TEDxYaşamTasarımSchools

Speakers

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

• Ada Gencelli

  High school student 11th grade

  Ada Gencelli is a 17-year-old high school student passionate about leadership, communication, and international engagement. As captain of her school’s English Debate Team and a TEDx presenter, she has developed strong public speaking and critical thinking skills. She represented her school at the Japanese–Turkish Peace Conference and participated as a Model United Nations delegate, demonstrating her commitment to diplomacy and global cooperation. Ada is also captain of her school’s girls’ basketball team, where she exemplifies teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Through her involvement in multiple European Youth Parliament (EYP) conferences and organizing teams, she has gained valuable experience in leadership, project management, and cross-cultural collaboration. As a Youth Volunteer Ambassador for ALTAV (Alanya Tourism Promotion Foundation), Ada has represented her community at national and international tourism events, promoting cultural exchange and tourism development.

• AHMET ŞERİF İZGÖREN

  Founder of İzgören Academy, Author, Leadership and Communication Expert

  Ahmet Şerif İzgören is an author, educator, and social entrepreneur who transforms lives through the power of storytelling. An English Linguistics graduate from Hacettepe University, he founded the Ankara University TÖMER Bursa Branch in 1991, establishing the city's first cultural center. In 1996, he launched his consulting firm, delivering over 2,000 seminars worldwide on leadership, communication, and body language. Committed to social impact, he founded the Turkey Ladybugs Project to spread the values of honesty, tolerance, and entrepreneurship. Through this major initiative, over 360,000 people in disadvantaged regions of Anatolia have received free education. Renowned for his sincere and humorous style, İzgören has authored numerous books, ranging from bestselling personal development works to inspiring children's stories. With his deep expertise and unique narrative ability, he continues to inspire and empower audiences of all ages.

• Anna Pshehalouk

  Middle school student 8th grade

  Anna Pshehalouk is an ambitious 8th-grade student with a passion for communication, creativity, and lifelong learning. A previous TEDx speaker, she has participated in both the Harvard Crimson Essay Competition and the John Locke Essay Competition, demonstrating her enthusiasm for critical thinking and academic exploration. Anna is also a Spelling Bee winner and is fluent in Arabic, English, and Turkish, reflecting her love for languages and diverse cultures. Beyond academics, Anna has a deep appreciation for music and enjoys playing the guitar. She is also a dedicated athlete who competes in tennis and volleyball at a professional level. Through her varied interests and experiences, Anna continues to challenge herself, inspire others, and explore new ways to grow both inside and outside the classroom.

• Arailym Zhaxylykova

  High school student 11th grade

  Arailym Zhaxylykova is a 16-year-old student from Kazakhstan, currently a sophomore at Yaşam Tasarım Okulları in Türkiye. A passionate musician and leader, she is an award-winning pianist with distinctions from the London College of Music. Beyond music, Arailym holds a black belt in taekwondo and is an active debater, representing her school at the European Youth Parliament. Her global outlook is highlighted by her role as a Global Ambassador for the Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition and her participation in programs in London and Singapore. With a deep love for languages and exploring new cultures, Arailym uses her diverse experiences in arts, sports, and public speaking to inspire young people to embrace curiosity, personal growth, and lifelong learning.

• ATILGAN ATILGAN

  Dean of the Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University (ALKÜ)

  Professor Atılgan is a visionary academic dedicated to engineering sustainable solutions for our planet's most critical environmental challenges. He currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Aviation and Space Sciences at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University (ALKÜ). Rooted in Biosystems Engineering, his extensive research explores the vital intersections of technology, ecology, and the future. He leads multidisciplinary studies tackling urgent global issues, including climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, air quality, and environmental pollution. Beyond analyzing ecological impact, his work focuses on actionable engineering applications across agriculture, energy, irrigation, and waste management. Through his commitment to science and sustainability, Professor Atılgan is driving the innovations necessary to protect our world and inspiring the next generation to build a more resilient future.

• Belinay Nur Tes

  High school student 11th grade

  Belinay Nur Tes is an 11th-grade student passionate about intellectual discussion, global perspectives, and the exchange of ideas that challenge the way people think. Through her involvement in internationally focused academic conferences, competitions, and discussion-based communities, she has developed a strong interest in communication, critical thinking, and understanding different viewpoints. In her TEDx talk, “What Is the Most Important Moment in Life?”, Belinay explores how the moments that challenge, transform, and redefine us often become the ones that shape who we are the most. She invites audiences to reconsider whether the most important moments in life are the ones that bring success — or the ones that quietly shape who we become.

• Diana Demir

  High school student 10th grade

  Diana Demir is a 10th-grade student with a passion for English literature, communication, and the exchange of ideas that bring people together. Through her academic pursuits and leadership experiences, she has developed a strong interest in critical thinking, public speaking, and understanding diverse perspectives. Diana has represented her school as both an EYP and MUN delegate, served as Captain of the National Debate Team, and participated in numerous English and language-based competitions, earning recognition at national and international levels. She is also a TEDx speaker, a Harvard Crimson Ambassador, a VEX Robotics participant, and a participant in the American Mathematics Olympiad, reflecting her commitment to excellence across both the humanities and STEM fields. Driven by curiosity and a love of learning, Diana aspires to continue exploring the intersections of language, leadership, and innovation while making meaningful contributions to her community and beyond.

• Duru Şahiner

  High School Student 9th Grade

  Duru Şahiner is the Head Editor of her school’s English magazine, a TÜBİTAK Regional Winner and Turkey Finalist, and a participant in the Harvard Crimson Essay Competition. As an English debater, she is passionate about exploring and communicating new ideas. Beyond academics, Duru is a dedicated volleyball player and an award-winning artist whose achievements span multiple competitions. Through writing, debate, art, and sports, she enjoys expressing creativity, challenging perspectives, and inspiring meaningful conversations.

• Ekin Su Atmaca

  High school student 11th grade

  Ekin Su is a 17-year-old student with a strong interest in public speaking, academic writing, and international affairs. She has attended TEDx events twice and participated in the European Youth Parliament (EYP) as a delegate. She has also taken part in the Harvard International Review essay competition and is currently working on the John Locke Institute Essay Competition. Additionally, she has participated in both Turkish and English debate competitions organized by the Ministry of National Education of Turkey (MEB), developing strong communication and critical thinking skills.

• Elif Körük

  High school student 10th grade

  Elif Körük is a driven 10th-grade student passionate about neuroscience, research, and diplomacy. As her school’s magazine coordinator, she channels her leadership into media production. Her fascination with the human mind fuels her ambition to study university-level neuropsychology, a dedication shown through her submissions to the prestigious John Locke and SARC essay competitions. An accomplished communicator, Elif excels in public speaking and global engagement. Her track record includes participating in Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges, EYP sessions, and Model United Nations conferences, where she earned an Outstanding Delegate Award. Blending advanced English with scientific curiosity, she is preparing to unlock human potential.

• Elif Eslem Demiral

  High school student 10th grade

  Elif Eslem Demiral is a 10th-grade student actively involved in academic and social activities. She is a volunteer TEDx speaker and has also taken part in MUN mock sessions, standing out with her communication skills and interest in global issues. She participated in the Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition and served as an ambassador within this program, gaining international academic experience. She also participated in the John Locke Essay Competition and the MEFELO English Olympiad. In addition, Eslem continues to improve herself in the field of English.

• FARUK KONUKÇU

  Mayoral Advisor for Social Policies at Alanya Municipality, President of Alanya Belediyespor

  Faruk Konukcu is a dedicated community leader and visionary manager who has spent over three decades shaping the social, educational, and cultural landscape of Alanya. Originally from Sinop, he studied Tourism Management and made Alanya his home in 1990. Transitioning from a 35-year career in hospitality and business management, he channeled his expertise into profound community service. A champion of social solidarity, he co-founded Alanya’s first search and rescue NGO, dedicating 11 years to voluntary disaster response. A pioneer in alternative education, he served as Vice President of the foundation that established Turkey's first Waldorf school, guiding its transformative vision for a decade. Today, he serves as the Advisor to the Mayor on Social Policies for the Alanya Municipality and President of Alanya Belediyespor. Driven by a profound commitment to human-centric leadership, Konukcu continues to champion projects that empower individuals and elevate community resilience.

• KEI HATANAKA

  CEO of Gakken Turkey Innovative Education Inc.

  Kei Hatanaka is a global leader in educational innovation, serving as CEO of Gakken Turkey Innovative Education and Executive Director of the Global Strategy Office at Japan’s Gakken Holdings. Based in Turkey, he spearheads international initiatives in education and human resource development, bridging Japan with the Global South, Europe, and beyond. Throughout a dynamic career spanning Japan, India, Indonesia, China, Singapore, and Turkey, Kei has driven organizational transformation and cross-border business restructuring. His core mission is empowering people and institutions to adapt to rapid change. Today, his work is guided by a critical question: In an era where AI and technology reshape society, what human competencies must education preserve and strengthen? Through his leadership, Kei is pioneering new learning models that go beyond traditional knowledge, cultivating human judgment, adaptability, empathy, and the courage to act for future generations.

• MEHMET SALİH ORGUN

  Mehmet Salih Orgun is an educator and cultural advocate based in Alanya and the founding principal of Yaşam Tasarım Okulları. Committed to international education, he has led innovative programs since 2016 that integrate language learning and cultural exchange, introducing Japanese language courses, Aikido classes, and TEDx events, helping transform the school into a regional hub for Japanese–Turkish relations. In recognition of his contributions to promoting Japanese culture and cross-cultural understanding, Orgun has received prestigious honors from the Japanese Embassy in Turkey, including the Japan Ambassador Award. He continues to collaborate with JICA and the Turkish–Japanese Foundation to expand educational opportunities, student exchanges, and disaster-preparedness seminars, demonstrating how education can serve as a bridge between nations.

• Öykü Sadullahoğlu

  High School Student Grade11

  Seventeen-year-old Öykü from Alanya is a dynamic youth leader whose passions span international diplomacy, competitive athletics, and the performing arts. Already a seasoned voice as a two-time TED speaker, she brings a uniquely global perspective to her audience. Her commitment to cross-cultural dialogue is highlighted by her experience as a two-time delegate at the European Youth Parliament (EYP) and as an AFS Canada exchange student. Beyond her academic and diplomatic pursuits, she is a dedicated athlete, serving as the captain of her school's volleyball team and volunteering at the International Beach Volleyball tournament. Öykü's vibrant energy also extends to the arts as a talented vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who plays the guitar, piano, and trombone. Through her multifaceted journey. Öykü embodies the spirit of a modern global citizen, making her an inspiring voice and a compelling storyteller for her generation.

• PINAR SİPAHİ

  Chief Designer at All-in Design & Development Union (ADDU), Architect, Physical Transformation Consultant at TÜBİTAK BİLGEM

  Dr. M. Pınar Sipahi is an esteemed architect, academic, and visionary designer who explores the profound relationship between humans and their environments. An Architecture graduate of Yıldız Technical University, she has dedicated her career to sustainability and cross-cultural design innovation. She has been instrumental in forging strong design collaborations between Turkey and Italy, such as the Italian Design Day. For her extraordinary global impact, she was honored with the title of "Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy" (Cavaliere dell'Ordine della Stella d'Italia) by the Italian President in 2023. Bringing vast experience as a Physical Transformation Consultant at TÜBİTAK BİLGEM and through key roles at the Turkey Design Foundation, she is now the Founder and Chief Designer of All-in Design & Development Union (ADDU).

• Talya Uyar

  High school student 11th grade

  Talya Uyar is a 17-year-old student interested in youth leadership, international collaboration, and public speaking. She has delivered two TEDx talks, developing her communication skills for diverse audiences. She is a 2026 Global Harvard Crimson Essay Competition regional winner in the Argumentative category. She has earned the Outstanding Delegate Award at Model United Nations conferences and is active in debate activities. In 2025, she was a staff member at the World Beach Volleyball Tournament, where she actively volunteered on the courts throughout the event and took part in organizational processes. Talya is actively involved in the European Youth Parliament (EYP), serving on the organizing team of the 6th Regional Session in Alanya, where she contributed to coordination and organizational processes. As the Public Relations (PR) representative of her VEX Robotics team, she contributed to increasing the team’s visibility and communication efforts.

• ZEHRA AKÇOCUK

  CURATOR - EDUCATION COORDINATOR - SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER

  Born in Alanya, Zehra Akçocuk completed her degree in Social Sciences Education at Selçuk University. Beginning her career as a teacher, she has leveraged her deep experience in educational management and school development to spearhead innovative practices that enhance student achievement. Currently serving as Education Coordinator at Yaşam Tasarım Schools, Akçocuk focuses on cultivating educational quality, teacher development, and student-centred learning environments. Viewing education as a holistic "journey of life" rather than mere knowledge transfer, she is a visionary leader who integrates academic success with essential life skills. As a strong reflection of this vision, she serves as the official curator for our school's "TEDx: Prima Lux" event.