A Colorful Story by Nick Porcaro Nearing retirement, I had for a number of years felt the need to give back for the opportunities I have had. In 2007 a Special-Needs High School in Massachusetts had been trying to expand their campus without success due to design and budget constraints. I offered to donate my…
DetailsFew years ago, Mahmut knocked on the doors of countless institutions and foundations with high hopes and big dreams. He was accepted to Akdeniz University to study law. He wanted to become a prosecutor and had the will and passion to achieve his dream. All he needed was a scholarship to cover his cost of…
DetailsMeet Mustafa, a 14 year-old who has that rare ability to drag you into a different world with his drawings. A true artist, who can’t resist to transform blank pages into capturing artwork within minutes when he’s in reach of crayons. At this age, he is already famous for being the designer behind Tohum Autism…
DetailsFour hours. Seven amazing panelists. Two inspirational keynote speakers. Many priceless advice on being true to yourself, taking risks, and creating positive impact. Countless business leaders, entrepreneurs, academics and young professionals gathered under one roof. All inspired and motivated to make a change. And that’s not all. Hundreds of equal opportunities will be created with…
DetailsA Colorful Story by Nakiye A. Boyacıgiller, Ph.D. Two years ago I lost the love of my life, my husband of 39 years (sweetheart for 43), Ziya G. Boyacıgiller. When our friends at TPF asked me to write about Ziya, a founding partner and board member of the organization, I hesitated. How should I describe…
DetailsSpeech by Mustafa Kemal Abadan, TPF Chairman & CEO. Ladies and gentleman, distinguished guests and our special honoree of the evening Sayin Rahmi Koc, good evening. I am so glad that all of you could join us tonight despite the conspiracy that the weather gods have bestowed upon us. In any case thankfully the storm…
Detailsby Goncagul Ay, Program Associate. “I made this painting so when I grow up I can remember my family.” This is a quote by an eleven-year-old Mustafa, who lives in the Bolluca Children’s Village. This village is the first place he calls “home”. All the stories start with an opening line of “once upon a…
DetailsNow at her late 20s and a role model herself, Sara became an inspiration to her own mentor, Secil, because of her self-determination to win in life against all odds. Secil, a Bogazici University graduate, started her career as an editor at Cosmopolitan magazine. She spent over 20 years in corporate communications where her career…
DetailsA Colorful Story by Amber Deniz Kale It was my 30th interview. After studying art in college and media in grad school, I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in life. So instead of focusing on finding a job, any job, like most of my peers did, I decided to take some time…
DetailsHere is another birthday and another generous individual who asked nothing but donations from her family and friends to make an impact in Turkey. Melody Ezgi Gulcan used her birthday past Fall to raise money for educational opportunities. With matching gifts from her employer, Ezgi’s birthday wish turned into a reality as she raised enough…
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