New York, NY (May 3, 2024) – Turkish Philanthropy Funds is proud to announce the 2024 Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award recipients: Ayse Nur Battal, Kardelen Cicek, and Dilsu Tanal.
The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Awards was established in 2015 by George Schieber to honor his late wife, Sena Eken Schieber, an inspiring economist who made a mark in the field of Economics. Created uniquely for female students specialized in Economics, the award supports their graduate studies journey in the States, in high ranking universities. “I’d like to express my sincere congratulations to this year’s TPF Scholarship recipients – Ayse Nur Battal, Kardelen Cicek and Dilsu Tanal. In this era of intolerance, it is a privilege to take part in an effort that enhances the capacities of dedicated individuals who will make the future world a better place for us all. I have no doubt that this year’s recipients will make significant contributions to human development, global cohesion, and further humanitarian partnership between the U.S. and Turkiye at both collective and individual levels.” says Dr. George Schieber, Sena’s husband, a retired World Bank Economist.
Just as George visioned, 19 young women are following Sena’s footsteps as future economists, studying towards being the best in their fields since the awards establishment. While awardees continue their careers in Economics since graduation, each and every one of them are motivated to make their marks in their fields. Senay Ataselim Yilmaz, the Executive Director of TPF welcomes the new awardees with excitement, and stated “We’re honored to be a part of this scholarship fund and work with George Scheieber to provide equal opportunities in education for young women from Turkiye. We’ve met and continue to meet incredibly smart women who we believe have incredible abilities to not only shape a brighter future for themselves but also make significant impact for the world.”
Dilsu, Economics major from Bogazici University, will continue her graduate studies at Columbia University next year. As she is excited to start her new adventure in NYC, she looks forward to excelling in her studies and working hard to make the most out of this opportunity. Humbled by this chance, ”Receiving the Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship is a profound honor and a transformative opportunity for me. Growing up in Turkey, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by women striving to excel in the field of economics. This scholarship represents more than just financial assistance; it symbolizes a commitment to breaking barriers and fostering diversity in academia. As I embark on my journey to pursue a Master’s degree in Economics at Columbia University, I am filled with gratitude for this extraordinary opportunity. I am extremely excited to study at such a prestigious institution and to honor Sena Eken Schieber’s remarkable legacy. I am deeply indebted to George Schieber, TPF, and the entire scholarship committee for believing in my potential and investing in my future. With their support, I am determined to make a lasting impact, not only in my own life but also in the lives of others, as I strive to create a more inclusive and equitable world through the power of economics.” notes Dilsu.
Ayse has been reselected to complete her MS program in Applied Economics at George Washington University. As she is nearing her graduation, she is utterly grateful for this scholarship opportunity that enabled her to pursue her studies abroad in one of the best schools in the states. “This award will always be a milestone in my career for allowing me to step into a field that I am passionate about. I am more than honored to be a part of this meaningful award, and I hope other female students can benefit from it to form their careers in economics in the US. As I am halfway through getting my degree, I am looking forward to having more research experience, especially in monetary and financial economics, as well as working alongside economists and learn from them.”
Kardelen, a Ph.D. candidate at American University follows Sena’s footsteps with a doctorate degree and notes her gratitude for the opportunity: “I am deeply grateful to the Turkish Philanthropy Funds and George Schieber for their invaluable support during my PhD studies in economics. The Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship has enabled me to pursue my academic endeavors in the USA. This unique scholarship supports Turkish female students aspiring to attend graduate school programs in the USA. Sena Eken Schieber, a highly educated and successful economist, she is a great role model for young Turkish females. I would like to reiterate my profound gratitude to George Schieber and the Turkish Philanthropy Funds for their generosity and support.”
Esra Krause, Sena’s niece and selection committee member, welcomed this year’s recipients, Dilsu, Ayşe Nur, and Kardelen, to the Sena Eken Scholarship with pleasure. “I would like to congratulate this year’s exceptional group of women who have exhibited outstanding dedication to their studies and passion for economics. Their perseverance and commitment, which lead them to prestigious universities, fills me with optimism for the future, particularly amidst the backdrop of prevailing global conflicts.” notes Esra.
Dr. Seyhan Erden, Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship selection committee member, noted her pleasure meeting the 2023 award recipients. “I am proud to serve in the selection committee of the Sean Eken Schieber Award and proud of these brilliant young women who received the award.” notes Seyhan.
The Sena Eken Schieber Awards continues to spread equal opportunities in education for young women from Turkiye, just as George Schieber dreamed of. We look forward to seeing the accomplishments of awardees and congratulate them for all their hard work, and setting an example for future generations.
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 2025-26 Award cycle or other philanthropic accounts at TPF, please visit, here.
