In 2016, TWI co-founder Sema Başol has accepted honors on behalf of TWI and DLD from three organizations this year
ATAA Turkish American Conference, February 2016
Sema Başol was a guest speaker at the “Assembly of Turkish American Association” (ATAA) conference in Washington, DC. As a member of the “Turkish American Women Stars” panel, she spoke about the role of TWI in developing leadership and career skills in university women in Turkey.
Now in its 36th year, ATAA’s conference brings together members of Turkish-American communities. The purpose is to promote greater public awareness and understanding of Turkey’s rich culture and modern day society. This year, more than 400 attendees included government officials, professionals in political, industrial, technological, commercial, academic, social, art and entertainment fields from the United States, Canada and Turkey.
Bursa Business Women’s Association Awards, March 2016
On International Women’s Day March 7 in Bursa, Turkey, the Bursa Business Women’s Association (BUKIAD) recognized Sema and DLD for their work with women in Turkey. On behalf of DLD, Sema received the “Role Model Women’s Organization” award. This was DLD’s first award in Turkey. DLD was chosen from all women’s organizations based in Turkey for this award. The awards gala was attended by local dignitaries, media and members of the business community.
BUKIAD is an association of business leaders whose mission is to encourage, strengthen and support female entrepreneurs and women in all walks of life, business and government.
Women’s eNews Award, May 2016
New York City was the venue of the 15th annual Women’s eNews gala, celebrating the work of “21 Leaders for the 21st Century 2016.” Sema Başol was honored as one of the “awe-inspiring individuals dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls across the globe.”
The 21 honorees were recognized as “changemakers for women and girls across seven sectors, including advocates for teen education, reproductive health, and women’s philanthropy.” In the category of “Three Who Enrich Women’s Economics,” Women’s eNews wrote this of Sema:
“Born and raised in Turkey, Sema Başol, with a graduate degree from UCLA business school, leaned out after her successful career at Mattel Inc. The once chief marketing director realized in 2005 that it was her time to give back. Three years later, Başol became the co-founder of Turkish Women’s Initiative, based in California, and Change Leaders Association in Turkey. The initiative’s signature program is an eight-month learning and leadership experience for young Turkish women who are the first in their families to go to college.”
Women’s eNews is an impact-driven, nonprofit daily news organization that creates social change by disseminating information and focusing attention on the rights of women and girls around the world through investigative reporting. Their mission is to report the stories of women and girls to create a more equitable world. Their vision is a world that honors, respects and supports the lives of women and girls.