Üsküdar University also participated in the ‘Aspire Leaders of Türkiye’ event…

The ‘Aspire Leaders of Türkiye’ event was held hosted by Özlem Denizmen, recipient of the Üsküdar University 9th High Human Values Award, known for her work in financial literacy and women's economic empowerment. Representing Üsküdar University at the event were Dr. Gülcan Ayral, International Student Relations Manager and Target Friendship Project Manager, Lecturer, and Selda Yener, International Student Relations Specialist. Ayral stated that they held bilateral meetings at the event, mentioning the Target Friendship project and common ground with Aspire regarding support for student development.

The Aspire Institute, an organization founded by prominent figures from Harvard University that contributes to youth development aimed at reducing inequality of opportunity, organized the “Aspire Leaders of Türkiye” event for Turkish students graduating in 2024. The event was hosted by Özlem Denizmen in İstinye, Istanbul. 

Representing Üsküdar University at the event were Dr. Gülcan Ayral, International Student Relations Manager and Target Friendship Project Manager, Lecturer, and Selda Yener, International Student Relations Specialist.

At the event, the institution's CEO, Prof. Meena Sonea from Harvard University, and program instructor Prof. Can Erbil from Boston College gave speeches. 

The event, which brought together students who graduated from The Aspire Leaders Program, addressed the challenges young people face in university and business life due to unequal conditions. It was emphasized that the program aims to help students overcome obstacles by supporting their development and reaching more young people, thus contributing to their becoming future leaders.

Goal: To raise future leaders… 

During the bilateral meetings, it was stated that Üsküdar University's scientific research and social responsibility project, the Target Friendship Program, aims to build bridges between international and Turkish students, ensure student integration and development, and raise future leaders through the trainings it provides, events it organizes, and its mentorship program. It was discussed that they are open to future collaborations based on common ground and that active discussions will continue.

Lecturer Dr. Gülcan Ayral: “We realized that the Target Friendship Project has many common points with this project”

Dr. Gülcan Ayral stated: “We realized that this project has many common points with the Target Friendship Project. From this perspective, it was a very productive event. Various national and international academics, businessmen, and opinion leaders were present at the event. We held bilateral meetings at the organized event. I spoke about our Target Friendship project and our common points with Aspire regarding support for student development. Our discussions will continue so that the students participating in our project can receive these trainings. While this was the main topic, we also met with Zekeriya Öztürk, President of the Financial Literacy and Access Association, at the event. I mentioned that Üsküdar University places importance on financial literacy and that a student club will be established. We will plan a meeting to discuss what can be done together on this issue.”