TEDxBAL Youth

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Ahmet Hamza Yılmaz

  Grade 11 at Bahçelievler Anatolian Highschool

  Ahmet Hamza Yılmaz has long been involved in theatre and performing arts, participating in various stage events and performances. He believes that the stage is a powerful tool for establishing a strong connection with people. During his school years, he served as an announcer at national holiday ceremonies and participated in poetry readings. He was part of the management team for a planned TEDx event during his preparatory year, taking responsibility for the organization and planning processes. He also actively participated in team coordination and stage preparation by organizing theatre projects with his friends.

• Deren Öztürk Mataracı

  Founder & CEO of COSMED | Entrepreneur

  Deren Öztürk Mataracı is an entrepreneur and the founder & CEO of COSMED, a pioneering Turkish dermocosmetics brand recognized for innovation and clean beauty. Launching her entrepreneurial journey at a young age, she transformed a bold vision into an internationally growing brand reaching dozens of countries. Through her work at the intersection of science, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, she advocates for purposeful innovation and inspires a new generation of founders to build with courage and impact.

• Ecrin Savaşkan

  Grade 11 student at Bahçelievler Anatolian Highschool

  My name is Ecrin, and I am an 11th-grade student at Bahçelievler Anatolian High School. I am deeply interested in psychology, personal development, and understanding human behavior, especially the ways emotions and thoughts can affect motivation and productivity. I enjoy exploring topics related to self-growth, perfectionism, and the mindset of young people in today’s achievement-oriented world. Through my TEDx talk, I aim to share a thoughtful perspective shaped by both my observations and personal experiences.

• Emin Moğulkoç

  International Basketball Referee | FIBA Official

  Emin Moğulkoç is an internationally respected basketball referee with decades of experience at the highest levels of the sport. As a FIBA official who has officiated major European and international tournaments, he has built a career around discipline, fairness, and leadership under pressure. Through sport, decision-making, and resilience, he offers unique insights into performance, responsibility, and the mindset required to thrive in high-stakes environments.

• Eren Yiğit Yeşil

  Preparatory Class at Bahçelievler Anatolian Highschool

  Eren Y. is a high school student and aspiring speaker based in Istanbul with a deep passion for the art of communication. A frequent participant in Model United Nations (MUN) conferences and competitive debates, Eren has spent years refining the ability to analyze complex global issues and present them through a relatable lens. Beyond the podium, Eren is a dedicated student of both language and design, often finding inspiration in the intersection of disciplined practice and creative expression. In this year’s TEDx talk, Eren explores the profound impact of adversity, drawing on the idea that hardships are not just obstacles to be cleared, but essential catalysts for growth. By examining why personal adaptation matters now more than ever, Eren offers a fresh perspective on how we can transform our most difficult challenges into our greatest strengths.

• Fehmi Zenginoğlu

  Grade 11 at Bahçelievler Anatolian Highschool

  Fehmi Zenginoğlu is a young producer interested in technology, philosophy, and creativity. He works in the fields of software, design, and idea development. He particularly values generating original ideas, developing different perspectives, and creating remarkable projects. He has produced work in many different areas, from robotics projects to forum designs, short film projects to creative media ideas. He is currently working on the HABITOF communication forum project, aiming to develop a simple, understandable, and versatile community system. He enjoys actively participating in teamwork and generating strong ideas. His interest in philosophy leads him to contemplate meaning, reality, and human behavior. He stands out for his engaging speeches, powerful atmospheres, and memorable concepts. In the future, he aims to further develop himself in the fields of technology, design, and creative media, producing even larger and more impactful projects.

• Güney Sevindik

  Founder of EtkinKampüs | Entrepreneur

  Güney Sevindik is the founder of EtkinKampüs, one of Turkey’s leading youth-focused event and development platforms. With a strong vision for empowering young people, he has built a community that connects students with opportunities in entrepreneurship, career development, and personal growth. Through large-scale events and impactful projects, he continues to inspire a new generation to take initiative, explore their potential, and shape their own paths.

• Hanife Akıncı

  Grade 10 at Bahçelievler Anatolian Highschool

  Hanife Akıncı is a student at Bahçelievler Anadolu Lisesi with ambitious goals for the future and a strong interest in self-development. She has actively participated in various school activities and enjoys pushing herself through new experiences. Hanife is particularly interested in mathematics and literature, fields that have strengthened both her analytical and creative thinking skills. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time alone with her thoughts, and reflecting on topics related to personal growth and individuality.”

• Kerem Kazaz

  Rally Driver | Youngest Turkish Rally Champion

  Kerem Kazaz is a rising force in motorsports and one of the most promising young rally drivers of his generation. Beginning his journey in motorsports at an early age, he has quickly built an impressive career through discipline, resilience, and ambition. As the youngest champion in Turkish Rally Championship history, Kerem represents a new generation pushing boundaries in competitive racing. Through speed, focus, and fearless pursuit of excellence, he inspires young people to chase bold dreams and redefine what is possible. (Petrol Ofisi)

• Mehmet Kaya

  Founder of Neuro Reflect | Neuromarketing Consultant

  Mehmet Kaya is the founder of Neuro Reflect and a neuromarketing consultant exploring the intersection of human behavior, neuroscience, and decision-making. Through data-driven insight and innovative research, he helps decode how emotions and cognition shape consumer behavior and communication. His work bridges science and strategy, offering a fresh perspective on marketing, perception, and the hidden mechanisms behind the choices we make.

• Mona Altundemir

  Instructional Designer | Learning Technologies Specialist | Educational Technology Consultant | Founder of MonEd Academy & Consulting

  Mona Altundemir is an instructional designer, educational technology specialist, entrepreneur, and academic consultant with over 18 years of experience in K–12, higher education, and corporate learning. She specializes in learning design, AI-supported education, digital transformation, gamification, and e-learning strategies. Mona has led numerous national and European projects, provides consultancy to educational institutions and organizations, and is the founder of MonEd Academy & Consulting. She is also pursuing doctoral studies in e-learning at FernUniversität in Hagen, Germany.

• Önder Karacan

  Grade 11 at Bahçelievler Anatolian Highschool

  He was born in Istanbul on January 18, 2008. At the age of 18, he continues his education as an 11th-grade student at Bahçelievler Anatolian High School. He plays basketball and performs as a guitarist in a music band. Open to learning and self-improvement, he continues to work toward success in both academic and social fields.