Creating ties for global
social impact
I develop and lead international initiatives, design and conduct research, manage projects, mobilize resources, and build partnerships at the intersection of business, economic development, and social impact.
I am available for consulting projects and leadership opportunities.
Portfolio
Highlights of my research and writing on topics ranging from entrepreneurship to diversity & inclusion
Refugee Entrepreneurship
A Market Assessment of Syrian SMEs in Turkey
Survey of 230 small and medium-sized enterprises led by Syrian refugee and migrant entrepreneurs in Turkey
Diversity & Inclusion
The Untapped Potential of Supplier Diversity in Turkey
Research brief on the global applications of supplier diversity, including refugee inclusion, specifically in Turkey
Social Enterprise & Impact Investing
Balancing Markets and Values
Researched and co-authored with Catherine H. Clark in collaboration with Investors' Circle and Social Venture Network
Professional Highlights
Experienced in nonprofit leadership, program management, fundraising, and grantmaking
Executive Director of The American Turkish Society
With a strategic and entrepreneurial approach, I mobilized supporters around a new vision. One of my important development achievements was a high-profile annual event celebrating corporate leaders and partnerships. Other wide-ranging programs I conceptualized and executed included policy discussions, conferences, educational grants, and cultural events – all in close collaboration with diverse stakeholders including corporate partners, individual members, and academic, public, and cultural institutions.
Program Director at Building Markets
My responsibilities included program management and financial oversight; donor relations and reporting; external communications and partnerships development; and thought leadership and research. My leadership contributed to securing multi-year, multi-million-dollar grants for our projects and providing training, business development, and access to finance to over 2,000 local businesses by convening a variety of stakeholders around our mission.
Education
Trained in business, economics, and social enterprise
Columbia Business School
MBA (2001-2003)
Social Enterprise, Management, Entrepreneurship
Beta Gamma Sigma
Tashman Turkish Fellowship - awarded to students who show future promise of continued high achievement, a sincere desire to improve the lives of others, and leadership skills.
Tamer Center for Social Enterprise - served as President of Net Impact; teaching/research assistant in social entrepreneurship; organizer of the Global Social Venture Competition; and a Summer Fellow at Endeavor Global.
Colorado College
BA (1994-1998)
Economics (with International Affairs focus)
Summa Cum Laude
International Merit Scholarship
Senior Thesis Award in Economics
Soliya
Facilitator Training (2018)
Soliya is an innovative international nonprofit operating at the intersection of technology, peacebuilding, and global education to foster local awareness and global perspectives.
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Let's connect and explore ways to collaborate
