In the wake of the devastating earthquakes in southern Türkiye in February 2023, which claimed over 50,000 lives and displaced countless others, Deniz Gemici, Preos Domain Lead, recognised the urgent need for sustainable long-term support.
Deniz, whose personal connection to the disaster inspired her leadership, launched a mentorship programme at Preos, for university students from the affected regions.
Announced in August 2023, the programme was designed to provide long-term support through mentorship, skills training, and financial assistance to equip selected mentees with skills to thrive in their chosen careers, whether in their hometowns or larger cities in Türkiye.
Meet the Mentees
Two remarkable students were selected for this programme: Yunus Emre Toprak and Demet Sahilliogullari.
Demet is a final-year Mathematics student at Galatasaray University in Istanbul. Hailing from Antakya, a city rich in historical significance but repeatedly devastated by earthquakes, Demet faced immense challenges following the February disaster. Demet saw the programme as an opportunity to develop and become more self-assured.
“The earthquake was terrifying. It shook us with all its intensity, what we heard and saw when daylight came was shocking. Almost no houses were left standing within 2-3 km from us. Some people waited for help under the rubble for days. Then, many of them died when help did not arrive. Many people we knew perished, and our Antakya was no more.” Demet recalls.
Yunus is a final-year Aerospace Engineering student at Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University. Originally from Adıyaman, Yunus’ life was drastically altered by the earthquake, losing his grandparents and witnessing the destruction of his family home. Yunus hoped that the programme would build his skill set and provide the opportunity to get to know the business world abroad more closely.
Their Journey
In January 2024, Yunus and Demet began their mentorship journey with Preos. Deniz and the team built tailor-made programmes to support them in meeting their individual goals.
Over the next six months, the mentees engaged in a programme designed to develop their professional and personal skills. They participated in workshops and training sessions led by Preos Consultants, covering areas such as language proficiency, business acumen, and interview preparation.
At the halfway point of the programme, Deniz and David Cruise, Preos CEO, met with Demet and Yunus in Istanbul for a progress review. They were joined by Fatma Karaoglu, a Maths professor from Gebze Technical University, who shared her academic journey and inspired the mentees with her story of achieving a master’s degree and PhD in the UK.
Final Reflections from the Mentees
Demet Shared:
The Mentorship programme has given me:
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- Increased self-confidence and I can express myself better.
- Thanks to the interview simulations, my job and internship interviews are going better.
- I learned how to speak effectively. The presentations I prepare are much higher in quality than before.
- I learned very valuable information about finance and leadership.
Most importantly, I felt that I was not alone. Working with a community that understands me well and accepts people as they are was very good for me. Gathering around pain in a community where there are cultural, linguistic, and racial differences, and understanding each other to do collective work, was the most beautiful experience I’ve ever had.
I got a bit emotional while writing this. I felt the same way when I saw the aid trucks arriving in the early days of the earthquake. We had lost all hope back then. Then, truck after truck, aid arrived. I will never forget that day. My mother and I looked at each other and cried our hearts out. Yes, there is truly hope, life goes on. The world has not abandoned us, we said. I say the same thing now. You came to me at a very bad time and extended your hand. Thank you for not leaving me alone.
Yunus Shared:
I would like to thank the Preos family for making me feel their financial and moral support with this mentoring program they started after the negativities I experienced. The team has helped me develop many skills.
Special Thanks to:
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- Lesley Viner for sharing knowledge about group Management & Leadership and including Turkish explanations in her presentations.
- Richard Gotch and Ildi Haraszi for sharing their motivation and techniques on organisational skills & planning techniques and Ildi for supporting me with her native-level German skills.
- Sarah Cruise: For unwavering support with presentation techniques & communication skills and for helping me overcome stage fright.
- Matt Taylor: For always being positive and your support with interviewing, CV and cover letter preparation and improving my applications
- Münevver Campbell: For contributing to my English fluency and providing speaking practice opportunities.
- David Cruise: For his teachings in financial Literacy and for allowing me to experience a new business environment.
- Deniz Gökçe Gemici: The architect and executor of this program, who organized meetings to help us acquire all these skills, shared her experiences, and was always there for consultation.
And to the entire Preos family, whose contributions I couldn’t fully list but who have given me this unforgettable experience, I share my endless thanks.
Final Thoughts
As the mentorship programme concludes, both Yunus and Demet have made remarkable progress. Not only have they enhanced their professional skills, but they have also grown personally.
We congratulate Yunus and Demet on their incredible journeys and achievements. As they move forward, we wish them continued success and happiness in all their future endeavours.
Best wishes for a bright and promising future, Yunus and Demet!
About Preos
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