My Story
I was only four years old when my family moved from a small town by the Black Sea to the metropolis of Istanbul. As the third child in a family navigating the complexities of migration, I grew up in a world where tradition and ambition often stood at odds. Education was always a priority, but within a conservative, male-dominant culture shaped by deep-rooted power dynamics, the path to academic success—especially for a woman—was never straightforward.
Despite societal expectations, I pursued my passion for learning. I studied mathematics in college, but my curiosity about human behavior never faded. A pivotal moment came when I encountered the work of renowned psychologist Çiğdem Kağıtçıbaşı. Seeing the power of psychology to explain and transform social behavior, I knew I had found my true calling. However, at the time, Turkey had no doctoral programs in social and organizational psychology, leaving me with no choice but to look abroad.
I was only four years old when my family moved from a small town by the Black Sea to the metropolis of Istanbul. As the third child in a family navigating the complexities of migration, I grew up in a world where tradition and ambition often stood at odds. Education was always a priority, but within a conservative, male-dominant culture shaped by deep-rooted power dynamics, the path to academic success—especially for a woman—was never straightforward.
Despite societal expectations, I pursued my passion for learning. I studied mathematics in college, but my curiosity about human behavior never faded. A pivotal moment came when I encountered the work of renowned psychologist Çiğdem Kağıtçıbaşı. Seeing the power of psychology to explain and transform social behavior, I knew I had found my true calling. However, at the time, Turkey had no doctoral programs in social and organizational psychology, leaving me with no choice but to look abroad.
Applying to graduate programs in a foreign country was an uphill battle. There were no advisors to guide me, no clear roadmap to follow. I had to figure out everything on my own. When I was accepted into the PhD program at the University of Southern California (USC), I was overjoyed—but the real challenges were just beginning. Funding my education was a daunting task. Scholarships were scarce, and proving myself in an unfamiliar academic system in a new language, required relentless hard work. But perseverance paid off. I not only completed my doctorate but also published in top-tier journals, including two articles in the #1 journal in my field. I owe every step of my success to my mentor, academic father, renowned social psychologist Prof. Norman Miller.
Yet, even with academic success, being an immigrant woman in the professional world came with its own set of challenges. Finding a job as a mother with language barriers and cultural differences was incredibly difficult. A postdoctoral opportunity at Claremont McKenna College opened new doors, allowing me to work with esteemed scholars like Ron Riggio and Susan Murphy in leadership development. This experience shaped my understanding of leadership, inclusion, and empowerment—lessons I would carry forward in my career.
Applying to graduate programs in a foreign country was an uphill battle. There were no advisors to guide me, no clear roadmap to follow. I had to figure out everything on my own. When I was accepted into the PhD program at the University of Southern California (USC), I was overjoyed—but the real challenges were just beginning. Funding my education was a daunting task. Scholarships were scarce, and proving myself in an unfamiliar academic system in a new language, required relentless hard work. But perseverance paid off. I not only completed my doctorate but also published in top-tier journals, including two articles in the #1 journal in my field. I owe every step of my success to my mentor, academic father, renowned social psychologist Prof. Norman Miller.
Yet, even with academic success, being an immigrant woman in the professional world came with its own set of challenges. Finding a job as a mother with language barriers and cultural differences was incredibly difficult. A postdoctoral opportunity at Claremont McKenna College opened new doors, allowing me to work with esteemed scholars like Ron Riggio and Susan Murphy in leadership development. This experience shaped my understanding of leadership, inclusion, and empowerment—lessons I would carry forward in my career.
In 2001, I joined Alliant International University as an assistant professor, just months before 9/11 which was another culture shock, another test of resilience.
Balancing multiple identities—as a woman, mother, daughter, wife, sister, and scholar—was exhausting but necessary. I worked tirelessly to prove myself in an environment where I was often the only woman in the room. By the age of 40, I had become a full professor and was appointed Systemwide Director of the Organizational Psychology programs. Leading in a predominantly white, male department was not without obstacles, but I learned how to build trust, communicate a shared vision, and create inclusive spaces where diverse voices could be heard.
In 2001, I joined Alliant International University as an assistant professor, just months before 9/11 which was another culture shock, another test of resilience.
Balancing multiple identities—as a woman, mother, daughter, wife, sister, and scholar—was exhausting but necessary. I worked tirelessly to prove myself in an environment where I was often the only woman in the room. By the age of 40, I had become a full professor and was appointed Systemwide Director of the Organizational Psychology programs. Leading in a predominantly white, male department was not without obstacles, but I learned how to build trust, communicate a shared vision, and create inclusive spaces where diverse voices could be heard.
For over 25 years, I have dedicated my career to teaching, consulting, and mentoring. One of my proudest achievements is co-founding Turkey’s first applied Industrial-Organizational (IO) Psychology master’s program, which has now flourished into a successful training ground for future IO psychologists. In 2021, I took on a new mission as the Program Director of the SPARKS Leadership Program for immigrant women, a role that speaks to my personal journey and my deep desire to uplift others facing the same struggles I once did.
From Istanbul to Hong Kong, from Thailand to South Africa, from struggling student to professor and leader, my journey has been shaped by resilience, hard work, and a commitment to helping others. Whether through teaching, research, or mentorship, I strive to empower the next generation—especially women and immigrants—to find their voices, break barriers, and create lasting impact.
For over 25 years, I have dedicated my career to teaching, consulting, and mentoring. One of my proudest achievements is co-founding Turkey’s first applied Industrial-Organizational (IO) Psychology master’s program, which has now flourished into a successful training ground for future IO psychologists. In 2021, I took on a new mission as the Program Director of the SPARKS Leadership Program for immigrant women, a role that speaks to my personal journey and my deep desire to uplift others facing the same struggles I once did.
From Istanbul to Hong Kong, from Thailand to South Africa, from struggling student to professor and leader, my journey has been shaped by resilience, hard work, and a commitment to helping others. Whether through teaching, research, or mentorship, I strive to empower the next generation—especially women and immigrants—to find their voices, break barriers, and create lasting impact.