Driven by a passion for cultivating ecosystems that empower diverse minds to collaborate, innovate, and create sustainable impact, my work centers on driving positive change across industries, communities, and cultures, with sustainability and development as its key pillars. Through founding Gate 27, an international residency program, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with diverse and inspiring individuals to foster meaningful, innovative solutions. I’m passionate about exploring the intersection of industry, politics, and art, always with a focus on building resilience and advancing economic development. Gate 27 embodies this spirit, providing a space where value creators can pursue their passions and forge connections that generate impactful outcomes. My journey across different sectors has deepened my belief in the power of sustainability, innovation, and emotional intelligence. As a fourth-generation board member at Sabancı Holding, I embrace the responsibility of upholding a legacy that has connected Türkiye to the world through pioneering sustainable initiatives since 1926. In this role, I see myself as a steward of enduring values and a forward-thinking vision. I also serve on the Board of Trustees at Sabancı University, where I’m honored to contribute to the education of future change-makers who will craft sustainable solutions for tomorrow’s world. Guided by my family principles, I’ve cultivated a way of living and working rooted in compassion for nature, a passion for creativity, and a commitment to craftsmanship, talent and effort. My focus remains on channeling these values to make a positive, lasting impact. ​

Gate 27, which I founded and lead, is an ecosystem that integrates art, innovation, and sustainability through an interdisciplinary approach, providing space for transformative and visionary projects. It has grown into an experimental platform where individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together to think, create and collaborate. At Gate 27, we host guests from various disciplines to encourage creative thinking, self-reflection and meaningful dialogue. Our focus is on reexamining the significance of art and craftsmanship in today’s world while promoting sustainability and socio-economic development. The idea for Gate 27 was inspired by the non-hierarchical, pioneering initiatives I encountered during my graduate studies at Columbia University. We envisioned this platform as a continuously evolving Collaborative Ecosystem, embodying a living approach that enhances its environment. We believe in the transformative power of collaboration and continually expand our partnerships to amplify environmental, social, and economic impact. Our collaborative journey began with “Exploration Talks" series in collaboration with the Istanbul Biennial and Istanbul Policy Center, which aimed to unite theorists and practitioners who utilize art as a medium. This early initiative laid the groundwork for our ongoing interdisciplinary focus. Later, we hosted artists recommended by the Marina Abramović Institute, marking the start of our deeper collaboration efforts. Additionally, in partnership with the sustainable fashion brand Anim, we contributed to the creation of Craft Antakya (www.craftantakya.com), a project supporting artisans affected by the 2023 earthquake. Our collaboration with ORTA and Sabancı University resulted in an interdisciplinary project bridging art, industry, and science, rooted in sustainability principles. Environmental harmony lies at the heart of Gate 27’s founding philosophy. Our multi-layered activities focus on sustainability and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We prioritize projects centered around "ecological balance" and/or "economic development." At our Istanbul and Balıkesir locations, we implement sustainable practices like permaculture, rainwater harvesting, and composting. The holistic framework at Gate 27 continues to flourish and diversify. Our work generates social impact in areas such as cultural enrichment, inclusive growth, community bonding, awareness, and education. To date, we have hosted 60 artists, researchers, academics, and curators from various disciplines. We take pride in introducing some of these individuals to Türkiye for the first time. Our vision is to evolve Gate 27 from an institution into a cultural distillation center, refining the rich knowledge gained from our experiences. Gate 27 Advisory Board: Dr. Nazan Ölçer, Beral Madra, Prof. Dr. Ahu Antmen, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selçuk Artut

Starting with a rotation program at Sabancı Holding, I gained a unique vantage point into each subsidiary’s role in the greater ecosystem. This immersive experience wasn’t just corporate exposure; it ignited my belief that business can and should drive sustainability. I took this spark further during an internship with Abraaj, where I witnessed the power of private equity to foster growth in emerging markets, strengthening my passion for creating impact through finance. Each step deepened my purpose. At PwC, I honed my analytical and problem-solving skills through financial auditing a skillset that would be invaluable for my later roles. Before embarking on a master’s degree at Columbia University, my time at BCG helped me develop nuanced strategies in efficiency reporting and environmental auditing, aligning with my core values. Studying at Columbia University was transformative, immersing me in economic and political development with a focus on human-centered approaches. Inspired by the vision of cultivating change, I launched Gate 27 during my studies. Parallel to this, my role as a legal analyst at the International Energy Agency expanded my perspective on sustainable development through policy. In my work at Marshall Wace, I focused on company analysis and portfolio formation. Here, I developed a keen eye for value-added projects and broadened my international network, all while continuing my leadership at Gate 27. Today, in my roles as Founder of Gate 27, Board Member at Sabancı Holding, and Trustee at Sabancı University, a Member of the Board of Directors at Vista Turizm and SosyalBen Foundation my commitment remains steadfast. The principles that shape me transparency, value-driven leadership, and disruptive innovation are the backbone of my approach. With this ethos, I remain committed to make a positive impact, both locally and globally. Engaging with global organizations like the Tate International Council, TÜSİAD, Synergos and WORLD.MINDS, I continually seek to nurture my intellectual curiosity and grow my community. These connections fuel my mission to integrate meaningful change into each role I undertake.

My vision is rooted in a commitment to fostering social and cultural change through sustainable and innovative approaches. This perspective is enriched by insights drawn from diverse fields. I am inspired by visionary leaders who not only redefine industries and lead social change but also exemplify integrity and emotional intelligence. Their dedication to values like transparency, justice and social responsibility serve as a guiding light in my own journey. Growing up in a philanthropic family has profoundly shaped my worldview. My grandfather, Sakıp Sabancı, had a natural gift for understanding and motivating people, combined with a love-based approach that deeply influenced my concept of human-centric leadership. The strong bonds my grandmothers forged with my uncle and aunt, who have disabilities, and their joy for life and patience, laid the foundation for my passion for serving society. The strong women in my family—my paternal grandmother Elçin Tapan’s devotion to raising awareness, my maternal grandmother’s philanthropic efforts, my aunt’s remarkable resilience, and my mother’s disciplined pursuit of athletic excellence—have provided me with powerful examples of achieving the seemingly impossible. In this context, I fully embrace the philosophy of “teaching people to fish rather than giving them fish,” a principle that aligns with the priorities of the Sabancı Foundation. The leaders I collaborate with within the Sabancı ecosystem inspire me in areas such as strategic thinking, evaluation methodologies, and long-term outlook for sustainability. I am honored to be part of a network that contributes to society through educational and cultural initiatives such as Sabancı University and the Sakıp Sabancı Museum, under the Sabancı Foundation’s umbrella. Collaboration and collective growth are central to my approach to community-building. The ethical frameworks of community-focused initiatives within organizations like YPO and WORLD.MINDS resonate with my commitment to researching and implementing sustainable solutions, fostering environments where ideas can evolve and flourish. Innovation and creativity are often sparked by the intersection of ideas from different fields, whether in art, science, or technology. I find ongoing inspiration in interdisciplinary thinkers who challenge traditional boundaries and create new paradigms. Growing up near the Sakıp Sabancı Museum exposed me to creative minds, academics, and scientists, fueling my curiosity. This exposure enriches my work at Gate 27 and shapes my broader perspective. Being involved in the thought and production processes of the artists, discovering their sources of inspiration, and witnessing the evolution of their work ignite my passion for innovation and collaboration. Sustainability principles guide both my professional endeavors and personal values. I draw inspiration from initiatives and individuals devoted to safeguarding our planet for future generations. The efforts of organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and thought leaders in environmental conservation continue to shape my approach to sustainable business practices and community-building. Together, these influences reinforce my focus on creating lasting value on both a local and global scale. ​