Creating Global Ties for Social Impact
I develop and lead international initiatives, design and conduct research,
mobilize resources, and build partnerships at the intersection of
private sector, inclusive economic development, and social impact.
My work is focused on impact investing and entrepreneurship,
refugee self-reliance, and Europe & MENA.
I am available for consulting projects, collaborations, research contributions,
and leadership opportunities.
Currently working on developing programs for inclusive economic recovery and resilience in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria,
with a special focus on the impact economy and refugee self-reliance.
Read more here.
Thought Leadership
Highlights of my research and writing on topics ranging from entrepreneurship to impact investing
Professional Highlights
I am experienced in nonprofit leadership, program management, partnerships, external relations, and more
Entrepreneurship Lead,
Refugee Investment Network
I led development of a new regional refugee lens investing program; advised impact investors on strategy; established new partnerships; built and led a global community of refugee-owned and refugee-supporting businesses; advised a corporate impact initiative serving marginalized small business owners.
Program Director,
Building Markets
My leadership contributed to securing multi-year, multi-million-dollar grants for our projects in Turkey and Jordan and providing support and visibility to over 2,000 refugee-led businesses to create local jobs.
Executive Director,
The American Turkish Society
I mobilized supporters around a new vision of US-Turkey relations and established a high-profile annual event celebrating corporate leaders and partnerships. Wide-ranging programs I designed and executed included policy discussions, conferences, educational grants, and cultural events.
Advisor & Consultant
Participated as an external expert for organizations including Village Capital, World Economic Forum, and SPARK.
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 with promise of continued high achievement, a sincere desire to improve the lives of others, and leadership skills
Tamer Center for Social Enterprise
Teaching/Research Assistant in Social Entrepreneurship; Leadership in Net Impact and Global Social Venture Competition; Summer Fellow at Endeavor Global
Colorado College
BA (1994-1998)
Economics
Summa Cum Laude
International Merit Scholarship
Senior Thesis Award in Economics: Migration and Labor Markets
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