Attila Özdek
Prof. Dr.
Born in 1973 in Ankara, he initially studied Astronomy at Ankara University but later pursued music. In 1997, he entered Selçuk University’s Music Education Department, graduating with honors in 2001. The same year, he ranked first nationwide in the teacher selection exam and became a music teacher. Shortly after, he became a Research Assistant and completed his master’s (2005) and Ph.D. (2012).
An expert in Turkish Folk Music and Bağlama, he has published widely and trained award-winning musicians. He earned the title of Associate Professor in 2015 and Professor in 2021. He led major projects like the Mozaik Concert Series and was music director for the Yunus İçin Söyle project (2021) and 5th Islamic Solidarity Games (2022).
Currently, he is Head of Fine Arts Education at Necmettin Erbakan University, mentoring students. He is married, has a daughter, and speaks English.
Aytuğ Altundağ
Prof. Dr.
Prof. Dr. Aytuğ Altundağ was born in 1978 in Bolu, Turkey. He graduated from Ankara University Faculty of Medicine in 2002 and completed his ENT residency at Istanbul Göztepe Training and Research Hospital in 2008.
After fulfilling his military and mandatory service, he worked at Bosphorus Anatomica ENT Hospital and later at Istanbul Cerrahi Hospital. In 2017, he established his private practice while also joining Acıbadem Taksim Hospital. Since 2019, he has been part of the ENT Department at Biruni University Faculty of Medicine.
Specializing in nasal and sinus surgery, sleep apnea, allergies, smell and taste disorders, and voice diseases, he also trained at Prof. Dr. Thomas Hummel’s Smell and Taste Clinic in Germany. In 2020, he earned the title of Professor and continues his medical and academic career.
Elif Ülger Yalçın
A Visionary Entrepreneur
Elif Ülger Yalçın is a visionary entrepreneur who seamlessly blends architecture and business. After completing her architecture studies, she combined her design expertise with her passion for coffee, co-founding Arabica Coffee House with her husband, Attorney Sertaç Yalçın, in 2014.
What started in Ankara quickly expanded to 110 branches in 35 cities across Turkey and internationally to Ukraine and Northern Iraq. Arabica Coffee House is more than just a coffee brand; it redefines the café experience by merging high-quality coffee with uniquely designed spaces.
As the founder of 2Dsign Architecture, Yalçın also shares her knowledge through seminars, inspiring young architects and entrepreneurs. Her journey is a testament to how passion, vision, and determination can transform an idea into a global success.
Gizem Girişmen
Turkish para-archer.
Gizem Girişmen is a Turkish para-archer.
She is the 2009 World Para Archery Champion and the 2008 Paralympic Games Archery Champion in Beijing. She is the first female athlete in Turkish history to win a gold medal at the Paralympic Games. Additionally, she was the first Turkish athlete to be nominated for the Laureus World Sports Awards.
Halil İbrahim Güllü
Prof. Dr.
He graduated as the top student from Istanbul Atatürk High School and earned his medical degree with honors from Hacettepe University in 1984. He completed his Internal Medicine residency in 1990 and his Medical Oncology subspecialty training in 1992. He became an Associate Professor in 1993 and a Professor in 1998.
In 1995, he worked at MD Anderson Cancer Center on clinical research management. He is a member of ESMO, ASCO, and other scientific organizations. For 15 years, he has been the editor of the International Journal of Hematology and Oncology and serves on multiple editorial boards.
He has received several awards, including the Şeref Zileli Best Assistant Award (1990), Hacettepe Best Clinical Research Award (1996), European Certification in Medical Oncology (1997), Turkish Cancer Society Best Research Award (2001), and European Journalist Union Scientist of the Year Award (2009). His research focuses on cancer treatment innovations, metastasis biology, and angiogenesis.
Nail Şencan
CEO
Nail Şencan was born in 1964 in Yozgat, Turkey. He graduated from Yıldız Technical University with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1987 and began his career as a foreign trade specialist at Alarko Holding. He later pursued his own entrepreneurial ventures, focusing on production and export-oriented processes.
As a founding partner of the Renaissance Institute of Change and Governance Sciences, he has played a key role as a trainer and management consultant in various certification programs, corporate training sessions, restructuring consultancy projects, and URGE projects.
Şencan has held independent board memberships and executive roles in several structured organizations. Currently, he serves as a Board Member and CEO of Erhas Group. He has published articles on business, governance, and international marketing in various journals and teaches courses in the International Trade department at Okan University.
Osman Çaputçu
Young Entrepreneur and Architect
Osman Çaputçu completed his architectural education as an "Honors Student." Throughout his studies, he aimed to integrate the vision he gained from various small, medium, and large-scale projects into his professional practice. He began his career during his student years and continues to expand his knowledge.
Traveling and working across different cities in Turkey, he enhanced his technical skills while actively participating in national and international architectural design competitions, earning multiple awards. He views architecture not just as a profession but as a way of life.
Since 2017, he has also been involved in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. In early 2023, he founded **Deeplay Creative Studio**, a company specializing in game, design, and technology development services. Currently, he continues his work in Istanbul with a multidisciplinary approach.
Rahim Aladağ
educationalist
Since 2005, he has been providing training to NGOs, public institutions, and SMEs on various topics, including Communication Techniques, Body Language, Teamwork, Leadership, Effective Presentation Techniques, Advocacy, Government Incentives, PCM Training, Entrepreneurship, and NGO Management.
He has over 500 training references from organizations such as the Union of Municipalities of Turkey, Hak-İş Confederation, Sağlık-Sen, Development Agencies, Chambers of Industry and Commerce, public institutions, and SMEs.