New York, NY (April 30th, 2019) – Turkish Philanthropy Funds is proud to announce the 2019 Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award recipients: Kardelen Çiçek and Duygu Ekin Ayasli. Kardelen will undertake her graduate studies in the M.A. Applied Economics program at George Washington University. Ekin will enroll in the University of Wisconsin’s Ph.D. program in Economics. Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award continues to be the only award earmarked for Turkish women to obtain graduate degrees in the field of Economics in the United States. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to assist these two exceptional young women, Kardelen Çiçek and Duygu Ekin Ayasli, in furthering their educational aspirations,” said George Schieber, Sena’s husband and a former World Bank Economist and wished Kardelen and Ekin “the best of luck in their upcoming educational, professional, personal, and societal challenges.” He further continued, “I have no doubt that they will both accomplish their academic goals, but more importantly, will contribute to making this increasingly xenophobic and populist world into a better place for us all.” The scholarship is designed to encourage and support outstanding female students with financial need to pursue graduate degrees in the U.S. Kardelen expressing her gratitude said, “I am forever grateful and honored to receive this scholarship award. My aim is to become an economist and give back to society like Sena Eken Schieber did. This award is not only inspirational but also a dream come true for me.” Ekin while noting how humbled she is, said “I am honored to be one of the awardees of the Sena Eken Schieber Economics Scholarship Award. This is such an empowering opportunity for a young Turkish women economist like me. I step into my future as a more confident women now, thanks to George Schieber’s generosity.” The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award is offered to dedicated female students on the basis of personal commitment, academic merit, and financial need after a competitive selection process. “I was absolutely thrilled to feel the energy of our applicants this year. Both recipients are very deserving and truly exceptional women, whose passion for Economics transpired through the interviews. I am honored to be part of this Scholarship Committee to have the opportunity to provide the only thing that stands between these young women and their dreams. Thanks to George for making this possible for them. We need a lot more bright women leaders, like these, in this world. Congratulations to Kardelen and Ekin!” said Sena’s niece, Esra Krause, who serves on the selection committee. TPF Board Member and member of the Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship selection committee, Dr. Nakiye Boyacıgiller noted that the selection process inspires her every year, “I love meeting the inspiring motivated young women who apply to our program. Providing our awardees the opportunity to fulfill their dream of continuing their education in the US is incredibly gratifying. This year after we made our selection, I thought of the late Sena Eken and how happy she would have been to see what her husband George Schieber has created in her name. Thank you, George, for honoring Sena in such a meaningful way!“ 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 $34M and has invested over $20M 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 2020 Award cycle or other philanthropic accounts at TPF, please visit our website, www.tpfund.org or call us at 646.530.8988. ### |