1. Where did you grow up and if you moved to Halifax, what brought you here?

I grew up in a small town in Turkey. When I turned 17, I moved to Ankara, where I lived for four years during my university education. After graduation, I moved to Istanbul to start my career and six years ago, I moved to Nova Scotia with my husband and son. We are now proud Canadians.

2. Can you highlight your educational background and professional experience?

I graduated from Gazi University with a business degree. After graduation, I started my career as an Accountant Assistant at Sanko Holding, which has 14,000 employees and is the biggest textile manufacturer and renewable energy producer in Turkey. After two years at Sanko, I transitioned to the banking industry. I worked at HSBC for 17 years in various sectors including consumer banking, wealth management, and branch management. I gained an additional three years of experience in banking in Halifax before moving to my role at CUA.

3. What drew you to banking?

The financial market has always amazed me. I started out in accounting but shifted my career to banking because I realized that seeing my community grow stronger financially is the most satisfying part of my job.

4. What is the best part of your job?

Every day is another opportunity to get to know another member and create financial awareness in their life. I love seeing my community better off financially and working with members to find tailored solutions to their financial needs.

5. What is one piece of personal finance advice that you believe everyone should follow?

Everyone should find an advisor with whom they easily get along and create an applicable financial plan, especially in the early stages of their life. Life is full of surprises and a personalized financial plan can certainly help someone get through financial challenges.

6. Outside of your professional life, what is your favourite activity or hobby?

I love travelling and spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy exercising, whether swimming or doing Pilates.

7. What is your favourite meal to cook at home or order at a restaurant?

If I’m cooking, I prefer Turkish food. If I’m ordering at a restaurant, it will almost certainly be Japanese food.

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