Eda Tekeoglu

IVY member Eda Tekeoglu has made it her mission to bridge the gap between those with the resources and the people in need. And she’s spreading her message that it doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, you can make a difference.

What do you do and why?

I am a professional fundraiser in the nonprofit sector, and I consider myself the intermediary between those in need and those who have access to power and money. I do this because I really believe that most people want to live in a better world and leave a legacy. In my spare time, I also organize philanthropic projects to engage my friends, family and community in what I love to do. This past thanksgiving, I had a call to action for donation of 150 brand new sleeping bags, socks, gloves, hats, hygiene products, and food. I organized a group of volunteers, and we delivered care packages to people experiencing homelessness on the streets of New York City. During Ramadan, I organize an annual fundraiser and most recently raised $51,000 as a volunteer for Zakat Foundation. With the funds raised they are able to feed 100 orphaned children from 10 different countries. I do this because when given the opportunity people really step up and do what they can to create a better world.

What change would you like to enact in the world?

I would like people to understand that it doesn’t matter what your profession or your skills sets are, that each of us have the ability and capacity to do our part to make our world better. It doesn’t matter if you are a hedge fund manager on Wall Street or a cashier at McDonald’s, there is a role for each human being to contribute meaningfully in society. We all have the ability to be leaders of today, and I would love to engage IVY members in the philanthropy work I do.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I love going to the beach once a week all year around. It doesn’t matter if its 100 degrees or 2 degrees, I enjoy sitting and watching the waves because it helps me become more creative in my philanthropy work.

Why did you join IVY?

I’ve been an IVY member for 5 years now, and I love everything the platform has to provide to all of us. I love being exposed to new topics and meeting new people who have different careers and ways of thinking than I do.

What has been your most memorable IVY Experience?

It’s hard to pick just one! I enjoy the classic IVY experience of meeting people from all different industries who come from different walks of life. Every IVY member seems eager to become more knowledgeable about various topics including how to engage more in philanthropy or how to become a successful entrepreneur. The IVY experience is truly unique and amazing. Kudos to Beri and his team for their hard work, they attract such an amazing diversity of members. There is no group like this.