The launch event of the 16th Season of the Sabancı Foundation Changemakers Program was held at Sabancı Center, hosted by Güler Sabancı, Chair of the Sabancı Foundation Board of Trustees. Speaking at the event where inspiring stories of six Changemakers from different regions of Türkiye were shared, Güler Sabancı said, “Since launching our Changemakers Program in 2009, it has become a source of inspiration born from the real stories of those who ignite change and spark hope in the dark. These stories, told by individuals who began their journey not with great resources but with great courage and faith, reinforce my belief that the voice of goodness in this land will never be silenced. As in every year, this year’s six extraordinary stories once again reveal the immense potential within every individual in our country.”
The Sabancı Foundation Changemakers Program, which has been highlighting the impact and contributions of individuals and institutions to social development in Türkiye since 2009, has announced the Changemakers of its 16th Season.
The launch event of the new season was held at Sabancı Center, hosted by Güler Sabancı and moderated by journalist Cüneyt Özdemir. At the event, six Changemakers who developed tangible and sustainable solutions to problems in their communities shared their impactful stories that lead change and inspire courage and hope in society.
“The Changemakers Program has become a community united around goodness, growing like a snowball”
Güler Sabancı stated, “As the Sabancı Foundation, we are proud to be celebrating our 50th anniversary. Since launching the Changemakers Program in 2009, it has become one of our Foundation’s most important projects. This initiative, born not from great resources but from great courage and belief, has become a platform where the voices of those who spark a light in the darkness are heard. Their stories of courage, hope, and responsibility continue to resonate across this land. Once again this year, these six extraordinary stories reminded us of the potential within every person in our country.”
Since its launch, the Changemakers Program has received nearly 20,000 applications. Following a rigorous evaluation process, 222 individuals and institutions have been selected. Güler Sabancı emphasized that the program has grown beyond a platform for awareness into a community that gathers around social good, growing like a snowball. “Most Changemakers have tackled the very social issues they personally experience, using their own knowledge and skills to transform their environments. Their efforts give us hope and inspiration. A drop of water falls and spreads rings of goodness. As the Sabancı Foundation embarks on its next 50 years, we are grateful to all Changemakers who amplify the voice of goodness and to everyone who shares in that hope. Fueled by your strength, we move forward into a new chapter to do even better.”
Six powerful stories that inspire change in society
Atakan Nalbant makes digital content accessible for users with various disabilities through Binclusive, an AI-based solution that improves website and mobile app accessibility.
Deniz Toprak supports personal development and regional growth through the Hatay Surf Center, where children and youth receive free surf training. The center helps participants build confidence and connect with themselves, their community, and nature through surfing.
Ekin Gündüz Özdemirci & Nurten Bayraktar co-founded EkoFilm: Sustainable Production Platform to reduce the environmental impact of the film industry and raise awareness of the climate crisis through storytelling and cinema.
Niyazi Selçuk established the Green Ants School to promote environmental awareness and recycling, particularly among children. By placing children—one of the groups most affected by climate change—at the center, the initiative also aims to change adults’ consumption habits.
Pervin Aydar Emeklioğlu, founder of the Collective Impact Program Association & Textile Workshop, empowers women to acquire social and professional skills and access fair-wage, qualified employment opportunities in the textile industry.
Sevilay Refika Kadıoğlu continues her work to protect and promote the multicultural heritage of the Eastern Black Sea region, particularly Laz culture and language, through nature-centered projects and as a founding member of the Gola Culture, Arts and Ecology Association.
