On November 2, 2025, Change Leaders Association (Değişim Liderleri Derneği – DLD) took part in the Türkiye İş Bankası Istanbul Marathon, joining tens of thousands of runners in the world’s only marathon that connects two continents.     As we ran from one continent to another, we carried hope, solidarity, and strength for the leadership...

The LeaderSHEp in STEM Project has been launched in Eskişehir to support young women studying in STEM fields by strengthening their leadership skills and preparing them for inclusive, future-ready workplaces. Implemented through the collaboration of Değişim Liderleri Derneği (Change Leaders Association) and Ford Otosan, the project is supported by a GlobalGiving grant awarded in partnership...

  For the 2025–2026 program year, the Sparks Program received 550 applications from young women representing 135 universities across 76 cities in Türkiye. Following a multi-stage, competency-based selection process, 112 participants were accepted into the program, reflecting a 20% acceptance rate. This year, the Sparks curriculum deepens around two core learning areas: Wellbeing and Gender...

We’re proud to share a meaningful moment for Turkish Women’s Initiative.Hürriyet has featured Sema Başol in a beautifully written piece by journalist Elif Zorlu Tapan, highlighting her lifelong commitment to empowering young women and expanding leadership opportunities across Türkiye and the United States. The article opens with a special reflection:“About two months ago, by complete...

We are proud to share that our founder, Sema Başol, has been recognized as a “Community Star” in TurkNetwork Magazine. Her feature highlights the vision, dedication, and lifelong commitment she has brought to empowering youth and building meaningful community impact both in Türkiye and the United States. Sema’s journey is the foundation of Turkish Women’s...

On the Centennial of the Turkish Republic, we are grateful to Ataturk and the founders for establishing the foundations for gender equality in Turkiye…       Sparks Program, Turkiye We are opening our 2023-24 signature Sparks Program’s school year (our 14th) with a record 112 carefully-selected participants studying at universities throughout Turkiye. All have...

  Turkish Women’s Initiative (TWI) board members Ayca Altintig and Sema Basol were prominent participants at the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) conference on April 28, 2023 in Washington DC.  TWI’s contribution was organizing and presenting a panel discussion on the topic of women’s enlightenment and advancement. Panelists were Turkish women speaking about their...

What began as a simple fundraising idea has grown into a fun way to prepare and share well-known Turkish cuisine with friends old and new. Importantly, all proceeds from the two events will sponsor additional TWI Sparks Program in Turkiye in the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year. To date, there are funds for eight programs for a total...

TWI’s sister organization in Turkey DLD has just concluded another successful Sparks Program,  its signature leadership development program for university women. DLD also now has two important grants under its belt that are helping build the organization as a sustainable one. TURKISH PHILANTROPY GRANT for the earthquake region DLD has recently received a grant from...

    As with the rest of the world, we watched with shock and sadness at the revelation of the devastating February 4 earthquake in Turkiye. We immediately began exploring the role our Sparks leadership program for university women might play.  Recognizing that university women in the region will have an especially difficult time recovering,...

    On January 4, we launched the pilot program of Sparks USA for immigrant women at Alliant University in San Diego.  Using the signature Sparks Program in Turkiye as a model, Sparks USA was developed specifically for the needs of women international students who are tomorrow’s immigrant leaders.  Its aim is to provide leadership,...

  This is the theme of six short videos created by Turkish Women’s Initiative. Each video features an inspirational story of what it takes to be a strong Turkish woman. Very soon you will be seeing them all on FaceBook, YouTube, Instagram, and other social media. TWI initiated the project in August, following news of...

TWI’s ongoing Ignite programs are designed for immigrant professional women. The goals are to help the women develop greater understanding of U.S. culture; gain deeper appreciation of their own life experiences and strengths; and increase their connections with others. In November, 15 brilliant young immigrant women from different countries completed a six-session pilot program via...

You are invited to join us for a free pilot program as a participant in an initiative to help immigrant women thrive. Are you a professional woman eager to sharpen your career management skills and take the next step forward?   YES?   Then, please join us for a 6-meeting series of actionable counsel and...

TWI News First Virtual Summit on FacebookLive watched by over 3,000 peopleYear #11 for TWI’s “Sparks” leadership program for university women in Turkey culminated with its customary celebratory “Summit” gathering in May – but with a twist this time. Typical of 2020 graduations around the globe, this one was held virtually with everyone calling in...

“Before the Sparks program, I could not even call the delivery serviceto order water for my home. For our Sparks project, I had to talk to mayors.”– Ece, third year university student and second year Sparks participant Early this year, the stories of TWI’s Sparks program history and some of its many successes were printed and published...

Beginning November 2019,  donors to TWI can now contribute via Global Giving (www.globalgiving.org), the largest global crowdfunding community connecting nonprofits, donors, and companies in nearly every country. This is another opportunity for our donors to help empower more low- and modest-income Turkish university women with leadership and career skills that will change their worlds and the worlds of others. Click...

TWI sends a huge “thank you” to all who attended the November 16 “Stories of Courage” celebration and who also supported the Sparks Program with such generous donations. This was a fantastic turnout on a beautiful Southern California afternoon. Guests noshed on Turkish fare while meeting and greeting around the pool at the magnificent San Juan...

Second “Ignite” Workshop Draws Immigrant Women to Learn, Lunch, and Link It was learning, lunch, and linking up with other like-minded women at TWI’s March Ignite Workshop in southern California. The topic of the learning was “The Perfect Pitch: Presenting Yourself Socially and Professionally in the Very Best Light.” Immigrant women professionals spent the day...

The Sparks Program has kicked off its 10th year of leadership skills training for university women in Turkey, expanding now to four cities. With growing awareness and need for such programs, keep reading to find out how you can help more young women increase their confidence and take charge of their futures. Some challenges university-bound...