship has actually made my studies possible and allowed me to continue pursuing my dream of becoming a mental health counselor without the constant stress of financial challenges. To me, mental health work is also a form of advocacy because helping someone feel seen, heard, and less alone can change a life in ways we may never fully realize. While therapists may not solely change the entire world, they can impact individual lives, and those lives can go on to create meaningful change in their communities.”

Esila Özdemir will continue her studies at Drexel University, pursuing a B.S. in Electrical Engineering notes: 

“Being selected as a Changemaker Scholarship recipient is an honor and a source of motivation because it recognizes not only my academic journey, but also my commitment to using engineering and technology with purpose. This scholarship will support my growth as an electrical engineer aiming to connect technical innovation with social impact and build solutions that respond to meaningful challenges.”

Dilara Özdoğanlar will continue her studies at The Ohio State University, pursuing a Doctor of Medicine highlights:

“I am deeply honored to have been selected as a Changemaker Scholarship recipient. I am grateful for the acknowledgement of my commitment to serving my communities and advocating for health equity. This recognition demonstrates a shared belief in the power of effective leadership and civic engagement to create lasting, positive change.”

Onur Öztürk will continue his studies at the University of South Carolina, pursuing a Master of Music in Classical Guitar Performance remarks:

“Being awarded the Changemaker Scholarship is a great encouragement and an honor for me. As a Turkish classical guitarist studying in the United States, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to continue representing my artistic work, my country, and its educational and cultural values in the best possible way. This scholarship gives me the space to grow with greater focus and purpose, deepen my studies, continue my teaching and performances, and develop future projects that reflect my identity as an artist and educator.”

Melis Şahin will continue her studies at Case Western Reserve University, pursuing a combined B.S./M.S. in Biomedical Engineering says:

“Being selected as a TPF Changemaker Scholar is incredibly meaningful to me because it is representative of the mission that has shaped my work as an engineer. Throughout my academic journey, I have been driven by a passion for developing accessible and sustainable healthcare technologies for underserved communities, particularly in women’s health and global health settings.”

Simge Şahiner will continue her studies at University at Albany, SUNY, pursuing a B.S. in Mathematics highlights:

“I grew up always chasing the next big step, never the type to stay in my comfort zone. But this scholarship means there are people out there who believe in me, in the work I do, and in my potential to make a meaningful difference, and that gives me even more motivation to chase my next big milestone.I am so happy that the TPF family is now a part of my journey, and I cannot wait to make the people who believed in me proud.”

Thank you for being part of this mission and for continuing to invest in the power of education.

donate to changemaker scholarship fund

TPF Scholars of Distinction Award: The TPF Distinction Award is awarded solely at the discretion of the selection committee to recognize individuals demonstrating extraordinary merit, achievement, and potential. Reserved for candidates of the highest caliber, this distinction is awarded only when such excellence is identified and, as such, may not be granted each year.

Banu Onaral Scholarship: TPF is honored to dedicate a scholarship from the TPF Changemakers Scholarship Fund to Banu Onaral, a visionary leader in biomedical engineering whose groundbreaking contributions have shaped the field and inspired generations of scientists and engineers.

Turkish Medical Doctors Scholarship: Changemaker Scholarship in Honor of the Turkish Medical Doctors is established under the TPF Changemaker Scholarship Fund to honor the pioneering legacy of Turkish doctors who came to the United States from Türkiye in the 1960s. Learn more about the legacy of these physicians. 

Learn More About Changemaker scholarship