All three are Economics majors with GPAs above 3.7 from top universities in Türkiye, united by a shared dream: to make their mark in a discipline that remains male-dominated around the world. Their road to success was clear: to equip themselves by studying at the most prestigious universities in the United States, where they could learn from professors with exceptional knowledge and expertise and take full advantage of the valuable resources these institutions offer. Their success is a powerful testament to what becomes possible when talent meets opportunity. But despite putting everything they had into realizing their dreams, the cost of living and high tuition fees stood as yet another barrier on their path to higher education. That’s when a scholarship fund, established to honor the legacy of a brilliant, courageous, and determined economist, chose to believe in Sıla, Ece, and Nagehan—just like it has believed in many young women before them: the Sena Eken-Schieber Economics Award.
Established in memory of Sena Eken-Schieber by her husband, Dr. George Schieber, the award honors the values she embodied: kindness, hard work, passion, and bravery to lead in a traditionally male-dominated field. Sena represented a vision of what women can achieve when given the opportunity—and Dr. Schieber chose to carry that vision forward by opening doors for female students pursuing higher education in economics.
Since its founding in 2015, the Sena Eken-Schieber Economics Award has supported 19 outstanding female students throughout their graduate studies, enabling them to focus on their education without the burden of financial barriers.
“These young women reflect our hope for future sustainable global development, equity, prosperity, and knowledge sharing in our increasingly fragmented, reactionary, and dysfunctional world. I have little doubt that their motivations, social and personal aspirations, and formidable intelligence will fuel their future personal and intellectual growth, and assist them in making much-needed societal contributions globally, as well as in both Turkiye and the United States. In fact, a recent IMF study found that ‘education accounts for fully half of total economic growth and two-thirds of real income gains among the world’s poorest 20 percent since 1980,’ and, surprisingly, that ‘a year of postsecondary education will increase a person’s earnings by more than 13 percent over those of a person with secondary education alone.’ I wish them the best of luck on this challenging journey they have only just begun,” says Dr. George Schieber, Sena’s husband and a retired World Bank economist.
Sıla, an Economics major from Boğaziçi University, will begin her master’s in International and Development Economics at Yale University, where the acceptance rate is just 9%. Grateful for this opportunity, she shares: “This recognition is deeply meaningful to me not only as a student, but also as someone committed to making economics a more inclusive and impactful field. Economics has traditionally been a male-dominated discipline, but that is gradually changing as more women contribute to research and policymaking. The underrepresentation of women in this field makes me even more determined to be part of that change and to encourage others to see that they, too, belong in economics. Receiving the Sena Eken-Schieber Economics Award brings me one step closer to my goal of using economics as a tool to create a more fair, inclusive, and resilient society. Beyond easing the financial challenges of graduate study, this scholarship strengthens my belief that inclusive, equitable change is possible, and that I can be part of it. It encourages me to dream bigger, work harder, and push the boundaries of what I hope to achieve as an economist—building systems that open doors for many more people, not just a few.”
Ece, a double major in Sociology and Economics at Boğaziçi University, will continue her studies at Duke University, excited to deepen her research on policymaking. “Receiving the Sena Eken-Schieber Economics Award is a great honor for me and a meaningful encouragement at an important point in my journey. Coming from Turkey and preparing to continue my academic studies at Duke University, it feels special to be recognized by a community that values education, perseverance, and contribution to society. Knowing that my efforts are seen and supported motivates me to work even harder toward my goals. I am truly grateful to Dr. George Schieber, the selection committee, and the Turkish Philanthropy Funds for their trust and support,” says Ece Hasgül.
Nagehan, another Economics major from Boğaziçi University, will continue her journey at Columbia University, hoping to set an example for young women in Türkiye and beyond—that they, too, can break barriers and overcome limitations. “Being selected for the Sena Eken-Schieber Economics Award is both an incredible honor and a turning point in my academic journey. This scholarship is not only an investment in my education, but also a meaningful recognition of my goals and commitment to using economics as a tool for change. As I begin my master’s at Columbia University, I’m filled with gratitude and determination. This support strengthens my resolve to work toward a future where economic and social policies truly serve those who have long been left behind. I’m incredibly thankful to Dr. George Schieber, Turkish Philanthropy Funds, and the entire selection committee for believing in my vision,” shares Nagehan Sude Varol.
Senay Ataselim Yilmaz, Executive Director, Turkish Philanthropy Funds notes “At Turkish Philanthropy Funds, we believe that investing in the education of women is one of the most transformative acts we can undertake—for individuals, for communities, and for the world. Sıla, Ece, and Nagehan represent more than academic excellence; they embody the courage to challenge systems, the vision to shape policy, and the drive to lead with purpose. The Sena Eken-Schieber Economics Award does more than ease financial barriers—it affirms the belief that these young women belong in every room where decisions are made. Their journeys remind us that when we invest in women, we invest in a more inclusive and hopeful future for all.”
Dr. Seyhan Erden, a Sena Eken-Schieber Scholarship selection committee member, welcomed the 2025 award recipients. “It is an honor to celebrate the extraordinary talent and ambition of women from Türkiye pursuing graduate studies in economics. The Sena Eken-Schieber Economics Award recognizes not just academic excellence, but the courage to lead, question, and inspire. The passion and brilliance of these women constantly inspire me. Their determination to advance knowledge and drive positive change through economics gives me great hope for the future. We are proud to support these future economists who will shape more inclusive, innovative, and equitable societies,” shared Dr. Erden.
From a large and highly competitive pool of applicants, we are thrilled to support the journeys of Sıla, Ece, and Nagehan. While their stories are just beginning, they serve as powerful reminders that when women are empowered through education, they not only transform their own lives but also help shape a brighter world for all. As they step into this next chapter, we’re excited to see what they’ll accomplish next.
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 2026-27 Award cycle or other philanthropic accounts at TPF, please visit, here.
