Chobani, Google, Amazon, Microsoft executives join social impact experts and investors.

Discussions on AI for social good; innovation in disaster resilience; corporations and social impact

(New York, April 2nd, 2024) – Turkish Philanthropy Funds, the leading U.S. community foundation for high-impact social investments dedicated to Turkish and Turkish-American communities, today announced it will convene the 2024 Innovation and Social Impact Summit on Tuesday, April 23rd at the Times Center in New York City. 

The Summit will gather a diverse group of proven entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to discuss leading practices in market-based solutions that drive societal impact. 

Panels will delve into a range of current topics impacting investor sentiment and entrepreneurship potential including AI’s impact on driving social good; disaster resilience through innovation; and the role of corporations in social impact.

Panelists will share personal and professional experiences drawing from their expertise working in Türkiye, the U.S. and around the world.

The summit takes place on April 23rd which is also Children’s Day in Türkiye, a celebration of the future and a promise to leave the world better off for future generations.

Speakers include:

Ahmet Bozer, Former President, Coca-Cola International, Advisory Board Member

Swire Coca-Cola

Ayşe Hortaçsu, Director of Projects, Applied Technology Council

Ayşegül İldeniz, Board Member, Dogan Holding, Pegasus Airlines, Vestel, Zorlu Energy, Former Global Vice President, Intel 

Can Cömertoğlu, Head of Product, Google Maps Crisis Response, Google

Cenk Sidar, Co-Founder & CEO, Enquire AI

Emine Sabancı Kamışlı, Chairwoman, Esas Sosyal, Vice Chairperson, Esas Holding

Hamdi Ulukaya, Chairman & CEO, Chobani

Jeff Schlegelmilch, Research Scholar Director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness, Columbia Climate School, Columbia University

Murat Sönmez, Founder & CEO, Trustd.ai

Tammy Glazer, Sr. Applied Data Scientist, Microsoft AI for Good Lab

Timur Cüceloğlu Yarnall, Co Founder & Board Chair, Neutronian, AI/ML Startup BD Head, Amazon Web Services

Sinan Uzan, Founder & President, Tekfen Ventures

Ümran Beba, Former Chief Global Diversity and Engagement Officer, PepsiCo

Partner, August Leadership

Zeynep Tüfekçi, Professor of Sociology and Public Affairs, Princeton University, Columnist, New York Times

“Turkish Philanthropy Funds is a leader in connecting the community of philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and social impact leaders. We want to leverage this event, taking place on April 23rd – also Children’s Day in Türkiye – to be a reminder of our profound responsibility and our greatest inspiration: our commitment to the children and to the lasting impact our innovations can create for them,” said Mustafa Kemal Abadan, Co-Chair  of Turkish Philanthropy Funds. “The 2024 Innovation and Social Impact Summit will provide our guests with exceptional networking, insight, and a closer look at investment opportunities.”

“This summit embodies TPF’s efforts to pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable future. It’s a gathering that not only reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation but also actively fosters the environment for it to flourish, marking another milestone in TPF’s journey towards empowering our communities,” added Mehmet Lutfi Kirdar, Co-Chair of Turkish Philanthropy Funds, emphasizing the importance of collaborative innovation.

“The spirit of entrepreneurship runs deep at TPF, guiding us to seek innovative solutions to societal challenges. The 2024 Innovation and Social Impact Summit perfectly captures this belief, offering a platform where the entrepreneurial spirit and social impact intersect to inspire meaningful change,” added Senay Ataselim-Yilmaz, Executive Director of Turkish Philanthropy Funds, emphasizing the summit’s alignment with TPF’s core values.

For more information and to register visit: Innovation and Social Impact Summit 2024: Innovation for the Future | April 23, 2024

About Turkish Philanthropy Funds:

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 $81M 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.

Turkish Philanthropy Funds is a tax-exempt organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and your gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent provided by law. Tax ID 20-8392006.

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Turkish Philanthropy Fund Contact:

Amber Deniz Kale

Communications Lead 

denizk@tpfund.org      

New York, NY (May 18, 2023) – Turkish Philanthropy Funds is proud to announce the 2023 Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award recipients Ayşe Nur Battal, Elif Şen, Kardelen Çiçek, and Sıla Öztürk.

The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award was established in 2015 by George Schieber in honor of his late wife, Sena Eken Schieber, a trailblazer economist and a role model for many women. The award continues to be the only award earmarked for young women from Turkey to obtain graduate degrees in Economics in the United States. “I would like to express my congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients. They represent an impressive group of exceptional individuals. Beyond proven academic and intellectual potential, they all have strong track records in humanitarian causes and civil society achievements. I have no doubt they will all make important academic and humanitarian contributions in our increasingly fragmented and uncertain world,” says Dr. George Schieber, Sena’s husband, and former World Bank Economist. 

Sena Eken Schieber’s legacy lives on through the hard work and dedication of the impressive women who have chosen to follow her in her footsteps as aspiring economists. “Heartfelt congratulations to Ayşe Nur, Elif, Kardelen, and Sıla! Your hard work, dedication, and pursuit of excellence have led you to this remarkable achievement. As you carry forward Sena Eken Schieber’s vision, may this scholarship serve as a catalyst for further achievements in your lives. Keep shining and inspiring those around you!” says Dr. Senay Ataselim-Yilmaz, TPF’s Executive Director.

Ayşe Nur, who will begin her MS program in Applied Economics at George Washington University this fall, is excited to follow in the footsteps of Sena Eken Schieber. She noted, “This scholarship is a tremendous opportunity for female students from Turkey to build their careers in economics, especially in a world where the gender gap is an issue in the field, and become promising and inspiring members of society. I am greatly honored to be an awardee, and I wish to honor the name and reputation of Sena Eken Schieber by following in her footsteps and becoming a successful economist.”

Elif, who will begin her master’s at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Columbia University for the degree of Master of Arts in Economics this fall, states, “Receiving the support of the Turkish Philanthropy Funds and the Sena Eken Schieber Award is not only a dream come true for me, but a testament to their unwavering commitment to empowering women. As I prepare to embark on this life-changing journey, I am humbled to be a recipient of such a meaningful award.”

Kardelen, who has been reelected, will continue her Ph.D. program at American University. Kardelen expresses immense gratitude to TPF and the Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship and notes, “I am deeply thankful for the Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship and to TPF for their invaluable support during my doctoral pursuit in Economics. I am able to fulfill my biggest dream, and for that, I shall remain eternally grateful. Thanks to the Sena Eken Scholarship, women from Turkey, despite the inherent gender disparities in the field of Economics, have the opportunity to study in world-class institutions and assume influential positions in society. I draw endless inspiration from the remarkable legacy of Sena Eken Schieber, whose trailblazing accomplishments fuel my motivation and bolster my determination to succeed in my academic and professional endeavors. Once again, I want to thank the Sena Eken Schieber Award and George Schieber for their support.”

Sıla, who has been reelected, continues her studies at Cornell University and is humbled to be reselected states, “Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award provided me with the lifetime opportunity of attending an Ivy League school and having access to an academic and social environment beyond my dreams. I am forever indebted to TPF and Sena Eken Schieber’s legacy, and I hope to become an accomplished professional and give continuous support to the young and bright women of Anatolia, just as I have received along my journey.”

Esra Krause, Sena’s niece and selection committee member, welcomed this year’s recipients, Ayşe Nur, Elif, Kardelen, and Sıla, to the Sena Eken Scholarship with pleasure. “Congratulations to the 2023 scholarship awardees! We have, yet again, a group of strong, smart, and determined young women. Wishing you all the best in your new adventures,” notes Esra. 

Dr. Seyhan Erden, Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship selection committee member, noted her pleasure meeting the 2023 award recipients. “I have enjoyed meeting these hard-working and confident young women throughout the selection process. I wish them all good luck in their future studies. I am pleased to take place in the decision process for this valuable and helpful award.” 

The Sena Eken Schieber Award continues to provide life-changing opportunities to aspiring young female economists from Turkey, and we look forward to sharing updates on their success with our community. 

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 2023-24 Award cycle or other philanthropic accounts at TPF, please visit, here.

Hamdi Ulukaya to Support Earthquake Relief Efforts in Turkiye (Turkey)
Ozmen Family and Ulukaya donate a total of $4M in combined support

SPARKS, Nev. (Feb. 15, 2023) – Turkish-born entrepreneurs Eren and Fatih Ozmen, owners of Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), and Hamdi Ulukaya, CEO and founder of Chobani, are spearheading fundraising efforts to aid immediate and long-term relief efforts following the devastating earthquakes that shook Turkiye and the surrounding region on February 6^th.

The Ozmen family and Hamdi Ulukaya each made a $1M donation to the Turkiye Earthquake Relief Fund via Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF). Both have also pledged to match an additional $1M each for total combined support of up to $4M.

More than 36,000 have been killed and tens of thousands are injured after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake and hundreds of aftershocks shook southeastern Turkiye and the surrounding area. The earthquake impacted 10 cities across the region and is the strongest in Turkiye in more the 80 years.

“Our hearts ache deeply for Turkiye and everyone impacted,” said Eren Ozmen, chairwoman and owner of SNC. “There is a significant and immediate need to support ongoing rescue efforts and to help survivors with basic essentials like food, clean water, medicine and shelter. I know Turkiye will rebuild stronger, but the road to recovery will be a long one. Please join Fatih and me to show the true collective power of community and humanity. Every little bit helps a country and region that is so much in need.” 

Turkish Philanthropy Funds is working closely with partners on the ground, analyzing the need to provide immediate relief to survivors, and developing a comprehensive system for the long-term rebuilding efforts. Since establishing the fund, TPF raised more than $7.6M and has already distributed more than $1M to aid emergent relief efforts in the hardest hit areas.

“These are the times the business community must join governments and nonprofits to help people in need. And I am so proud to see how the US business community and Turkish Americans stepped up in the relief efforts after the devastating earthquakes hit Turkiye and the region. The recovery will be a long journey. So, continuous support is extremely important to rebuild lives who are desperately in need for the people in Turkiye,” said Hamdi Ulukaya, Chobani Founder and CEO.

TPF will monitor the impact on affected communities and work with vetted partners and organizations to allocate funds where they’re needed most. Initially, the fund helps first responders meet survivors’ immediate needs for food, fuel, clean water, medicine, and shelter. As needs emerge, TPF will support longer-term recovery efforts run by local, vetted partner organizations in the impacted area(s).

“We are profoundly grateful for the support we have received both from the Ozmen family and Hamdi Ulukaya,” said Executive Director of Turkish Philanthropy Funds Senay Ataselim Yilmaz. “Their leadership has inspired and strengthened our sense of community during this difficult time. We thank them again for their noble commitment to rebuilding our cities back up.”

Eren and Fatih Ozmen have a long-standing history of paying it forward. Through the Ozmen Family Office, the Ozmens support a variety of causes including STEM initiatives, medical research and educational scholarships. They also established the Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship and the Ozmen Institute for Global Studies at their alma mater, the University of Nevada, Reno.

Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) is a leading community foundation in the US that is dedicated to Turkish and Turkish-American communities. Since its establishment in 2007, TPF has been leveraging its unique position and relationships to create partnerships that address a wide range of social and environmental needs, both in Turkey and around the world. TPF’s focus on promoting effective philanthropy and its high ratings from leading charity evaluators, such as Charity Navigator and GuideStar, demonstrate its commitment to transparency, accountability, and impact. By working with individuals, families, and corporations, TPF is able to help create a culture of giving that has a positive impact on communities and causes globally.

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Media Contacts:

Turkish Philanthropy Funds

Selin Kapan-Green | selink@tpfund.org  | 646-530-8988

Sierra Nevada Corporation

Ayse Caglar | ayse.caglar@sncorp.com | 775-849-6201

The earthquake was felt by at least ten surrounding cities, and more than 3,800 deaths were reported, and the toll was expected to increase. Our thoughts are with the injured and the families of the victims, and we extend our deepest condolences to all families who lost their loved ones. 

Turkish Philanthropy Funds is working closely with our partners on the ground, analyzing the need to provide immediate relief to survivors. Since establishing the fund at 6 AM EST, TPF has raised over $450,000 and is working closely with organizations on the field to distribute funds and address urgent needs. 100% of donations to this fund will support TPF’s Türkiye Earthquake Relief Fund and recovery efforts. We will monitor the impact on affected communities and work with partners at Afet Platformu to allocate funds to where they’re needed most. Initially, the fund helps first responders meet survivors’ immediate needs for food, fuel, clean water, medicine, and shelter. As needs emerge, we will support longer-term recovery efforts run by local, vetted partner organizations in the impacted area(s). 

TPF is the most reliable and trustworthy foundation serving the Turkish-American community. We are committed to transparency and low overhead. When disasters strike, TPF quickly delivers funds to its partners on the ground that are best suited to provide relief and long-term recovery. Our disaster relief funds have been recommended by many international organizations and local Turkish-American organizations.

TPF’s Track Record in Disaster Relief

TPF has been responding to disasters and supporting emergency aid and long-term relief programs since 2011. We have facilitated more than $3M in disaster donations to funds like this.

See how we’ve responded to similar disasters like this, including:

• Van Earthquake Relief Fund in 2011

• Soma Relief Fund 

• Elazig Earthquake Relief Fund in 2020

• Covid-19 Relief Fund

• Izmir Earthquake Relief Fund

• Wildfire Relief Fund

Help us to expand the TPF community by sharing the campaign. Grants are open to TPF-approved partners in Türkiye. If you are not a TPF partner but a member of Afet Platformu, you are encouraged to apply. Businesses and individuals are not eligible to apply. TPF will post reports about how funds have been used and will email these reports to donors.

About Turkish Philanthropy Funds:

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 $55M and invested over $28M in grants with partners focused on addressing economic, social, and environmental needs in Türkiye and worldwide. 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 300 projects.

Turkish Philanthropy Funds is a tax-exempt organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and your gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent provided by law. Tax ID 20-8392006.

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Turkish Philanthropy Fund Contact:

Selin Kapan-Green

Communications Lead 

selink@tpfund.org

Turkish Philanthropy Funds received high ratings from leading charity evaluators.

“The directors and I are proud to welcome these three incredible leaders as new colleagues on the TPF Board,” said Mehmet Kirdar, TPF’s Board Chair. “These individuals will add tremendous value to the organization with their philanthropic expertise from across the private and nonprofit sectors.”

“Our Board of Directors is comprised of a dedicated team of community leaders committed to providing strength, vision and guidance to inspire and mobilize innovative, high-impact philanthropy that benefits our communities. We are excited to channel Mustafa Kemal, Aykut, and Ülkü’s talent, expertise, and energy into furthering our mission,” said Senay Ataselim-Yilmaz, Executive Director of TPF. “New members’ ties to Turkey and dedication to advancing high-impact philanthropy adds invaluable leadership experience and perspective to our board.”

Aykut Atali is a Partner at McKinsey & Company in the Silicon Valley office and advises executives of big and small companies focusing on operations strategy in the high tech and telecom industries. He is the global leader of McKinsey’s high tech, media, and telecom operations with deep experience in cloud infrastructure, data center operations, hardware manufacturing, and digital operational transformations. Aykut holds a Ph.D. in Management Science from Stanford University, where his graduate work focused on supply chain visibility and inventory management. Aykut’s knowledge of technology and operations management will help guide TPF in the evolving world of technology and philanthropy combined.

“As a proud Turkish-American family, we have a commitment to give back where we live, where we come from, and to invest in our communities. We want our children to grow up learning about the culture of giving. I’m very excited to be part of the TPF team and looking forward to contributing to TPF’s mission to invest in youth in Turkey,” said Aykut on his appointment to TPF’s Board of Directors.

The board additionally also welcomes Ülkü Rowe, Engineering Director at Google Cloud’s Office of the CTO. At the forefront of Google’s cloud, data analytics, and machine learning capabilities, Ülkü enables the financial services industry to fuel their digital transformation. Ülkü received her MS degree in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her BS degree in Computer Engineering from Boğaziçi University in Istanbul. Ülkü serves on the board of many institutions as a trustee or an advisory and brings TPF new perspectives in financial and program management.

“We are responsible for the world we live in. We owe it to the next generations to leave them a better future where everyone can have equitable access to education, employment, and civil rights. I hope to do my part in achieving that, and every person I can touch along the way will be the legacy I leave in this world. TPF’s focus on high-impact philanthropy is what drew me to TPF. TPF has been a proven powerful change agent in addressing the economic, social, and environmental challenges of communities in Turkey and around the world.” said Ülkü on her appointment to TPF’s Board of Directors.

We are also honored to welcome back Mustafa Kemal Abadan, who served as TPF Board Chair between 2012-14. Mustafa Kemal is also a founder member of TPF and one of the pioneers who founded the organization. Mustafa Kemal Abadan is a design partner in the architectural firm of Skidmore Owings and Merrill LLP (SOM). Educated at Cornell University’s College of Architecture, Art and Planning, he received his Bachelor of Architecture in 1982 and a Master of Architecture in Urban Design in 1984. Mustafa joined SOM in 1983 and has been with the firm for 33 years. Mustafa Kemal is an active philanthropist supporting areas of need, from education to gender equality. Mustafa Kemal’s guidance will be a great contribution to TPF as we continue to grow as an organization and bring meaningful and long-term impact to our partners and community in Turkey.

Learn More about TPF's board of directors

New York, NY (June 23, 2022) – Turkish Philanthropy Funds is proud to announce the recipients of the 2022 Educ8 Program: Duygu Göksoy, Sena Altun, Büşra Gül Murat, and İpek Hanife Yılmaz. These young women have great potential, and we’re honored that with your help, we will be helping them unlock it.

In 2014, with the leadership of TPF donor Günay Aksoy, TPF embarked on a journey to support young women to realize their potential despite their background, economic status, and gender. In partnership with Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği (ÇYDD), the initiative provides scholarships to 4-5 students to attend a month-long program in London or New York every year. During the program, the students learn English, engage with mentors in their field of studies, and meet role models in companies such as Google, Facebook, and Chobani. The program will take place in London this year.

This year we are excited to see five more talented young women embark on this journey. The impact of the program is beyond English language education. Program’s leader at ÇYDD, Güldal Ebeoğlu, remarks, “We have chosen Duygu, Sena, Büşra, and İpek among 459 applicants to participate in the EDUC8 2022 program in London this summer. The program will improve their English speaking skills. Yet, the program’s impact is beyond English education. During their one month in London, these women will spend time with mentors, practice English with native speakers, and leverage the cultural atmosphere of London from visiting museums to going to concerts and shows.” This approach transforms the lives of bright and incredible young women immensely.

“Educ8 fundamentally addresses women’s empowerment. It may look like an opportunity to study English with native speakers, but it really is a program to empower these young women to realize their full potential. When we help train, prepare and support young women to thrive in different ways, they foster a value that can simultaneously promote economic success and social progress. We are grateful to Günay for her leadership and to our partner, ÇYDD, for contributing to a different narrative about how we can address women empowerment,” says Senay Ataselim Yılmaz, TPF’s Executive Director.

About The Educ8 Program:
In 2014, we embarked on a journey to help young women realize their potential despite their background, economic status, and gender. After seeing several young women from Turkey with financial difficulties complete the Educ8 Program for a month in NY or London, we realized the program’s impact was beyond English language education. Together, we were able to transform the lives of bright and unique young women and touched the lives of many others involved in this program. During the month-long program, these women studied English, spent time with mentors in their fields of study, practiced English with native speakers, and participated in field trips organized by our volunteers from different cultures and backgrounds. Everyone involved in this program made a huge difference in these young women’s lives and helped expand their horizons and realize their potential.

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 $50M and invested over $26M in grants with partners focused on addressing economic, education, gender equality, and social and environmental needs in Turkey and worldwide. TPF donors and partners have reached thousands of families and directly funded over 300 projects by providing support to realize the philanthropic vision of individuals, families, and corporations.

Learn More about the Educ8 Program

View Educ8 2021 Impact Report

New York, NY (June 16, 2022) – Turkish Philanthropy Funds is proud to announce the 2022 Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award recipients Esin Hacıoğlu, Kardelen Çiçek, and Sıla Öztürk.

The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award continues to be the only award earmarked for young women from Turkey to obtain graduate degrees in the field of Economics in the United States. It is given in the memory of Sena Eken Schieber, who was a trailblazer economist. “I am really pleased that these exceptionally bright, dedicated, and talented young Turkish women, Sıla Öztürk, Kardelen Çiçek, and Esin Hacıoğlu, are recipients of this year’s Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship Award for graduate study in economics in the United States. I have little doubt that they will use this opportunity to enhance their full intellectual and cultural potential and help make this troubled world a better place for us all in the future,” says Dr. George Schieber, Sena’s husband and a former World Bank Economist.

The Sena Eken Schieber has been a role model for many aspiring economists, and the award carries on her legacy through these impressive young women. “In an unprecedented time that presented students with many unique challenges, we’re so pleased to celebrate the 2022 Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award recipients. The young women who put in time and effort to apply to our scholarship program this year—despite everything going on—impressed us more than we can say! We are grateful for them and George Schieber, whose continued support enables TPF to support young female economists from Turkey but empowers us to spread hope more importantly. CONGRATULATIONS to this year’s scholarship recipients, Esin, Kardelen, and Sıla. We are very proud of you!” says Dr. Senay Ataselim-Yilmaz, TPF’s Executive Director.

Esin, who will begin her master’s at Columbia University this fall, is excited to follow in the footsteps of Sena Eken Schieber. She noted, “as someone who was introduced to Economics in the second year of college, I could have never imagined I would receive the prestigious Sena Eken Schieber scholarship to study Economics in the United States. I believe this scholarship raises awareness and encourages more women to study Economics. Sena Eken Schieber is a great role model for Turkish women. I am excited to be a future ambassador for the program while honoring Sena Eken Schieber. Without this scholarship, I would not be able to study at my dream university in the US. I cannot express my gratitude as this scholarship made my dream a reality.”

Sıla, who will study at Cornell University, is eager to start her career in economics and is humbled to be an award recipient. “In the face of today’s growing gender gap in the field of Economics, Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award provides invaluable support to the empowerment of aspiring female economists. I am deeply grateful to Turkish Philanthropy Funds and the award committee for enabling me to take this life-changing step. I hope to honor Sena Eken Schieber’s legacy by not only becoming a successful scholar but also inspiring the young women of Turkey to strive towards their ideals, as she did,” says Sıla.

Kardelen, who has been reelected, expresses her gratitude by noting how deeply appreciative she is that the Sena Eken Schieber Economics scholarship has enabled her to fulfill her dream of pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics. Kardelen thanks TPF and the Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship and notes, “young Turkish women can have impactful careers and have a promising position in society because of the Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award. It would have been impossible for me to study in the US at such prestigious universities without the support of this unique scholarship and the legacy of Sena Eken Schieber. Sena Eken Schieber has always been my role model and has inspired me to become an intellectual woman in every aspect. I will always be deeply thankful to Sena Eken Schieber and George Schieber for changing my life.”

Sena’s niece and selection committee member, Esra Krause, welcomed this year’s recipients, Esin, Kardelen, and Sıla, to the Sena Eken Scholarship with pleasure. “These brilliant women will no doubt make a difference in the world! Their passion and desire to succeed shined through their applications and interviews. Congratulations and best wishes in your new adventures,” notes Esra.

Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship selection committee member Dr. Seyhan Erden noted that all students struck her as brilliant. “They are an enthusiastic, pleasant, brilliant young woman, and it is hard not to be impressed. The most satisfying feeling in this process is that we can help these students go to their dream schools. That itself will give them great motivation. I wish all of them good luck at their “dream schools.”

The Sena Eken Schieber awardees continue providing opportunities to brilliant young female economists from Turkey and changing lives.

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. TPF works with donors to create customized giving models and connects everyday philanthropists with nonprofits. Since 2007, we have become a connector between donors and partners working to bring us safe, strong, and vibrant communities, and have mobilized over $55M and invested over $26M in grants with partners.

For more information about the application process for the 2023 Award cycle or other philanthropic accounts at TPF, please visit here.

Learn More about the Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award

FOLLOW TPF ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR MORE UPDATES

Four Inspiring Young Women from Turkey are Recipients of the Prestigious

Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award

New York, NY (April 30th, 2021) – Turkish Philanthropy Funds is proud to announce the 2021 Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award recipients: Bihter Erbaş, Müge Önder, Nezihat Bengisu Kaynar, and Serra Güllü.

The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award continues to be the only award earmarked for young women from Turkey to obtain graduate degrees in the field of Economics in the United States. “We have an exceptional group of highly motivated, talented, and forward-looking young women, all of whom are focused on achieving their full potentials in order to maximize their contributions to society. I am proud to assist them in enhancing their personal and professional skills in making the world a better place for everyone. Sena would have been very pleased for these impressive young women to have the educational and cultural opportunities that so benefited her,” says Dr. George Schieber, Sena’s husband, and a former World Bank Economist.

Each year at TPF, we get to meet new inspiring young women who are excited to embark on furthering their education and careers. “This year’s scholarship recipients are four incredible young women who amazed us all with their maturity, intelligence, and standing in life. Theirs are stories of opportunity, resilience, persistence, and hope. Once again, we couldn’t be more proud to see that through the Sena Eken Schieber Award, TPF creates more inclusion and impacts lives in significant ways. We are grateful to George Schieber for his generous contribution that enables TPF to be doing this work,” says Dr. Senay Ataselim-Yilmaz, TPF’s Executive Director.

The scholarship is designed to encourage and support outstanding female students with financial challenges to pursue graduate degrees in Economics in the U.S. Sena Eken Schieber has been a role model that these aspiring economists look up to. Bihter Erbaş who will be studying at the University of Chicago noted how she regards “this scholarship not only as a great honor, but also a commitment to put my skills, experience, and knowledge to the best use.” Serra Güllü, getting ready for a Master’s at the Duke University, expressing her gratitude says, “It is not enough for me to put into words how grateful and honored I am to be awarded this scholarship that will completely change my life.” Nezihat Bengisu Kaynar, sharing her excitement to have the opportunity to study at Columbia University noted how the scholarship provided “unique support for many female economist students like me to achieve their dreams and ideals.”  Emphasizing the equal opportunity provided by the award, Müge Önder who will be studying at Boston University says “it would have been just a dream for me to study at one of the best schools in the U.S. if I were not supported by this award.”

The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award is offered to dedicated female students on the basis of personal commitment, academic merit, professional and personal references, and financial need after a competitive selection process each year. Sena’s niece, Esra Krause, who serves on the selection committee commented on this year’s recipients, “Impressive! That’s the word I would use to describe this year’s scholarship recipients. Their desire to learn, grow and better themselves is remarkable, and I am so glad that this scholarship allows them the opportunity to make their wishes come true. Congratulations!”

TPF Board Member and member of the Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship selection committee, Dr. Nakiye Boyacıgiller noted that the selection process inspires her every year, “Scholarships change lives. As I looked into the eyes of several of our outstanding candidates, I couldn’t help but think about my late father, Oğuz Avdan. An intelligent and industrious student of modest means in 1937 who received a full scholarship to study in the U.S., graduating to become one of Turkey’s first petroleum engineers. I have no doubt but that this changed not only his future but that of our entire extended family as well.”

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 10 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 $46M and has invested over $25M in grants with partners focused on addressing economic, education, gender equality, 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 200 projects.

For more information about the application process for the 2022 Award cycle or other philanthropic accounts at TPF, please visit our website, localhost/tpfund/.

Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award

13 Ağustos 2020 Toplumsal Dönüşüm için Sosyal Girişimcilik programının konuğu; Şenay Ataselim