Ada Gencelli
Highschool student grade 10
Ada Gencelli is a dynamic and accomplished 16-year-old high school student whose passion for leadership, communication, and innovation transcends borders. A distinguished speaker on her school’s English Debate Team and a veteran TEDx presenter, Ada has consistently demonstrated her ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and confidence. She also serves as the captain of her school's volleyball team, exemplifying both teamwork and resilience.
Ada represented her school at the Japanese-Turkish Peace Conference and has served as a Model United Nations (MUN) delegate, showcasing her deep commitment to diplomacy and global citizenship. As a participant in the Turkey-Latvia student exchange program, she continues to foster international understanding and collaboration.
An elite athlete, Ada holds over 30 national medals in swimming, basketball, sailing, and judo. Her dedication to excellence extends into academics and innovation as well—she is a certified Cambridge English speaker
Anna Pshehalouk
Middle school student 7th grade
Anna Pshehalouk is a remarkably gifted 13-year-old student whose talents span the arts, literature, and the sciences. An award-winning participant in the Spelling Bee, Anna combines linguistic precision with expressive depth. She is fluent in Arabic, Turkish, and English, effortlessly bridging cultures through language.
Anna is a professional Circassian dancer, preserving cultural heritage with grace and discipline. Her artistic talents extend to both music—playing guitar and piano—and visual arts, where her paintings captivate with imagination and emotional nuance. A budding writer and junior author, Anna explores themes of identity and human behavior, inspired by her growing interest in psychology.
With a vibrant mind and creative soul, Anna brings a unique blend of cultural richness, intellect, and artistic vision to the TEDx stage.
Defne Balıktay
High school student 9th grade
Defne Balıktay is an energetic and enthusiastic high school freshman. As an active member of her school’s volleyball club, she combines her love for sports with teamwork and discipline, excelling both on and off the court. Known for her friendly and positive personality, Defne enjoys participating in various activities and inspires those around her with her energy.
Her dedication to balancing academics and athletics reflects her determination and strong work ethic. Always eager to learn and grow, Defne is a natural team player and a role model among her peers, embodying the qualities of resilience, curiosity, and leadership.
Defne Kuru
Middle school student 7th grade
Defne Kuru is a passionate and multifaceted 7th-grade student whose talents span the worlds of art, science, and athletics. A dedicated young actress, Defne has brought numerous characters to life on stage through her work with the Alanya Art and Cultural Municipality’s theater productions. Her artistic flair also extends to music; she is a devoted violinist, channeling emotion and discipline into every performance.
Beyond the arts, Defne thrives academically and competitively. She is a proud award winner of her school’s spelling bee and a junior researcher recognized in the prestigious TÜBİTAK science competition, showcasing her intellectual curiosity and commitment to discovery. As a member of her school’s volleyball team, she exemplifies teamwork and perseverance.
Defne brings to the TEDx stage a unique blend of creativity, intellect, and youthful vision—an inspiring voice for her generation.
Diana Demir
High school student 9th grade
Diana Demir is a hardworking and determined 15-year-old freshman with a passion for diplomacy and international relations. As an active member of her school’s Model United Nations (MUN) club, she hones her public speaking, negotiation, and critical thinking skills. She is also highly sportive, embracing challenges with energy and perseverance. Diana is committed to personal growth, excelling in both academics and extracurriculars. With a strong work ethic and leadership mindset, she strives to make a positive impact in every endeavor. She looks forward to expanding her knowledge and contributing to the world of diplomacy and beyond.
Dila Akyel
Middle school student 7th grade
Dila Akyel is a dynamic and inquisitive 12-year-old student whose talents bridge the realms of technology, the arts, and language. As a junior theater actress, she has already begun making her mark on stage with expressive performances that reflect her creativity and confidence. Her passion for innovation shines through her role as a young researcher in the renowned Teknofest competition, where she explores the intersection of science and problem-solving.
Fluent in German and musically inclined as an intermediate piano player, Dila embraces both discipline and self-expression in her daily life. She is also a committed member of her school’s volleyball team, balancing academics and extracurriculars with energy and focus.
Dila brings a forward-thinking spirit and a global perspective to the TEDx stage, representing the voice of a curious and ambitious new generation.
Ebrar Sude Durmaz
High school student 10th grade
Ebrar Sude Durmaz was born on April 30, 2008. She is currently a 10th-grade student at Yaşam Tasarım Science High School, where she is known for being a successful and hardworking student. Her strong academic performance reflects her dedication to learning and self-improvement.
Outside of school, Ebrar enjoys spending time with her younger sister. In her free time, she likes watching movies and listening to music, which help her relax and unwind. With her balanced lifestyle and positive attitude, Ebrar is a promising student with a bright future.
Ekin Su Atmaca
High school student 10th grade
Ekin Su Atmaca is a 15-year-old student at Yaşam Tasarım High School. With a passion for learning and personal growth, Ekin dedicates time to a variety of interests, including playing volleyball, listening to music, learning new languages, and reading books. Ekin’s enthusiasm for both academics and extracurricular activities showcases a well-rounded character, balancing physical fitness, intellectual curiosity, and creative expression. As a dedicated student and aspiring individual, Ekin strives to continue developing skills that will pave the way for future academic and personal success.
Ela Akyel
High school student 10th grade
Ela is a high school student who is very interested in both sports and technology. She is an active member of her school’s volleyball team. Playing volleyball helps her build strong teamwork skills, stay healthy, and have fun with her friends. She enjoys practicing with her team and taking part in school tournaments. Volleyball teaches her discipline, focus, and how to work together to reach a goal.
Ela is also part of the school’s VEX robotics team. She enjoys coding, building robots, and solving technical problems. Through this team, she learns about engineering and how to create new ideas with others. She likes the challenge of thinking creatively and working with her teammates on projects. Both in sports and robotics, Ela shows that she is hardworking, curious, and always ready to learn something new.
Elif Uzuner
High school student 11th grade
Elif Eylül Uzuner is a dynamic and multi-talented 11th-grade student whose passion for expression, intellect, and the arts defines her vibrant presence in both academic and extracurricular arenas. A dedicated member of the MUN Club and the captain of her school's Debate Club, Elif thrives in environments that foster critical thinking and articulate dialogue.
Her talents extend beyond public speaking—she is a nationally recognized math student, having placed 12th in a competitive national contest, and holds numerous accolades in the sport of fencing. An avid violinist and art enthusiast, she balances analytical precision with creative sensitivity. Elif has also claimed first place in three singing competitions, showcasing her expressive voice and stage confidence.
As a veteran TEDx speaker, she returns to the stage with a unique blend of youthful insight, eloquence, and an unwavering drive to inspire. Elif represents the next generation of thinkers and changemakers.
Elif Eslem Demiral
High school student 9th grade
Elif Eslem Demiral is a dedicated and hardworking 14-year-old freshman with a strong passion for skating. She manages to maintain a balanced lifestyle, focusing on both her academic achievements and athletic pursuits. Her determination and discipline drive her to continuously improve, whether in school or on the skating rink. Elif Eslem embraces challenges with enthusiasm, always striving to push her limits and grow as an individual. With her focus on personal development, she is committed to achieving success in both her studies and sports. As she continues to grow, Elif Eslem aims to make a meaningful impact in all areas of her life.
Fatma Naz Toksöz
High school student 9th grade
At 15, Fatma Naz Toksöz is a freshman at Özel Yaşam Tasarım Fen Lisesi in Alanya, Turkey. She is a talented volleyball and tennis player, embodying an active and sportive lifestyle. Her determination has led her to play significant roles in TEKNOFEST, Turkey’s premier aviation, space, and technology festival, and in the FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL), an international program that encourages youth engagement in science and technology. These experiences have enhanced her skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and innovative thinking. Fatma Naz’s passion and diligence in both sports and technology position her as a promising young individual poised for future success.
Gözde Gülerer
High school student 10th grade
Gözde Gülerler is a 10th-grade student at Yaşam Tasarım Science High School and a nationally awarded young mathematician, having placed 3rd in Turkey with a TÜBİTAK math project in 8th grade. She is currently working on a TEKNOFEST project with her friend focused on reducing the carbon footprint in polar regions.
Hüsnü Alper
Highschool student 10th grade
Hüsnü Alper is a dedicated and multi-talented 10th-grade student with a passion for innovation, collaboration, and the arts. As a key member of the mechanical team in the VEX Robotics Competition held in Turkey, he has demonstrated strong problem-solving skills and a keen interest in engineering. His global outlook was further enriched through his participation in a student exchange program between Türkiye and Latvia, where he engaged in cross-cultural dialogue and academic exchange.
Beyond academics, Hüsnü is an active contributor to his school community. He is a committed athlete on the school’s basketball team and a proud member of the school marching band, balancing both intellectual and creative pursuits. His diverse experiences reflect a well-rounded individual driven by curiosity, discipline, and a desire to make a meaningful impact.
Kaan Gölcükçü
High school student 10th grade
Kaan Gölcükçü has achieved several victories in school contests such as football, dodgeball, and basketball. He can play the piano by ear. He has a deep interest in cinema and possesses incredible knowledge about filmmaking. He speaks English fluently. Last year, he took part in the Alanya Municipality Theatre’s play. He is also interested in writing his own scripts. Among his friends and family, he is known for his witty, humorous, enthusiastic, and wise personality
Kimiya Paki
Highschool student 9th grade
Kimiya Paki is a dynamic 9th-grade student whose passion and leadership extend far beyond the classroom. As the captain of her school’s debate club, she brings intellectual rigor and eloquence to every conversation
advocating for thoughtful discourse on issues that matter. Fluent in English, Persian, and Turkish Kimiya bridges cultures with ease, embodying the spirit of global citizenship
A rising fashion designer and accomplished digital artist, she channels creativity into visually compelling works that reflect her unique perspective. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Kimiya is an intermediate musician with a deep appreciation for both Middle Eastern and Western musical traditions.
Her commitment to social causes is equally inspiring. As an outspoken animal rights activist and former member of her local animal shelter, she continues to champion compassion and ethical responsibility
Kimiya’s multifaceted talents and unwavering drive make her a compelling voice for her generation
Rana Kurt
High school student 9th grade
Rana Kurt is a dedicated high school student known for her curiosity, discipline, and excellence in academics and sports. A competitive tennis player, she has won multiple championships, showcasing her perseverance and strategic mindset. Beyond athletics, she is an active member of the Model United Nations (MUN) club, refining her leadership, public speaking, and negotiation skills. Passionate about learning and self-improvement, Rana balances academics, sports, and extracurricular activities with dedication. Her drive for success and well-rounded abilities position her as a promising student with a bright future ahead.
Shakur Goncharov
High school student 10th grade
Shakur is an enthusiastic basketball player with a love for both sports and intellectual challenges. When not on the court, they enjoy immersing themselves in history books, learning about the past while exploring new ways to think critically. A dedicated coder, Shakur is always looking for innovative ways to apply their skills. They also have a keen interest in chess, where strategy and patience are key to their success. Recently, Shakur participated in a VEX competition, showcasing their problem-solving abilities. With a curious mind and a passion for learning, Shakur continues to grow and explore their wide range of interests.
Sümeyye Buyruk
Mathematic teacher
Sümeyye Buyruk is a dedicated educator, veteran project manager, and lifelong learner whose career bridges mathematics, innovation, and international culture. Born on November 13, 1991, she graduated with a degree in Mathematics from Afyon Kocatepe University and has spent over a decade shaping young minds as a committed and dynamic teacher.
With an impressive tenure as a project manager for Turkey’s renowned Teknofest, Sümeyye has played a pivotal role in fostering scientific curiosity and innovation among students across the country. Her work spans diverse academic institutions, where she has consistently promoted interdisciplinary learning and empowered students to reach their full potential.
Beyond the classroom, Sümeyye is an avid traveler and a passionate polyglot, continuously exploring new languages and cultures. Her enthusiasm for physical activity is equally vibrant
Talya Uyar
High school student 10th grade
Talya Uyar is a has participated in MUN conferences . She also had the opportunity to speak at a TEDx event. In her free time, she enjoys playing the piano, a hobby she has been pursuing for several years.Also spends most of her time listening songs.
She enjoys playing volleyball and has proudly contributed to several match victories with her team. Cycling and working out are also among her favorite activities she
is known for being active and energetic in her daily life.
Yusuf Tuğra Kivrak
High school student 9th grade
Yusuf Tuğra Kıvrak is a 15-year-old high school freshman with a passion for technology and innovation. He actively participates in the FIRST LEGO League (FLL), where he works with his team to design and program robots while developing creative solutions to real-world problems.
Tuğra is known for being cooperative, smart, hardworking, friendly, and caring, making him a strong team player. He is always eager to learn, improve, and take on new challenges. With a dedication to problem-solving and teamwork, he strives to make meaningful contributions to both his academic and extracurricular pursuits.he is a man who always has a plan