Theme: The Unseen Path

Life is filled with unseen paths waiting to be discovered. Some follow the footsteps of those who came before, while others carve entirely new trails. With this year’s theme, “The Unseen Path,” we come together with inspiring speakers who have boldly ventured into the unknown, created change, and shaped the future.

This year, we aim to illuminate the unseen, explore the unknown, and inspire you to pave new paths for your dreams. We invite you to be part of this incredible journey at TEDx Tarsus American College

Tarsus American College
Cengiz Topel Street, Caminur
Tarsus American College Campus, 44
Tarsus, Mersin, 33440
Turkey

Dilara Ertuğrul

Corporate Communications Manager

After graduating from Tarsus American College in 1992, Dilara Ertuğrul earned a degree in Translation and Interpretation from Bilkent University. She began her career at ÇimSA as the General Manager’s Translator before moving to KrafSA as an Executive Assistant. In 2017, she joined Novo Nordisk as the Corporate President’s Assistant for the Near East Markets, later supporting executives across 75 countries. Over time, she took on roles in event organization and internal communications. In 2022, she was promoted to Corporate Communications Manager for Novo Nordisk Turkey, a position she continues to hold.

Ezgi Topdağı

Architect and Multidisciplinary Artist

Born in 1997 in Istanbul, Ezgi Topdağı graduated from Eskişehir Anadolu University’s Architecture Department in 2021. Continuing her artistic practice under the name “Ecigiart,” Topdağı creates works that explore the order within chaos by combining digital and traditional art disciplines. Her art questions the balance between form and concept, drawing the viewer into the depths of the subconscious. Her works have been exhibited in prestigious venues such as New York Times Square, VernissageRome, Fresh Ankara Contemporary Art, Antalya International Contemporary Art Fair, and Crypto V.06 NFT Romania. She has participated in numerous art events across Europe, America, and Turkey. Additionally, she has been a speaker and educator at institutions such as Istanbul Technical University and Anadolu University and has served as a jury member for the Middle East Technical University Blockchain NFT Competition.

Gülşah Şişman

Entrepreneur & Coach

Dr. Gülşah Şişman is a business professional, academic, and coach focused on personal and professional development. She holds an engineering degree from METU, an MBA from Yıldız Technical University, and a PhD in Business Administration from Çukurova University, where she is now a faculty member. With experience at Koç and Sabancı Holdings in employer branding and HR, she founded Gelişim Enstitüsü in 2017 to support individuals' growth. Committed to social responsibility, she actively supports women and youth through the Adana Soroptimist Association. A lifelong learner, she continues research and training to foster impactful development.

Kaan Yarman

Cook, Digital Creator

Kaan Yarman was born in 1988 in Tarsus. He completed high school at Tarsus American College. After graduating from Bilgi University with a degree in advertising, he worked in the project and business development department at Hürriyet Newspaper. After leaving his corporate career, he received pastry training at MSA. He currently writes the Tam Kararında Tarifler column for the Sunday supplement of Milliyet Newspaper and manages the Tam Kararında Instagram account. He is the author of the book “Kalori Alacaksan Buna Değecek”.

Ömer Yalçın

Fundraising Specialist | Civil Society Volunteer and Activist

Born in Istanbul in 1987, Ömer Yalçın graduated from Trakya University’s Department of Chemistry. However, his career as a chemist lasted only six months. While searching for his own path, he discovered the world of civil society and realized that his true passion lay in fundraising. Following this realization, he also completed a degree in Business Administration at Anadolu University. His journey in civil society began in 2007 when he joined Greenpeace’s Face-to-Face Project. Engaging directly with individuals in the field to raise environmental awareness and gather support became more than just a job for Ömer—it became a way of life. He led regional operations in İzmir and Ankara, conducted campaigns across Turkey, and participated in numerous actions. One of his most unforgettable experiences was the protest carried out on the Bosphorus Bridge.

Ziya Azazi

Dancer, Choreographer

Ziya Azazi is a Turkish dancer and choreographer known for modernizing Sufi whirling. Born in Antakya in 1969, he studied Mining Engineering before pursuing dance, performing in Istanbul and later in Vienna. Named “The Most Outstanding Dancer of the Year in Austria” in 1999, he developed Dervish in Progress (DIP), blending traditional and contemporary elements. His projects, including Azab, Icons, and Neo Dervish, integrate artistic and technological aspects. Azazi has performed in over 50 countries, led workshops in 35, and launched the DIP Instructor Training program in 2018. He continues to perform and teach globally.