New York, NY (May 1st, 2018) – Turkish Philanthropy Funds is proud to announce the 2018 Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award recipients: Bahar Zafer and Beril Yalcinkaya. Bahar will undertake her graduate studies in the M.A. Analytical Political Economy (MAPE) program, a joint master’s program of the Departments of Economics and Political Science at Duke University. Beril will enroll in Cornell University’s MS program in Applied Economics and Management.
The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Awardees are selected on the basis of a competitive process focusing on personal commitment, academic merit, and financial need. The scholarships will help cover the costs of tuition, fees, books, and living expenses in accredited U.S. Graduate programs in Economics.
This scholarship is the only award of its type earmarked for Turkish women to obtain graduate degrees in the field of Economics in the United States. “Sena’s legacy will be well served by these two impressive young women achieving their full potentials by furthering their educations here in the United States. I have no doubt that they will significantly contribute to making the world a better place, countering the appalling inequalities and xenophobic currents running through our global society,” said George Schieber, Sena’s husband, and a former World Bank Economist.
“We are extremely pleased with this year’s highly qualified applicants and delighted with the two young women who were chosen to be awarded the scholarships. It is a joy to be a part of this opportunity to enable opening new doors into their future. We wish them great success in becoming accomplished economists,” said Sena’s niece, Esra Krause, who serves on the selection committee. TPF Board Member, Dr. Nakiye Boyacigiller explained being on the selection committee for the Sena Eken Schieber Award in Economics as one of the joys of her life and noted: “I love reviewing the files and interviewing these exceptional young women. I wish them all, winners and those to whom we could not award a scholarship, success, and happiness.”
About The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award and Sena Eken Schieber
The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award is supported by the Eken-Schieber Scholarship Fund at Turkish Philanthropy Funds. The fund was established by Sena’s husband, George Schieber, to celebrate Sena Eken Schieber’s life, and continue her legacy as a pioneering international civil servant, Turkish Government official, economist, and a role model for many women. Sena was not only a highly competent, hard-working, and successful professional, but also a wonderful wife, a caring and dedicated sister, aunt, family member, friend, and mentor. She was known as an inspirational leader who lived life to the fullest. The scholarship supports young women from Turkey from low-income families to pursue graduate degrees in economics in the United States.
About Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF)
Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) is the leading U.S. community foundation for high-impact social investments dedicated to Turkish and Turkish-American communities. Since 2007, TPF has mobilized over $30M and has invested over $17M in grants with partners focused on addressing economic, education, gender equality, social and environmental needs in Turkey and around the world. By providing support to realize the philanthropic vision of individuals, families, and corporations, TPF donors and partners have reached thousands of families and directly funded over 200 projects.
For more information about the application process for the 2019 Award cycle or other philanthropic accounts at TPF, please visit our website, www.tpfund.org or call us at 646.530.8988.