Inspiring Women Leaders Convened on March 8th

In collaboration with Üsküdar Üniversitesi Career Center Directorate and the Chemists' Association, the “Chemists' Association Career Talks 2 ‘Inspiring Women Leaders’” event was organized. Held within the scope of March 8 International Women's Day, the event brought together expert figures to highlight women's roles in business life and the challenges they face. In this context, impactful and inspiring women leaders shared their experiences with the participants.

The event, held in the Çarşı Campus Emirnebi 1 Conference Hall, attracted significant interest.

The moderation of the organized event was carried out by Assist. Prof. Dr. Selen Akbulut, Head of the Food Technology Program at the Vocational School of Health Services, and Semra Gül, Assistant Manager of Sector Collaborations at the Career Center Directorate.

Semra Gül: “They overcame challenges and became inspiring women…” 

Semra Gül, Assistant Manager of Sector Collaborations at the Career Center Directorate, delivered the opening speech of the event. Gül said; “What we call a career is not just about earning money or gaining status. A career means making a difference. A career means pursuing our passions, sharing our talents, and contributing to society. We all know that throughout history, women have faced many challenges in their career journeys. However, in every era, they overcame these challenges, broke through glass ceilings, and became inspiring women.”

Tuğba Şimşek: “I don't think innovation will be triggered without women's participation” 

Tuğba Şimşek, R&D and Quality Director, Sustainability Leader at Kızılay Food and Beverage, stated in her speech that women have a very significant role in the process of innovation and creativity. Şimşek said; “I believe women have a very significant role in this regard. That is why I value educational, professional, or social environments where gender equality exists. As Kızılay Beverage, we have been operating for almost 100 years since 1926. Our primary goal was to produce mineral water, and we were established as a mineral water production facility. In recent years, we have continued to grow by developing our products in the beverage category. We have an R&D center established in 2020. This R&D center was founded for humanitarian aid purposes, and 52% of our employees here are women. In fact, we have embraced gender equality in the activities of our R&D center. Our R&D center hosts colleagues from different disciplines such as Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and Environmental Engineering. Our colleagues possess various educational backgrounds and experience levels. Since my work primarily involves R&D, quality, and sustainability, I do not believe innovation and creativity can be triggered without the participation of women. I think women have a very significant role in this regard.” she stated.

Gizem Çalışgan Ünay: “As women, we are resilient against challenges”  

Eti Gıda R&D Unit Manager Gizem Çalışgan Ünay, who mentioned that societal perceptions can make it difficult for women to reach leadership positions, said; “As women, we have the ability to look at the world from different perspectives. We can make multi-faceted observations, not miss details, and evaluate events with a holistic perspective. This ability provides a significant advantage in business life and daily life. We possess creative problem-solving skills. We can generate solutions not only by using our logic but also our intuition. Especially in times of crisis, we can remain calm and make practical and effective decisions. Another strong point of ours is our collaborative approach. Women are prone to teamwork and create wonders when they come together. Thanks to their emotional intelligence, they are successful in human relations and form strong bonds. And perhaps most importantly, our patience and fortitude. As women, we are resilient against challenges. Instead of giving up, we seek solutions. We stand strong against obstacles and fight not only for ourselves but also for those around us. Unfortunately, being a woman is not always easy. Women can encounter many obstacles both in business and social life. Firstly, inequality of opportunity is still a major problem. Women sometimes receive lower wages despite doing the same job and have to put in more effort regarding promotions. Societal perceptions can make it difficult for women to reach leadership positions. However, despite all these difficulties, being a woman is a strength. As women, we exist in every area of life, and with our struggle, success, and determination, we are making the world a better place.” she said.

Ece Pembecioğlu: “The struggle continues in every field” 

Ece Pembecioğlu, R&D Manager at TAB İlaç Company, who emphasized the significant importance of teamwork, said; “I was born in 1976 at Üsküdar Zeynep Kamil Hospital. I studied Chemical Engineering at Ankara University. Later, I enrolled in a master's program at Istanbul University, and my career began. My path first intersected with Eczacıbaşı, and it continued there. Currently, I am serving as the R&D manager at TAB İlaç. I haven't always been a manager throughout my life. During my time at Eczacıbaşı, I experienced managerial favoritism towards men. I clearly remember men being preferred and advancing more in their careers. I continued the struggle. Years passed, and I built my own team. The struggle continues in every field. I enjoy my work. In our line of work, we need teamwork and collaboration. If you work as a team, you can achieve these things. It cannot be done alone. I guide my employees by assisting them.” she stated.

Tevhide Uzun: “I am lucky that I always worked with women bosses”

Tevhide Uzun, Sales Manager for Chemical Substances at Orzaks Group, who stated that the motivation for success is hard work, said; “Because my father was a chief commissioner, we traveled to every corner of Anatolia. I grew up both in the countryside and in the city. Therefore, I know the difficulties faced by girls there. I experienced both the opportunities and the lack of opportunities there. I never finished the school I started in the same place. There were constant transfers, and we moved to different places. Everyone saw it as a disadvantage, but as I grew up, I realized it was an advantage. I met and got to know many people. In a small town, there are no facilities or private courses, but you have to study. Students work despite difficulties and reach successful positions. They develop themselves. Those who put in a little effort in life can achieve great things. I studied Chemical Engineering at Ankara University. Chemistry is a very broad sector and exists everywhere. I came to Istanbul. I started working in the R&D department of a group. Over time, R&D, production, and planning were entrusted to me. Eventually, I became capable of managing all the organizations there. Currently, after a short career break and a job change, I am heading the chemical substance sales department at Orzaks Group. In short, I loved chemistry. Perhaps I can't constantly be in the laboratory, but I take great pleasure in working there. Life is a struggle. I am lucky that I always worked with women bosses. They paved the way for me. I worked very hard, and I am a very diligent person. The motivation for success is hard work. Everyone will surely achieve something by working hard.” she stated.

A musical recital was held

After the Q&A session, a musical recital titled “A Bunch of Music” was performed by Demet Tuncay, Evren Birmen, Hande Elmacı, and Banu Taşpınar.

The event then concluded with a group photo session.