This is not your typical bio, but here it goes…In 2018, I attended a workshop led by the renowned psychotherapist Jeffrey A. Kottler on the power of stories and their transformative effects in the therapy room (and no, I’m not a therapist). To my amazement, I learned that when we listen to stories, our brains blur the lines between our own experiences and those we hear, fostering deep empathy and understanding. This realization struck a chord with me, anchoring my passion for exploring diverse narratives—whether they are everyday, humorous, or profound.Looking back, my academic journey in sociology further fueled this passion, offering me insights into how personal stories converge to shape larger societal narratives and spark change. This curiosity led to my master’s thesis, where I explored the incredible journeys of social entrepreneurs in Turkey and their transformative impact on society. For the last fifteen years, I have been working at the intersection of a variety of sectors collaborating with changemakers, researchers, and professionals who are all driven to make a difference.Running parallel to this core narrative was a secondary one. As if there were a hidden garden behind my professional life, my curiosity drove me into various side projects: the Art of Hosting practices, non-violent communication, numerous facilitation and self-development workshops, translating two self-development books, writing courses, amateur theater...And here I am now, after years of crafting my career, where all these experiences have come together in a meaningful way. Today, as the Coordinator at Tekfen Foundation, I draw upon this rich blend of experiences to lead impactful projects and partnerships. My work continues to be rooted in guiding collaborative journeys to create impact.
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CoordinatorTekfen Vakfı -
CoordinatorTekfen Vakfı Sep 2024 - Present -
Impact Assessment & Storytelling AdvisorHeart Mind Design Jul 2019 - Aug 2024İstanbul Province- Implementing Value-based Assessment and Monitoring Schemes for all partner transformation journeys; - Designing & facilitating dialogic experiences based on Art of Hosting principles throughout project action plan; - Drafting communication materials and business/social impact case studies of partnerships. -
ConsultantTura Technology & Consulting Aug 2019 - Apr 2020Consultancy for the process optimization and implementation of a new ISO standard scheme for a leading software company. -
ConsultantKoda - Köy Okulları Değişim Ağı Oct 2019 - Jan 2020Consultancy for designing new projects and drafting project proposals on enhancing education in rural areas of Turkey especially focusing on the capacity building of teachers and teacher candidates. -
Consultant451 Derece İletişim May 2019 - Jul 2019Istanbul, Turkey- Copywriting and coordinating video-graphic outputs of the annual country report in Turkish&English;- Copywriting and coordinating infographic outputs of the annual country report in Turkish&English. -
Mercator-Ipc Fellowship Program CoordinatorSabancı Üniversitesi Apr 2013 - Jul 2018İstanbul, Türkiye- Steering and supervision of all research projects, publications, and outreach activities conducted by Mercator-IPC Fellows and Senior Fellows;- Promoting the Program's activities (Networking, recruitment, public relations);- Organizing the Call for Applications and jury process, providing assistance to the jury;- Providing orientation and assistance to the fellows, managing related administrative processes (HR, contracts/stipends, etc);- Coordinating the Evaluation of the Initiative;- Coordinating the Alumni Program (Initiated in 2015);- Overseeing the budget with the assistance of the Financial and Administrative Affairs Officer. -
Training Programs OfficerSabanci University - Education Reform Initiative Dec 2009 - Apr 2013Istanbul- Coordinating communication activities of the Initiative; - Drafting e-newsletters, updating the current website content, editing brochures, enhancing social media visibility, providing input for the communication strategy to consolidate the advocacy operations;- Responsible for planning, coordinating and organizing Best Practices in Education Conference 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 (min. 1200 participants) and 10 regional workshops throughout Turkey. Education Policy Seminars and Turkish German Teachers’ Academy 2010;- Drafting analysis on teacher policy and ICT in education. -
Project AssistantPiri Group Jun 2009 - Dec 2009İstanbul, Türkiye- Assisting the management of the Expert Centre; - Assisting the Preparation of Expression of Interest documents, Tender Dossier documents, and related translation and editing regarding partner proof documents;- Support for the planning, coordination and organization of events; seminars, conferences, symposia, workshops;- Assistance for the administrative work in the office; translations, desk research and various assignments. -
Research AssistantTüsi̇ad Eu-Brussels Representative Office Jun 2007 - Aug 2007- Assisting the preparation of the weekly official TÜSIAD bulletin via translations and research; - Participating in various meetings concerning different EU related issues, held in research institutions, consultancies and EU institutions representing the TÜSIAD office.
Cigdem Tongal Education Details
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Strategic Communication Management -
Sosyoloji
Frequently Asked Questions about Cigdem Tongal
What company does Cigdem Tongal work for?
Cigdem Tongal works for Tekfen Vakfı
What is Cigdem Tongal's role at the current company?
Cigdem Tongal's current role is Coordinator.
What schools did Cigdem Tongal attend?
Cigdem Tongal attended Galatasaray Üniversitesi, Galatasaray Üniversitesi, Robert College.
Who are Cigdem Tongal's colleagues?
Cigdem Tongal's colleagues are Burak Atar, Emin Baydil, Koray Kızıl, Ceran Berber, Eray Işık, Bekir Ceylan, Ahmet Dinç.
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