TEDxKYAL Youth

Speakers

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

• Ahmet Canbaz

  television broadcaster - documentary producer

  Stepping behind the scenes of memorable productions, Ahmet Canbaz explores the transformative power of documentary filmmaking. He shares his perspective as a visual storyteller, discussing what it takes to bring mind-opening stories to the screen and how these narratives leave a lasting mark on our collective memory. Ahmet Canbaz is a television broadcaster and documentary producer with deep expertise in the field. He has spearheaded numerous high-quality projects that reached wide audiences through TRT and TRT Belgesel. Beyond producing, he plays an active role in shaping the national and international documentary ecosystem, taking on key responsibilities in prestigious organizations such as the TRT International Documentary Awards. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.

• Arzu Tektaş

  academician

  Prof. Dr. Arzu Tektaş completed her undergraduate studies in Industrial Engineering at Boğaziçi University and earned her PhD in operations management. She is currently a Professor of Quantitative Decision Methods in the Department of International Trade at Boğaziçi University, where she also serves as the Director of the School of Applied Sciences and the Vice Director of the Innovation Center. Her academic research focuses on productivity analysis, supply chain management, innovative business models, and innovative approaches in agriculture. Additionally, Prof. Tektaş is a founding member of the Innovative Agricultural Business Platform established at Boğaziçi University. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.

• Elif Afra Kılıç

  singer

  Elif Afra Kılıç, known by her stage name Afra, is a young musician who blends pop and alternative music, performing her own lyrics and compositions. Starting her music production at an early age, the artist stepped into her professional career by deciding to share the works she had kept to herself for a long time on digital platforms. She reached millions of listeners in a short time with songs like "Yasemen" and "Kafam Leyla," with both lyrics and music belonging entirely to her. Placing storytelling at the center of her music by translating her personal experiences into notes, Afra has managed to create a unique and sincere audience. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.

• Emre Nalbantoğlu

  Singer-songwriter

  Sometimes expressing our deepest emotions and finding our authentic voice starts with a single note a brave beginning. Exploring the connection between music, raw passion, and authenticity, musician Emre Nalbantoğlu shares his personal journey of turning an initial spark of inspiration into a musical career. Aligning with the theme "One Spark Away," he discusses how he found his unique voice and shaped his story through the sounds of blues and rock. Emre Nalbantoğlu is one of the most distinctive figures in Turkish blues and rock music. Known for his songs such as "Gitme," "Şiir Oldum," and "Hanımefendi," he is celebrated for his natural, unfiltered attitude, sincere lyrics, and highly energetic stage performances that have cultivated a dedicated fanbase. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.

• Levent Özdemir

  director - photographer

  How does a fleeting moment become a lasting visual story? Exploring the creative process behind capturing a single frame, Levent Özdemir explains how translating complex ideas into powerful imagery always begins with an initial spark of inspiration. Aligning with the theme "One Spark Away," he shares insights from his own artistic journey, revealing how the courage to act on that very first spark can shape a meaningful and lasting career. Levent Özdemir is a photographer, director, producer, and a Leica Turkey Club Ambassador. Known for his emotionally resonant approach to visual storytelling, he has led numerous national and international projects, inspiring many through his distinctive aesthetic vision. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.

• Meral Topal

  academician

  Dr. Meral Topal is an educational administrator and researcher who pioneers the development of an innovation and entrepreneurship culture in education. She currently serves as the Director of the Beşiktaş Science and Art Center (BİLSEM). Adding depth to the field through her academic work, Dr. Topal has conducted research across a wide range of topics, including higher education to employment transitions, school development strategies, and the accreditation processes of education faculties. Known for her strong contributions to educational literature, she provided striking analyses on institutional management and educational organization in the book "Transformation in the Turkish Education System (2002-2024)," published by SETA. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.