Meet the Focal Points of ‘here we are Türkiye’
It all began with this idea to support other professionals in Türkiye.
As foreigners living in Türkiye, we have come to embrace the joys and challenges of our life here. At first we were the “tourist”; then we become the “resident”; and after some time, we start to think of ourselves as connected with our different neighbourhoods (mahalleleri). We are a part of this the cities in which we live.
With that community connection comes the desire to continue our own professional journey and personal development. The desire to connect with other professionals (whether currently working, developing a new skillset or simply wanting to stay active to minimize the gap in a CV). We are here we are Türkiye.
here we are global uses the term “Focal Point” to describe the individuals that oversee the activities of the local chapters and global community; and attend regular online meetings with the other chapters worldwide. Essentially, a Focal Point is a reference point for global members and partners requesting information or interested in connecting with members in their location.
Let’s meet the current Focal Points of here we are Türkiye…
Caroline Onuk
Caroline is a life-long expat having lived in various countries in Africa, Europe, North America and the Middle East. She is married to a fellow expat and the mother of two multicultural children.
What is one thing that you have grown to love about living in Türkiye?
The friendliness and willingness of Turkish people to help strangers
From her years as an HR professional with several global multinational firms; her own life-long transient lifestyle; and attempting to balance being a mom and a career woman, Caroline recognised the need to help others find ‘true purpose’.
She is a Talent Acquisition Advisor, ACC ICF and EMCC accredited and the Founder of Bright Future Leaders. Caroline provides a supportive space to create lifelong solutions where transition is manageable and meaningful.
Daffa Konaté
Daffa, born and raised in Paris, is of Malian and Senegalese decent. Her African roots were the inspiration for her business, Kelen, which showcases the culturally rich, modern and incredibly creative Africa.
What is one thing that you have grown to love about living in Türkiye?
Being in at a crossroads of cultures…and, of course, the food
Through Kelen, Daffa uses artistic and innovative solutions dedicated to contemporary art to energize commercial spaces and attract clientele. Since 2016, Kelen has organized numerous exhibitions at galleries, restaurants and schools throughout Istanbul, Paris, Nairobi and Dakar.
Daffa uses art as vectors of communication and exchange to create bridges between different cultures. She is delighted by the enthusiasm her events generated.
Lisa Slatter
Lisa, originally from England began her career in the hospitality sector managing properties in Southeast London. Not one to say no to a life adventure, Lisa took a leap of faith and started her expat life with a short sprint in Singapore and Greece before residing in Istanbul, Türkiye.
What is one thing that you have grown to love about living in Türkiye?
The love Türks have for their street animals
During that time, Lisa attained a graphic design certificate and developed a passion for calligraphy; and turned that hobby into a business. Never backing down from a challenge, Lisa is currently pursuing a Level 3 Diploma in Canine Care, Behaviour & Welfare.
Lisa enjoys sharing her life experiences with others and helping them to pursue their own goals.
Lyubov Gürler
Lyubov has a zest for life. Born and raised in Russia, her professional background is in education and administration. Now a stay-at-home mom in Türkiye, she has taken this opportunity to further her passions through continuing education certificates in emotional Intelligence, growth mindset for kids and mindfulness.
What is one thing that you have grown to love about living in Türkiye?
The cuisine…I love that they use so much mint
Turning her passions into a blog with a mission, Lyubov provides tips to help other moms be the best possible example for their children and grow resilient kids.
Always staying active and challenging herself, Lyubov believes she can do anything and enjoys website development, graphic design and helping others overcome challenges.
Anna İlhan
Anna jokingly refers to herself as the ‘happy hermit’ and states that she is 'happiest in the company of her laptop'. Although she may like to state these notions about herself, Anna’s professional background includes petroleum engineering, technical sales and marketing.
What is one thing that you have grown to love about living in Türkiye?
The creativity of the local artisans
Always trying to accomplish the near impossible, she is a ‘unicorn wrangler’ at heart and a kindred spirit to the ‘pollyannaish’. She is a self-proclaimed plant pusher and loves to experiment with plant-based creations in the kitchen like a mad scientist.
An expat since 2012, Anna has made Türkiye her home and enjoys sharing humorous stories about her life’s mishaps here.
We are here to share knowledge & learn, exchange information & ideas, and build bridges between expat & local professionals.
Becoming a Focal Point is a great way to engage with other members within the chapter, learn new talents and add skillsets to our CV.
If you are interested in learning more about our chapter or would like to take a more active role our community, please reach out to us (send us an email here). We are looking forward to working with you!
