Theme: Finding a way

In life, the road to success is rarely a smooth journey. When resources are limited, opportunities are scarce, or uncertainty dominates the environment, the true power of human resilience emerges. This year's our TEDx theme, "Finding a Way," celebrates the unwavering spirit of those who turn obstacles into opportunities and chart their own paths against the odds.

"Finding a Way" highlights the creative solutions, bold mindsets, and inner strength that drive success under inefficient circumstances.

Our motto as team is that When the world says "no way" — there’s always someone finding a way.

Sabancı cultural Center
Erciyes Üniversitesi Rektörlüğü Merkez Kampusü Talas Yolu Üzeri 38039 Melikgazi-Kayseri
Kayseri, Kayseri, 38030
Turkey

Buket Durmuş

Teacher of English

Buket Durmuş was born with a congenital condition that resulted in the absence of shinbones and toes. This caused her to walk by dragging her feet on the ground for 35 years. However, thanks to her determination and perseverance, she excelled in her education and achieved her dream of becoming an English teacher. Despite the difficulties she faced, Buket Durmuş made a life-changing decision. About three months ago, she underwent surgery at a private hospital in Adana, where her legs were amputated below the knee and prosthetics were fitted. Thanks to this operation, she experienced the joy of taking her first steps after 35 years. Buket Durmuş, who continues her teaching career at Kayseri Develi İMKB Science High School, aims to reunite with her students after her recovery process. She also intends to participate in projects that will help other disabled individuals hold on to life. Buket Durmuş's story stands out as a symbol of perseverance, determination, and hope.

Burcu Yılmaz

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Information Technologies Educators Association

Burcu Yılmaz is a prominent figure in the field of technology education, currently holding the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Information Technologies Educators Association. In this leadership role, she actively shapes the direction of technology integration within educational frameworks. Her professional endeavors are deeply rooted in understanding and addressing the evolving dynamics between technology and pedagogy. A significant aspect of her work involves critically examining the educational implications of digital games, moving beyond their entertainment value to explore their potential as learning tools. This involves analyzing how these games can be effectively incorporated into curricula to enhance engagement and knowledge retention

Doruk Sayar

Illusionist

Doruk Sayar was one of the founders of the Magicians' Club, which achieved firsts in magic in Turkey. This organization allowed Doruk to improve himself by receiving training from many world-renowned magicians by hosting them in our country. At the age of 17, he won an award at the Balkan Magic Competition in Greece. He then attended the Blackpool Magic Convention in England and continued to receive training from the world's best magicians. He graduated from Bilgi University Visual Communication Design and made a name for himself with his first stage show "Sleight of Mind," using the visual techniques he developed over the years. In 2017, he started working with SansMinds Magic, an international magic company. He became known among magicians worldwide by releasing his own tricks. He also founded the Illusion Academy and provided magic training to thousands of children in various venues.

Serdar Ceylaner

Medical geneticist-Founder of Intergen Genetics and Rare Diseases Diagnosis and Research Center.

Prof. Dr. Serdar Ceylaner is a medical doctor- a medical geneticist who focuses on rare and undiagnosed diseases for both diagnostic and scientific studies. He is the director, partner, and founder of Intergen Genetics and Rare Diseases Diagnosis and Research Center. Serdar Ceylaner is the Vice Chairman of the Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases Committee of the European Association of Medical Specialists (UEMS). He is a member of several other UEMS committees (Department of Medical Genetics, Medical Genetics Board Examination Committee, Multidisciplinary Adolescent Health Joint Committee). He is the former president of the Medical Genetics Association of Turkey and a member of the board of directors between 2009 and 2017. Between 1997 and 2017, he was the founder of the Department of Genetics at Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health and Training Hospital. He has focused on genetics and rare diseases and has studied in this field for 27 years.

Sinem Şekercan

Yoga Instructor and Holistic Body Therapist

Believing in the power of stories, Sinem Şekercan graduated from Boğaziçi University with a degree in Translation and Interpreting Studies and completed her master’s degree in Written Translation. She has devoted her life to discovering and telling stories that are worth sharing.Her journey, which began in Ankara while listening to fairy tales, has been shaped by corporate life, a semi-professional dance career, and trainings in yoga and body therapy. In 2017, her interest in tales and mythological stories was rekindled, and eventually, she created a new story of hope by stepping out of a world where she felt trapped.Approaching life like a movie, Sinem believes that creating a story worth telling is something everyone has the power to do.

Zeynep Özden Ayyıldız

Dubbing Artist

Özden Ayyıldız graduated from Istanbul University State Conservatory, Department of Theatre.[1] In 2004, she worked as an instructor on the competition program "Türkiye'nin Yıldızları" (Turkey's Stars) broadcast on Show TV. In the same year, she hosted the economy program "Tüketirken" (While Consuming) broadcast on TRT. In addition to her theatre and TV work, she is a dubbling artist