Both are economics students at Koç University and will take the next step this fall, continuing their studies at leading institutions in the United States with the support of the Sena Eken- Schieber Economics Award.

Economics remains a field where women are significantly underrepresented. In the United States, women account for roughly 36% of economists, lower than in any other social science. This gap is reflected at the highest levels of the profession: since 1914, only 8 of the 140 presidents of the Federal Reserve have been women, and among Nobel Prizes in Economic Sciences, only two have been awarded to women.

The Sena Eken-Schieber Economics Award, established by Dr. George Schieber in memory of his wife, Sena Eken-Schieber, honors the values she exemplified: compassion, perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and the courage to lead in this traditionally male-dominated field. This award creates opportunities for these young women to pursue advanced studies in economics and realize their full potential. With Öykü and İlbilge joining this distinguished group of alumni, the program has now supported 21 female economists in pursuing their studies in the United States, helping to ease the financial burden of tuition and living expenses, and enabling access to leading academic and research environments.

Öykü Bulut will begin her master’s at Yale University, joining an incoming class of only 35 students. A double major in Economics and Mathematics at Koç University, Öykü hopes to inspire other young women aspiring to become economists, just as Sena Eken Schieber did for her. “Receiving the Sena Eken-Schieber Economics Award is both a great honor and a powerful reminder that we should not hesitate to always dream big. The recognition of my efforts and the trust placed in my goals have motivated me more than ever to pursue my ideals,” says Öykü with gratitude. Looking ahead, Öykü aspires to work with leading experts in the field and apply what she learns toward preserving the values in Türkiye that she hopes will not be lost.

İlbilge Acır, also an Economics major at Koç University, will continue her journey at the University of Chicago. For  İlbilge, being a Sena Eken-Schieber Economics Award recipient is an honor. “As an aspiring economist who wants to serve my country and its youth in the best way possible, receiving this scholarship in the name of Sena Eken—who held senior positions at the IMF and served as an advisor to the Central Bank of Türkiye—is a great source of pride for me,”  İlbilge shares. She is determined to make a difference as an economist, shaping our world.

Dr. George Schieber also shared a message for this year’s recipients: “Congratulations to our scholarship recipients. Your motivation and courage to continue pursuing your education in the United States during these unpredictable times bode well for your future contributions to our rapidly changing global environment. Your in-depth national and international exposure will serve you well both culturally and intellectually. I am sure your future efforts will help create a more compassionate, equitable, and prosperous place for all of the world’s citizens.“

The selection committee welcomed the new scholars with delight and pride. “You have earned a significant platform and a rare opportunity to effect meaningful change on a grand scale. As you embark on this next chapter, we look forward to seeing how your work challenges the status quo and contributes to the architecture of a more robust, thoughtful, and inclusive global community,” shared Esra Krause, niece of Sena Eken Schieber. 

Dr. Seyhan Erden added, “It is a joy to see the Sena Eken-Schieber Economics Award continue to recognize outstanding young economists. Öykü and  İlbilge embody the curiosity, rigor, and promise that this award stands for, and I wish them every success in their journeys ahead.” 

TPF’s Executive Director, Şenay Ataselim Yılmaz, PhD reflected, “This award goes beyond academic achievement. It speaks to potential. Öykü and  İlbilge represent a generation of economists who are not only technically strong but also deeply engaged with the systems they seek to understand and improve. We’re excited to see where that path takes them.”

What lies ahead for Öykü and İlbilge is not just the next step, but a continuation of the questions they’ve already begun to explore, and the impact those questions may shape.

Learn More About Sena Eken-Schieber Economics Award

All three are Economics majors with GPAs above 3.7 from top universities in Türkiye, united by a shared dream: to make their mark in a discipline that remains male-dominated around the world. Their road to success was clear: to equip themselves by studying at the most prestigious universities in the United States, where they could learn from professors with exceptional knowledge and expertise and take full advantage of the valuable resources these institutions offer. Their success is a powerful testament to what becomes possible when talent meets opportunity. But despite putting everything they had into realizing their dreams, the cost of living and high tuition fees stood as yet another barrier on their path to higher education. That’s when a scholarship fund, established to honor the legacy of a brilliant, courageous, and determined economist, chose to believe in Sıla, Ece, and Nagehan—just like it has believed in many young women before them: the Sena Eken-Schieber Economics Award.

Established in memory of Sena Eken-Schieber by her husband, Dr. George Schieber, the award honors the values she embodied: kindness, hard work, passion, and bravery to lead in a traditionally male-dominated field. Sena represented a vision of what women can achieve when given the opportunity—and Dr. Schieber chose to carry that vision forward by opening doors for female students pursuing higher education in economics.

Since its founding in 2015, the Sena Eken-Schieber Economics Award has supported 19 outstanding female students throughout their graduate studies, enabling them to focus on their education without the burden of financial barriers.

“These young women reflect our hope for future sustainable global development, equity, prosperity, and knowledge sharing in our increasingly fragmented, reactionary, and dysfunctional world. I have little doubt that their motivations, social and personal aspirations, and formidable intelligence will fuel their future personal and intellectual growth, and assist them in making much-needed societal contributions globally, as well as in both Turkiye and the United States. In fact, a recent IMF study found that ‘education accounts for fully half of total economic growth and two-thirds of real income gains among the world’s poorest 20 percent since 1980,’ and, surprisingly, that ‘a year of postsecondary education will increase a person’s earnings by more than 13 percent over those of a person with secondary education alone.’ I wish them the best of luck on this challenging journey they have only just begun,” says Dr. George Schieber, Sena’s husband and a retired World Bank economist.

Sıla, an Economics major from Boğaziçi University, will begin her master’s in International and Development Economics at Yale University, where the acceptance rate is just 9%. Grateful for this opportunity, she shares: “This recognition is deeply meaningful to me not only as a student, but also as someone committed to making economics a more inclusive and impactful field. Economics has traditionally been a male-dominated discipline, but that is gradually changing as more women contribute to research and policymaking. The underrepresentation of women in this field makes me even more determined to be part of that change and to encourage others to see that they, too, belong in economics. Receiving the Sena Eken-Schieber Economics Award brings me one step closer to my goal of using economics as a tool to create a more fair, inclusive, and resilient society. Beyond easing the financial challenges of graduate study, this scholarship strengthens my belief that inclusive, equitable change is possible, and that I can be part of it. It encourages me to dream bigger, work harder, and push the boundaries of what I hope to achieve as an economist—building systems that open doors for many more people, not just a few.”

Ece, a double major in Sociology and Economics at Boğaziçi University, will continue her studies at Duke University, excited to deepen her research on policymaking. “Receiving the Sena Eken-Schieber Economics Award is a great honor for me and a meaningful encouragement at an important point in my journey. Coming from Turkey and preparing to continue my academic studies at Duke University, it feels special to be recognized by a community that values education, perseverance, and contribution to society. Knowing that my efforts are seen and supported motivates me to work even harder toward my goals. I am truly grateful to Dr. George Schieber, the selection committee, and the Turkish Philanthropy Funds for their trust and support,” says Ece Hasgül.

Nagehan, another Economics major from Boğaziçi University, will continue her journey at Columbia University, hoping to set an example for young women in Türkiye and beyond—that they, too, can break barriers and overcome limitations. “Being selected for the Sena Eken-Schieber Economics Award is both an incredible honor and a turning point in my academic journey. This scholarship is not only an investment in my education, but also a meaningful recognition of my goals and commitment to using economics as a tool for change. As I begin my master’s at Columbia University, I’m filled with gratitude and determination. This support strengthens my resolve to work toward a future where economic and social policies truly serve those who have long been left behind. I’m incredibly thankful to Dr. George Schieber, Turkish Philanthropy Funds, and the entire selection committee for believing in my vision,” shares Nagehan Sude Varol.

Senay Ataselim Yilmaz, Executive Director, Turkish Philanthropy Funds notes “At Turkish Philanthropy Funds, we believe that investing in the education of women is one of the most transformative acts we can undertake—for individuals, for communities, and for the world. Sıla, Ece, and Nagehan represent more than academic excellence; they embody the courage to challenge systems, the vision to shape policy, and the drive to lead with purpose. The Sena Eken-Schieber Economics Award does more than ease financial barriers—it affirms the belief that these young women belong in every room where decisions are made. Their journeys remind us that when we invest in women, we invest in a more inclusive and hopeful future for all.”

Dr. Seyhan Erden, a Sena Eken-Schieber Scholarship selection committee member, welcomed the 2025 award recipients. “It is an honor to celebrate the extraordinary talent and ambition of women from Türkiye pursuing graduate studies in economics. The Sena Eken-Schieber Economics Award recognizes not just academic excellence, but the courage to lead, question, and inspire. The passion and brilliance of these women constantly inspire me. Their determination to advance knowledge and drive positive change through economics gives me great hope for the future. We are proud to support these future economists who will shape more inclusive, innovative, and equitable societies,” shared Dr. Erden.

From a large and highly competitive pool of applicants, we are thrilled to support the journeys of Sıla, Ece, and Nagehan. While their stories are just beginning, they serve as powerful reminders that when women are empowered through education, they not only transform their own lives but also help shape a brighter world for all. As they step into this next chapter, we’re excited to see what they’ll accomplish next.

About The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award and Sena Eken Schieber
The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award is supported by the Eken Schieber Scholarship Fund at Turkish Philanthropy Funds. The fund was established by Sena’s husband, George Schieber, to celebrate Sena Eken Schieber’s life and continue her legacy as a pioneering international civil servant, Turkish Government official, economist, and role model for many women. Sena was not only a highly competent, hard-working, and successful professional but also a wonderful wife, a caring and dedicated sister, aunt, family member, friend, and mentor. She was known as an inspirational leader who lived life to the fullest. The scholarship supports young women from Turkey from low-income families to pursue graduate degrees in economics in the United States. The Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship program was established in 2015 and, to date, has funded some ten very deserving young Turkish women for master’s degrees and Ph.Ds in accredited U.S. graduate economics programs, including the University of Chicago, Columbia, and Duke University.

About Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF)
Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) is the leading U.S. community foundation for high-impact social investments dedicated to Turkish and Turkish-American communities. Since 2007, TPF has mobilized over $70M and has invested over $38M in grants with partners focused on addressing economic, social, and environmental needs in Turkey and around the world. By providing support to realize the philanthropic vision of individuals, families, and corporations, TPF donors and partners have reached thousands of families and directly funded over 350 projects.

The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Awards was established in 2015 by George Schieber to honor his late wife, Sena Eken Schieber, an inspiring economist who made a mark in the field of Economics. Created uniquely for female students specialized in Economics, the award supports their graduate studies journey in the States, in high ranking universities. “I’d like to express my sincere congratulations to this year’s TPF Scholarship recipients – Ayse Nur Battal, Kardelen Cicek and Dilsu Tanal. In this era of intolerance, it is a privilege to take part in an effort that enhances the capacities of dedicated individuals who will make the future world a better place for us all. I have no doubt that this year’s recipients will make significant contributions to human development, global cohesion, and further humanitarian partnership between the U.S. and Turkiye at both collective and individual levels.” says Dr. George Schieber, Sena’s husband, a retired World Bank Economist. 

Just as George visioned, 19 young women are following Sena’s footsteps as future economists, studying towards being the best in their fields since the awards establishment. While awardees continue their careers in Economics since graduation, each and every one of them are motivated to make their marks in their fields. Senay Ataselim Yilmaz, the Executive Director of TPF welcomes the new awardees with excitement, and stated “We’re honored to be a part of this scholarship fund and work with George Scheieber to provide equal opportunities in education for young women from Turkiye. We’ve met and continue to meet incredibly smart women who we believe have incredible abilities to not only shape a brighter future for themselves but also make significant impact for the world.”

Dilsu, Economics major from Bogazici University, will continue her graduate studies at Columbia University next year. As she is excited to start her new adventure in NYC, she looks forward to excelling in her studies and working hard to make the most out of this opportunity. Humbled by this chance, ”Receiving the Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship is a profound honor and a transformative opportunity for me. Growing up in Turkey, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by women striving to excel in the field of economics. This scholarship represents more than just financial assistance; it symbolizes a commitment to breaking barriers and fostering diversity in academia. As I embark on my journey to pursue a Master’s degree in Economics at Columbia University, I am filled with gratitude for this extraordinary opportunity. I am extremely excited to study at such a prestigious institution and to honor Sena Eken Schieber’s remarkable legacy. I am deeply indebted to George Schieber, TPF, and the entire scholarship committee for believing in my potential and investing in my future. With their support, I am determined to make a lasting impact, not only in my own life but also in the lives of others, as I strive to create a more inclusive and equitable world through the power of economics.” notes Dilsu. 

Ayse has been reselected to complete her MS program in Applied Economics at George Washington University. As she is nearing her graduation, she is utterly grateful for this scholarship opportunity that enabled her to pursue her studies abroad in one of the best schools in the states.  “This award will always be a milestone in my career for allowing me to step into a field that I am passionate about. I am more than honored to be a part of this meaningful award, and I hope other female students can benefit from it to form their careers in economics in the US. As I am halfway through getting my degree, I am looking forward to having more research experience, especially in monetary and financial economics, as well as working alongside economists and learn from them.”

Kardelen, a Ph.D. candidate at American University follows Sena’s footsteps with a doctorate degree and notes her gratitude for the opportunity: “I am deeply grateful to the Turkish Philanthropy Funds and George Schieber for their invaluable support during my PhD studies in economics. The Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship has enabled me to pursue my academic endeavors in the USA. This unique scholarship supports Turkish female students aspiring to attend graduate school programs in the USA. Sena Eken Schieber, a highly educated and successful economist, she is a great role model for young Turkish females. I would like to reiterate my profound gratitude to George Schieber and the Turkish Philanthropy Funds for their generosity and support.” 

Esra Krause, Sena’s niece and selection committee member, welcomed this year’s recipients, Dilsu, Ayşe Nur, and Kardelen, to the Sena Eken Scholarship with pleasure. “I would like to congratulate this year’s exceptional group of women who have exhibited outstanding dedication to their studies and passion for economics. Their perseverance and commitment, which lead them to prestigious universities, fills me with optimism for the future, particularly amidst the backdrop of prevailing global conflicts.” notes Esra. 

Dr. Seyhan Erden, Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship selection committee member, noted her pleasure meeting the 2023 award recipients. “I am proud to serve in the selection committee of the Sean Eken Schieber Award and proud of these brilliant young women who received the award.” notes Seyhan. 

The Sena Eken Schieber Awards continues to spread equal opportunities in education for young women from Turkiye, just as George Schieber dreamed of. We look forward to seeing the accomplishments of awardees and congratulate them for all their hard work, and setting an example for future generations. 

About The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award and Sena Eken Schieber
The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award is supported by the Eken Schieber Scholarship Fund at Turkish Philanthropy Funds. The fund was established by Sena’s husband, George Schieber, to celebrate Sena Eken Schieber’s life and continue her legacy as a pioneering international civil servant, Turkish Government official, economist, and role model for many women. Sena was not only a highly competent, hard-working, and successful professional but also a wonderful wife, a caring and dedicated sister, aunt, family member, friend, and mentor. She was known as an inspirational leader who lived life to the fullest. The scholarship supports young women from Turkey from low-income families to pursue graduate degrees in economics in the United States. The Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship program was established in 2015 and, to date, has funded some ten very deserving young Turkish women for master’s degrees and Ph.Ds in accredited U.S. graduate economics programs, including the University of Chicago, Columbia, and Duke University.

About Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF)
Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) is the leading U.S. community foundation for high-impact social investments dedicated to Turkish and Turkish-American communities. Since 2007, TPF has mobilized over $70M and has invested over $38M in grants with partners focused on addressing economic, social, and environmental needs in Turkey and around the world. By providing support to realize the philanthropic vision of individuals, families, and corporations, TPF donors and partners have reached thousands of families and directly funded over 350 projects.

For more updates about the application process for the 2025-26 Award cycle or other philanthropic accounts at TPF, please visit, here.