Inspiring Change in Chicago in Celebration of International Women’s Day

On a Sunday afternoon the sun was shining on Maxwell Street in Chicago as a group gathered to celebrate the power and ingenuity of women around the world; and to discuss about the challenges that they face as women, working with men, and how they can make the world a better place.

It was a beautiful way to bring together a community of Turkish Americans from Chicago area who were interested in hearing from a stellar panel of experts including Dr. Pinar Uner Yilmaz, and Dr. Esra Tasdelen on topics as engaging as the contemporary art environment in Turkey and the current outlook and place of women, specifically, in regard to the Syrian refugee crisis. Those in attendance were not only given much to contemplate in terms of the impact women are making worldwide but we were also encouraged to consider the greater and more pressing impact of such global events like the Syrian refugee crisis and it’s implications on women and children, who are most crucially and dramatically affected by such crisis.

How could one not be inspired at such an event?! Our donations also brought an added treat: an absolutely delicious three course meal to the newest, most wonderful Turkish restaurant in Chicago, Galata — 717 W. Maxwell, on the campus of UIC. With meze to start, doner for dinner and Turkish coffee or tea to wrap up such an evening, one can only feel inspired to continue building the bridges that bind the two cultures and connect those that need our help in Turkey; those who may not have such opportunities as some of us in this country.

A million thanks to Eda Anlamlier, who organized the whole event; and to Sule Kivanc-Ancieta for her tireless efforts with Bridge to Turkiye Fund Chicago.

Celebrating the Power of Women around the world couldn’t be more empowering!

“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion. The potential for greatness lives within each of us.” — Wilma Rudolph