Executive Committee
Board of Directors
Duru Karahan
Event Coordinator
Duru Karahan is the event coordinator at the Kenan Center where she focuses on ensuring the creation of memorable and inspiring music gatherings while she oversees the management of various other events and activities.
She is currently pursuing her business degree at Babson College and is planning to further her career in the curation of music experiences. She has attended Pertevniyal High School in İstanbul, graduated from Walpole High School, and has earned credits from the Harvard Extension School in the Psychology and Globalization & Global Justice course.
She has internship experience at Artisan Grup assisting in venue arrangement. In addition to continuing her studies and managing the organizational aspect of the Kenan Center activities, she teaches piano as a part-time job.
Her career aspirations include starting up a creative agency that specializes in developing music experiences that gather a cohesive set design, artistry, and audience to celebrate and appreciate music.
Adile Sedef Dönmez
Academic Events Coordinator
Adile Sedef Dönmez is a PhD candidate in History at Koç University, specializing in the social mobility and spatial practices of Mekteb-i Sultânî students in late Ottoman Istanbul.
She holds two master's degrees—one in Middle Eastern Studies from Lund University (CMES) and another in Turkish Studies from SOAS, University of London—as well as a BA in Political Science and International Relations from Istanbul University.
She has contributed to international research projects, including Harvard University's Development and the Third Sector Project and the Global Leadership Project at the University of Texas at Austin. She has also worked with the UNDP's Knowledge Management team and coordinated educational programs at Koç University's Office of Learning and Teaching.
As Academic Events Coordinator at the Kenan Center, she curates interdisciplinary programs that bridge scholarly research and public engagement.
Ali Vâlâ Mızrak
Curator of Cultural Heritage Program
Ali Vala Mızrak received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University and currently serves as a teaching professor at Gebze Technical University. His technical expertise focuses on energy storage systems and sustainable technologies.
He also has a deep commitment to cultural heritage, having developed and performed concert programs featuring Turkish classical and Sufi music. These programs have been presented at institutions such as the Turkish House in New York, Syracuse University, Harvard University, and local venues across the United States and Istanbul.
He approaches both his academic and cultural work with a multidisciplinary perspective informed by international experience and a commitment to cross-cultural understanding. He values the practical application of knowledge, aiming to translate both technical expertise and cultural insight into meaningful outcomes that address real-world needs and help sustain tradition through active engagement.
Ahmet Yılmaz
Executive Director
Ahmet Yılmaz brings over 25 years of nonprofit management experience to his role as Executive Director. His career has been dedicated to building cultural bridges between Turkey and the international community.
Prior to joining the Kenan Center, he served as Director of the Turkish Cultural Foundation in New York and established successful cultural exchange programs with major museums and universities worldwide. His strategic vision has been instrumental in securing partnerships with the Metropolitan Museum, Library of Congress, and various European cultural institutions.
Mr. Yılmaz holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BA in International Relations from Ankara University. His unique combination of business acumen and cultural sensitivity has enabled the Center to expand its reach while maintaining its scholarly integrity.
He is also a published author of several books on Turkish-American relations and serves on the boards of multiple cultural organizations.