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Ahmet Bozer

October 25, 2024

Ahmet Bozer’s philanthropic journey is a testament to the power of vision, leadership, and a deep-seated commitment to leaving the world a better place.

Born into a family that valued education and community service, Bozer was instilled with a sense of responsibility from an early age. His upbringing in Türkiye, combined with his experiences as a global business leader, shaped a worldview that philanthropy is not merely an obligation but a fundamental pillar of a life well-lived.

What truly distinguishes Bozer’s approach is the philosophy that guides him. This philosophy offers Bozer a lens through which he views the world, underpinned by interconnectedness of all beings, human potential, service, and compassion. This approach has deeply influenced Bozer’s philanthropic endeavors. Following his retirement from full-time executive life, he has been working. Recently, he completed a book on human potential, a project he has dedicated the last seven years to writing.

The Seeds of his Philanthropy

Bozer’s philanthropic journey began long before he became a prominent figure on the global stage. As a young man, he was keenly aware of the disparities in opportunity that existed in his homeland. Türkiye, with its rich cultural history and vibrant society, was also a country where many struggled to access the resources necessary for personal and professional growth.

His education at the Middle East Technical University, followed by an MBA from Georgia State University, further broadened his horizons. As his wealth and influence grew, Bozer viewed them not as personal achievements, but as tools for serving humanity.

During his time in the United States, he encountered the concept of strategic philanthropy—using resources not just to give back, but to create lasting, systemic change. This idea, closely aligned with his beliefs in human potential, became a cornerstone of his philanthropic philosophy.

A Visionary Leader with a Global Perspective

Bozer’s career at The Coca-Cola Company, where he rose to become the President of Coca-Cola International, afforded him a unique platform to influence positive change on a global scale. He understood that with great power comes great responsibility.

During his tenure, Bozer championed initiatives that went beyond the bottom line, focusing on sustainable development, water stewardship, and economic empowerment in underserved communities.

But Bozer’s most profound contributions came through his dedication to education, which he viewed as a means of empowering individuals. Bozer recognized that education is the most powerful tool to lift individuals and communities out of poverty.

He directed significant efforts towards creating educational opportunities for young people, particularly in Türkiye. For Bozer, education was not just about acquiring knowledge but about cultivating wisdom, fostering innovation, and equipping future generations to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.

The Birth of the Bozer Family Fund

In 2017, after retiring from his notable career at Coca-Cola, Ahmet Bozer established the Bozer Family Fund at Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF), a culmination of decades of philanthropic work.

His introduction to TPF was serendipitous—he happened to sit next to Haldun Taşman at a friend’s dinner party. Bozer quickly bonded with Taşman, seeing in him the demeanor, wisdom, and spirit of his own grandfather despite many decades of age difference.

Taşman’s philosophy and his motivations to give back resonated deeply with Ahmet, leading him to join TPF’s Board of Directors and eventually establish his fund at TPF.

The fund quickly became a hope for many. It provided scholarships to deserving students from underprivileged backgrounds, enabling them to pursue higher education both in Türkiye and the U.S.

Bozer’s approach was holistic—he understood that financial support was only one piece of the puzzle. He also provided mentorship and networking opportunities, ensuring that these young people were well-equipped to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. Among those Ahmet supported, there are doctors, data scientists and promising global hi-tech talent.

Given the flexibility of Donor-Advised Funds, which allow donors to support causes they are passionate about, Ahmet Bozer extends his philanthropy beyond scholarships. He also champions nonprofit organizations focused on education and technology.

Among those he supports are KODA (Village Schools Exchange Network) and YGA (Young Guru Academy), reflecting his commitment to fostering innovation and learning.

Bozer’s philanthropic efforts have created a ripple effect, inspiring countless others to give back. He firmly believes in the power of collective action, often saying, “Philanthropy is not about one person doing everything; it is about everyone doing something.”

This belief in the collective power of TPF to bring people together is what drives his commitment to reaching more communities in need. His actions are guided by his faith in the transformative power of service and the boundless potential within every individual.

Bozer’s vision for the future of philanthropy is rooted in inclusivity, sustainability, and personal awareness. He advocates for a model where philanthropy is woven into the very fabric of society, with businesses, governments, and individuals all contributing to the creation of a more just and equitable world.

As a strong proponent of strategic partnerships, Bozer believes that the most significant challenges can only be addressed through collaboration.

Ahmet Bozer’s philanthropic journey is a masterclass in leadership, vision, and commitment to making a difference. His legacy extends beyond the funds he has donated—it lives in the lives he has touched, the opportunities he has created, and the wisdom he has shared.

Through his work at TPF and his giving fund, Bozer continues to inspire a new generation of philanthropists, leaders, and change-makers, proving that with the right vision and dedication, we can indeed build a better world, one person at a time.

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