New York, NY (May 18, 2023) – Turkish Philanthropy Funds is proud to announce the 2023 Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award recipients Ayşe Nur Battal, Elif Şen, Kardelen Çiçek, and Sıla Öztürk.
The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award was established in 2015 by George Schieber in honor of his late wife, Sena Eken Schieber, a trailblazer economist and a role model for many women. The award continues to be the only award earmarked for young women from Turkey to obtain graduate degrees in Economics in the United States. “I would like to express my congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients. They represent an impressive group of exceptional individuals. Beyond proven academic and intellectual potential, they all have strong track records in humanitarian causes and civil society achievements. I have no doubt they will all make important academic and humanitarian contributions in our increasingly fragmented and uncertain world,” says Dr. George Schieber, Sena’s husband, and former World Bank Economist.
Sena Eken Schieber’s legacy lives on through the hard work and dedication of the impressive women who have chosen to follow her in her footsteps as aspiring economists. “Heartfelt congratulations to Ayşe Nur, Elif, Kardelen, and Sıla! Your hard work, dedication, and pursuit of excellence have led you to this remarkable achievement. As you carry forward Sena Eken Schieber’s vision, may this scholarship serve as a catalyst for further achievements in your lives. Keep shining and inspiring those around you!” says Dr. Senay Ataselim-Yilmaz, TPF’s Executive Director.
Ayşe Nur, who will begin her MS program in Applied Economics at George Washington University this fall, is excited to follow in the footsteps of Sena Eken Schieber. She noted, “This scholarship is a tremendous opportunity for female students from Turkey to build their careers in economics, especially in a world where the gender gap is an issue in the field, and become promising and inspiring members of society. I am greatly honored to be an awardee, and I wish to honor the name and reputation of Sena Eken Schieber by following in her footsteps and becoming a successful economist.”
Elif, who will begin her master’s at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Columbia University for the degree of Master of Arts in Economics this fall, states, “Receiving the support of the Turkish Philanthropy Funds and the Sena Eken Schieber Award is not only a dream come true for me, but a testament to their unwavering commitment to empowering women. As I prepare to embark on this life-changing journey, I am humbled to be a recipient of such a meaningful award.”
Kardelen, who has been reelected, will continue her Ph.D. program at American University. Kardelen expresses immense gratitude to TPF and the Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship and notes, “I am deeply thankful for the Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship and to TPF for their invaluable support during my doctoral pursuit in Economics. I am able to fulfill my biggest dream, and for that, I shall remain eternally grateful. Thanks to the Sena Eken Scholarship, women from Turkey, despite the inherent gender disparities in the field of Economics, have the opportunity to study in world-class institutions and assume influential positions in society. I draw endless inspiration from the remarkable legacy of Sena Eken Schieber, whose trailblazing accomplishments fuel my motivation and bolster my determination to succeed in my academic and professional endeavors. Once again, I want to thank the Sena Eken Schieber Award and George Schieber for their support.”
Sıla, who has been reelected, continues her studies at Cornell University and is humbled to be reselected states, “Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award provided me with the lifetime opportunity of attending an Ivy League school and having access to an academic and social environment beyond my dreams. I am forever indebted to TPF and Sena Eken Schieber’s legacy, and I hope to become an accomplished professional and give continuous support to the young and bright women of Anatolia, just as I have received along my journey.”
Esra Krause, Sena’s niece and selection committee member, welcomed this year’s recipients, Ayşe Nur, Elif, Kardelen, and Sıla, to the Sena Eken Scholarship with pleasure. “Congratulations to the 2023 scholarship awardees! We have, yet again, a group of strong, smart, and determined young women. Wishing you all the best in your new adventures,” notes Esra.
Dr. Seyhan Erden, Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship selection committee member, noted her pleasure meeting the 2023 award recipients. “I have enjoyed meeting these hard-working and confident young women throughout the selection process. I wish them all good luck in their future studies. I am pleased to take place in the decision process for this valuable and helpful award.”
The Sena Eken Schieber Award continues to provide life-changing opportunities to aspiring young female economists from Turkey, and we look forward to sharing updates on their success with our community.
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 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. The Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship program was established in 2015 and, to date, has funded some ten very deserving young Turkish women for master’s degrees and Ph.Ds in accredited U.S. graduate economics programs, including the University of Chicago, Columbia, and Duke University.
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 $70M and has invested over $38M in grants with partners focused on addressing economic, 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 350 projects.
For more updates about the application process for the 2023-24 Award cycle or other philanthropic accounts at TPF, please visit, here.
