TEDxKAL Youth

Speakers

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

• Anıl Nişancalı

  Anıl Nişancalı is a Turkish author, columnist, and digital content creator known for his sharp wit, unique perspective on modern literature, and unconventional storytelling. Having studied under the legendary Turkish playwright Ferhan Şensoy, he brings a theatrical and bold approach to his writing, capturing the attention of younger audiences. He is the author of several novels and frequently uses digital platforms to blend everyday life observations with humor, satire, and cultural commentary.

• Armağan Hazar

  Armağan Hazar is a seasoned automotive executive and corporate leader. A graduate of Kadıköy Anatolian High School and Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ) with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he has dedicated nearly three decades of his professional career to Ford Otosan. Over the course of 28 years, he has successfully served in various pivotal roles across engineering, project coordination, product development, and global marketing, eventually taking on international leadership positions including regional directorates for Ford Trucks. Known for his strategic vision and adaptability in shifting corporate landscapes, Hazar is an advocate for continuous professional growth, structural flexibility, and maintaining a well-balanced life.

• Can Önduygu

  Can Önduygu is a prominent Turkish sports broadcaster, commentator, and content creator. A graduate of Kadıköy Anatolian High School (2010) and Boğaziçi University, he stepped into the sports media industry early in his career, working with major networks such as Eurosport, Tivibu Spor, S Sport, and beIN Sports. Since 2022, he has been continuing his career at Socrates Dergi, where he produces popular sports programs, podcasts, and digital content.

• Cihat Hatipoğlu

  Cihan Hatipoğlu is a corporate executive turned creator, broadcaster, and keynote speaker, widely known by her stage persona 'Cihan Abla'. After earning her degree and spending years in senior corporate management positions—including serving as a Group Advertising President at Doğan Group—she chose to pivot toward her true passion: sharing stories, empowering youth, and building communities through music and authenticity. Today, she travels extensively for talks, creates digital content through platforms like cihanabla.net, and inspires others to embrace their true identities and follow their genuine aspirations

• Doğukan Manço

  Doğukan Manço is a renowned Turkish DJ, record producer, and television personality, celebrated for blending his deep passion for music with a dynamic presen[2]ce across digital and traditional media. As the son of the legendary Turkish artist Barış Manço, he has successfully carried on a rich cultural legacy while carving out his own distinctive path in the electronic music and entertainment industry. Beyond his career behind the decks and on television, he is a passionate automotive enthusiast who actively promotes creative thinking, individuality, and breaking away from standardized societal routines

• Elis Özbay

  Elis Özbay is a pioneering Turkish national rower who made history by becoming the first female rower from Turkey to compete at the Olympic Games, representing her country at the Paris 2024 Olympics[1][2]. After transitioning from volleyball to rowing in her youth[1][3], she rapidly ascended through the ranks, capturing multiple medals[2], including World and European U23 championships[3][4]. Known for her fierce resilience, rigorous training discipline, and mental toughness on the water, Özbay continues to break barriers in a demanding sport, serving as a powerful inspiration for aspiring female athletes in Turkey and beyond.

• Emre Mutlu

  Emre Mutlu is a prominent Turkish comedian, stand-up performer, and content creator. A chemistry graduate who chose to follow his true passion for humor, he has spent nearly two decades entertaining audiences on stages, in clubs, and across digital platforms. Known for his sharp observational comedy, relatable everyday humor, and quick wit, he has become one of the recognizable and well-loved faces of the modern Turkish stand-up scene.

• Gökhan Müftüoğlu

  Gökhan Müftüoğlu, widely known as 'Gri Koç' (Gray Coach), is a prominent Turkish educator, author, and digital content creator specializing in student coaching, exam strategy, and motivational mentoring. A graduate of Erciyes University's Department of Biology, he dedicated his career to transforming student guidance by founding Gri Koç Academy and developing data-driven, practical frameworks like the Navigation Coaching System. Reaching millions of students through his extensive digital networks, seminars, and books such as Griden Beyaza (From Gray to White), he has established himself as one of Turkey's most influential voices in youth education, helping young minds navigate the psychological and academic challenges of national examinations.

• Hayri Dağlı

  Hayri Dağlı is a social entrepreneur, humanitarian, and the founder of IDEA Universal. After completing his degree in Sustainable Development at Stockholm University, a life-changing journey to Africa and witnessing extreme poverty led him to leave his corporate life behind and dedicate himself to grassroots solutions. Under his leadership, IDEA Universal pioneered the 'Smart Villages' model across impoverished regions in Africa and Asia, providing holistic, sustainable solutions for clean water, renewable energy, agriculture, and education to over half a million people. Recognized internationally for his impactful work, Dağlı continues to advise global bodies like the United Nations on sustainable development and poverty alleviation

• Tahir Erkol

  Tahir Erkol is a retired Turkish Air Force fighter pilot, veteran aviator, and keynote speaker. Having graduated from the prestigious Kuleli Military High School and the Air Force Academy with a degree in Industrial Engineering, he dedicated 26 years of service to his country. Throughout his illustrious military career, he accumulated over 4,000 flight hours primarily flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon, serving in various strategic missions across national and international airspace. Following his retirement, he transitioned to commercial aviation, continuing his lifelong passion for flight as an airline pilot on Airbus aircraft