Selen Ucak

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, research contributions, partnerships, and leadership roles.

Currently thinking about 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 and reach out for collaboration opportunities.
Thought Leadership
Highlights of my research and writing on topics ranging from entrepreneurship to impact investing

Refugee-Led SMEs
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
Refugee Lens Investing
Unlocking Refugee Self-Reliance
in the UK
Researched and authored a market assessment with Refugee Lens Investing opportunities from employment to entrepreneurship
Refugee-Lens Enterprises
Investor Showcase Publication
Led a refugee-lens business growth program, culminating in a publication to facilitate connections with impact investors and other support
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
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
CONNECT
Let's connect and explore what we can do together

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, research contributions, partnerships, and leadership roles.

Currently thinking about 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 and reach out for collaboration opportunities.

Thought Leadership

Highlights of my research and writing on topics ranging from entrepreneurship to impact investing

Refugee-Led SMEs

A Market Assessment of Syrian SMEs in Turkey

Diversity & Inclusion

The Untapped Potential of Supplier Diversity in Turkey

Refugee Lens Investing

Unlocking Refugee Self-Reliance in the UK

Refugee-Lens Enterprises

Investor Showcase Publication

Social Enterprise & Impact Investing

Balancing Markets and Values

Professional Highlights

I am experienced in nonprofit leadership, program management, partnerships, external relations, and more

Entrepreneurship Lead,Refugee Investment Network

Program Director,Building Markets

Executive Director,The American Turkish Society

Advisor & Consultant

Education

Trained in business, economics, and social enterprise

Columbia Business School

MBA (2001-2003)

Colorado College

BA (1994-1998)

CONNECT

Let's connect and explore what we can do together

Unlocking Refugee Self-Reliance
in the UK

Entrepreneurship Lead,
Refugee Investment Network

Program Director,
Building Markets

Executive Director,
The American Turkish Society