Simay Sali Sevik, one of The Elischer Foundation's alumni mentees, shares her leadership journey to date.
My leadership journey began a decade ago when I was just a university student with big dreams and an even bigger passion for social impact.
Currently, I am raising funds to help students fulfil their potential and support the wider community in the UK, while also chairing my charity in Turkey. I have been working as a Development Manager at the University of Westminster for almost six years now, but my story will take you back to Istanbul, where everything started.
The pivotal moment in my leadership journey came when I was selected by the United States Department of State as a student leader in Turkey. This wasn’t just any programme—it was a gateway to a global community of young changemakers, all driven by the same desire “to make the world a better place.” Through this programme, I dived into the world of social impact and leadership, participating in thought-provoking discussions on addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges. It was in these moments that I truly understood the transformative power of education—a realisation that would guide my journey from that point on.
With newfound inspiration, I returned home and immediately set out to put my learning into practice. I applied for my first grant with a clear vision: to organise a social responsibility project in a rural area of Turkey to equip students with more skills. Collaborating with a primary school in a small village, I designed a sports festival and invited other schools to join, with the aim of encouraging students to get into sports and stay away from bad habits. The impact was profound. With just $5,000, I saw how much of a difference we could make in these students’ lives. That moment was a milestone in my life—it was then that I realised my true passion for creating social change. From that day forward, I knew I was committed to making a lasting difference in people’s lives, no matter the scale.
Simay with local children
Building A Movement: Yarina Umut Ol
The following year, I teamed up with my best friend to address the educational inequalities between cities and small villages in Turkey. We decided to organise a science festival for a village school in Mus, Eastern Turkey. The school was isolated, with infrastructure issues such as frequent power cuts. Due to the village’s challenging conditions, we wanted the students to develop a mindset of overcoming obstacles, so we gave them the task of inventing something that could be used in their daily lives in Mus. We were amazed by their creative solutions to the problems. It showed us how every student can thrive when given a chance.
Additionally, we realised the lack of female role models in the villages, which caused many girls and their families not to consider further education. We noticed that by visiting these villages, we could inspire young girls and show their families the difference that education can make.
This project gained significant attention, not just from family and friends but also from the public. People were eager to support us, both financially and through volunteer efforts. To scale our impact, we decided to establish a charity, and "Yarina Umut Ol" (Be a Hope for Tomorrow) was born.
Setting up a charity in our early 20s, with little knowledge of the non-profit sector and no financial backing, was challenging. Balancing this voluntary work with our full-time jobs required immense dedication and passion. However, we were driven by our desire to make a difference in children’s lives.
Children at Yarina Umut Ol
The Power of Passion And Leadership
Looking back, I believe the key to our success was doing something we were passionate about, believing in ourselves, and embracing the courage to start from the ground up. When you genuinely believe in yourself, it inspires others to follow your lead.
To grow our volunteer base, we visited universities to promote our charity. Each presentation attracted new volunteers, many of whom later became trustees. At one point, our team grew to 40 volunteers and 20 core members. However, managing such a large number of volunteers on a voluntary basis became challenging, and we had to temporarily pause new sign-ups to ensure we could provide proper support and guidance to our existing team.
As a charity manager, I also built partnerships with multinational companies, securing sponsorships for our projects. These collaborations enabled us to build libraries, laboratories, and art classes, and provide thousands of educational materials to disadvantaged students across Turkey. But more importantly, we continued visiting as many villages as possible to inspire young girls to close the gender gap as well as address inequalities in education.
Our success didn’t go unnoticed. We were interviewed by major TV channels, featured in numerous newspapers, and received both national and international awards for our work in the charity sector. None of this would have been possible without strong leadership and a deep commitment to narrowing the educational gap in Turkey.
Continuing The Journey In The UK
Driven by my passion for making a difference, I decided to turn this into my profession. I moved to the UK and pursued a Master’s degree in NGO Management at Cass/Bayes Business School, where I gained extensive knowledge and skills in fundraising and the non-profit sector. My dissertation allowed me to delve deep into the world of corporate giving, exploring the motivations behind philanthropic contributions. This experience not only enhanced my understanding of corporate perspectives but also strengthened my ability to forge stronger relationships with organisations.
While studying for my Master’s, I joined the University of Westminster as a Development Officer. In this role, I continued to raise funds to support disadvantaged students and broader communities, and I quickly advanced to the position of Development Manager. The leadership, communication, and delegation skills I had cultivated over the years proved invaluable in effectively managing my team at the University.
I also remain deeply committed to "Yarina Umut Ol" as Chair, applying the expertise I’ve gained in the UK to further our mission. Despite the challenges of living abroad, I’ve successfully led my team remotely, continuing to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives in Turkey.
As someone who envisions herself in leadership roles, I applied for The Elischer Foundation’s mentorship programme. I was thrilled to be matched with Liz Tait, the Director of Fundraising at Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity. Having a mentor to guide me and provide career advice was an invaluable experience. After a year of mentorship, I had a clearer understanding of what it takes to be a leader and the steps I need to take.
What Advice Would I Give To Other Leaders In The Sector…
Start Small, Think Big: Even modest beginnings can lead to significant impact. Whether you're organising a local event or applying for a small grant, focus on making a difference, no matter the scale. Over time, these small initiatives can grow into larger movements or organisations with a broader reach.
Build Strong Relationships: Collaboration is key in the non-profit sector. Forge partnerships with universities, corporations, and community groups to amplify your impact. These relationships can provide valuable resources, support, and opportunities for growth that are essential for sustaining and expanding your mission.
Invest in Your Volunteers: Volunteers are the backbone of many non-profit organisations. Make sure they feel valued and connected to the cause. Provide them with meaningful roles and clear guidance, and be prepared to scale your volunteer efforts thoughtfully to ensure everyone remains engaged and effective.
Never Stop Learning and Adapting: The non-profit sector is dynamic, with evolving challenges and opportunities. Invest in your professional development, seek mentorship, and stay informed about new trends and best practices. Continuous learning will help you adapt, innovate, and lead more effectively in your field.
Today, I recognise that there’s still much for me to learn and many ways I can continue to grow as a leader. I'm committed to ongoing development and to becoming the best version of myself, with a focus on promoting equality in education and gender. My journey is far from complete, and I’m excited to see how I can continue to expand the impact I have in the world.
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