Zeynep Dereli

Zeynep Dereli is a prominent figure in the fields of technology, education, and international engagement, with a vast professional background in various sectors.

As the founder and CEO of TINK, Turkey's pioneering technology K12 school, Zeynep has shown her commitment to innovation in education.

Prior to her current role, she held esteemed positions such as Executive Director at APCO Worldwide, where she focused on international engagement efforts and collaborated with global leaders in politics, business, and media across multiple regions.

Zeynep's experience also includes serving as Director of the Atlantic Council's Black Sea Energy and Economic Forum, demonstrating her expertise in energy and economic matters.

Zeynep Dereli has a strong political background, having been actively involved since the 2009 Turkish elections, where she secured a seat at the county council in Istanbul Sisli Municipality. Her contributions to Turkish politics extend to consulting for the Minister of Culture and Tourism.

In the realm of media, Zeynep produced and hosted a foreign policy program, 'Leaders and Decisions,' on prominent Turkish TV channels, showcasing her communication skills and in-depth knowledge of international affairs.

With a solid foundation in finance and business, Zeynep worked at Shell Trading and Shipping Company in London, handling derivatives trading, risk analysis, research, and compliance, before transitioning to roles at Shell Turkey and Dundas, Unlu & Co, a boutique investment bank, where she was involved in mergers and acquisitions.

Zeynep's educational journey is marked by academic excellence, having earned a Bachelor of Science in economics from Princeton University and a Master's degree in Development Economics from the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies.

Currently, Zeynep Dereli holds advisory roles at prestigious institutions such as SOAS/London Middle East Institute and the Turkish British Chamber of Commerce and Industry, showcasing her continued dedication to supporting various organizations.

Moreover, as a founding member of Endeavor Turkey, a global non-profit focused on empowering High-Impact Entrepreneurs in emerging countries, Zeynep remains actively engaged in fostering entrepreneurship and socio-economic development.

Zeynep Dereli's multifaceted background, encompassing education, finance, politics, media, and business, reflects her versatility, expertise, and commitment to driving positive change across diverse sectors.