Board 2026–2028

Gönül Ercebeci Zwiers

CHAIR

After Darüşşafaka High School, I graduated in English and American Language and Literature from the Faculty of Languages, History and Geography (DTCF) at Ankara University. I taught English at state schools and at Yeditepe University, and in the Netherlands, where I have lived since 2001, I have taught English to Dutch adults. I believe in the power of education, volunteering and giving back to society; bringing people together, creating things together and making a difference matter to me. I am married and a mother of two.

Demet Altun

VICE CHAIR

I was born in Istanbul in 1988 and graduated from Boğaziçi University with a degree in Turkish Language and Literature. I’m married and a mother to one child and two cats. I’ve been teaching Turkish in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, for over ten years. I teach Turkish as a mother tongue to children at three different schools, and I also teach Turkish to adults and speakers of other languages. Alongside my teaching, I’m active in culture and literature. I’ve served on the board of Turkish Professional Network Eindhoven (TPN-E) for the past four years and have been the association’s vice chair for the past year.

Ayşe İçaçan

SECRETARY

I’m an interior architect and designer. As co-founder of Anovia Interiors, I work on spatial design, product development and creative projects. As a board member of TPN-E, I develop and deliver projects focused on community events, entrepreneurship, arts and culture, and professional networking. I care about bringing people from different fields together and building a community where ideas and collaborations can grow.

Tuncay Uğurlu Ölçer

TREASURER

I’ve lived in Eindhoven since October 2016. Before that, I lived in Türkiye, where I was born. I earned my bachelor’s degree in 2009 and my master’s degree in 2013 in mechanical and mechatronics engineering at Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ). In 2016, I joined Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) to pursue academic research in the same field. After completing that research in 2018, I began working as a mechatronics engineer at ASML. I’ve been an active member of TPN-E since moving from Türkiye to the Netherlands in late 2016. I was elected to the board at the 2025 General Assembly and have served as treasurer ever since. Alongside this role, I continue to contribute to the association’s sporting events, outdoor activities and cultural initiatives.

Duru Bayram

After graduating in physics from Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ), I taught physics for ten years at Anatolian high schools in Türkiye. I completed my PhD at Ankara University’s Faculty of Educational Sciences, where I also worked as a lecturer. I’ve lived in the Netherlands for around sixteen years. After working at TU Delft and Radboud University, I joined Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), where I’ve worked for the past six years as an associate professor in Applied Physics and Science Education. My research focuses on teacher education, sustainability, STEM education, gender equality and inclusive education. I’m actively involved in national and international education and research projects. Alongside my academic work, I value social solidarity, volunteering and intercultural exchange. Through TPN-E, I’m keen to help people share knowledge and experience, strengthen social ties and build professional networks.

Duygu Ürün Çınar

I graduated in Industrial Design from Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ). I started working at ASELSAN while pursuing my master’s degree. After ten years as a designer, I moved to the Netherlands with my family. I’ve lived here since 2020 and currently work at Signify. I enjoy organising events and value volunteering. I’m married and have two sons.

Şeniz Duru

After graduating from the Piano Department of the State Conservatory at Dokuz Eylül University (DEÜ), I held several roles at the same institution from 1994 to 2017. I served as a member of the academic staff, head of the Piano Department, deputy director of the Institute of Fine Arts and director of the conservatory. Since 2018, I’ve been teaching piano to children and adults in the Netherlands, performing in chamber music concerts and working with choirs and ensembles. I volunteer with TPN-E and at a secondary school, contributing to arts and cultural events and to projects that foster inclusion and a sense of belonging among children. I also give piano lessons on a voluntary basis to talented children in Türkiye who would otherwise have no access to them.

Özlem Nurver

After graduating in graphic design from Hacettepe University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, I worked in Türkiye for over twenty years as a graphic designer, illustrator and UI/UX designer. Since moving to the Netherlands in 2022, I’ve focused on painting. I’ve taken part in several exhibitions and now work from my own studio in Eindhoven, where I paint and organise painting classes. I’m married and a mother of two. I volunteer on the board of TPN-E to support the association’s work in bringing people together and strengthening mutual support within the community.

Ecem Gür

I’m an electrical engineer. I completed my bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at TU/e and am currently pursuing a master’s degree in the same field at TU Delft. I’m 22 and live in Eindhoven. I enjoy helping others, making a positive difference in their lives and working together to find solutions.

Ege Uyguner

I graduated from Saint Joseph High School and moved to Eindhoven in 2024. I’m now a second-year Industrial Engineering student at TU/e, in the Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences. Through student organisations, I enjoy bringing people together, organising activities and working with others to turn ideas into something tangible. I’m particularly interested in making systems and processes more efficient.

Orhan Özkan

I was born and raised in Eindhoven and now live in Veldhoven. I’ve worked in accounting and financial consultancy for around 26 years. After many years in the profession, I now run my own accounting and consultancy practice in Budel. I help businesses with accounting and financial reporting and advise them on tax and other financial matters. Trust, personal communication and a focus on finding solutions are central to my work. I help business owners make sense of their figures so they can understand their financial position and make informed decisions about the future.

Ferda Güneş Aydın

I moved to the Netherlands after finishing secondary school. I studied at the Social Academy, pursued higher education in life coaching and received training in clinical psychology. My books have been published in Türkiye. I’ve spent many years volunteering with civil society organisations. I believe staying connected with others is essential to our mental and physical health, and that everyone has talents they can share with others. I’m married and a mother of two.