Our final spotlight for 2012 is on East Bay WEN member Dilara Su Muftuoglu. Like most of our members, she is a busy and focused woman. Dilara’s current work involves finding solutions to help the poor overcome poverty. Her organization, Innovations for Poverty Action, “designs and evaluates programs in real contexts with real people, and provide hands-on assistance to bring successful programs to scale.”
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in beautiful Istanbul and moved to California seven years ago. After moving around all over California, I finally moved to the Bay Area when I transferred to Cal two years ago. I recently graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Economics and Policy. During my time at Cal, I started working as a research assistant for Professor Ethan Ligon. After graduation, I was lucky enough to continue working for Prof. Ligon as a consultant through Innovations for Poverty Action.
How long have you been a WEN member?
I’ve been a member since May 2012. My fellow alumnus and friend Elizabeth Chan discovered WEN and told me about it.
What do you like best about WEN?
WEN creates a platform for driven, energetic, and social women to meet with one another. When I go to WEN events, I am always amazed by how I am surrounded by smart, like-minded women who are passionate about the environment. It’s very inspiring and reminds me that I am not alone. I’ve never met anyone via WEN whom I did not take an instant liking to.
What are some of your other activities?
When I am outdoors, I like biking, kayaking, swimming, and going to concerts. When I am indoors, I like cooking, and sewing. Currently, I am sewing a birthday present for my best friend. Don’t tell her! ????
What is your favorite thing about living in the Bay Area?
Right now? The Giants.
