About Us
Our approach
Our Mission
We strive to achieve “equity” in the STEM field, recognizing all of the inconsistencies and faults of the field, and “equilizing” it through the passing of knowledge/resources.
We seek to achieve technological empowerment and do our best within our chapters to distribute both technology and the knowledge associated with it to our surroundings to enrich the societies we reside in. Then, to make these technologies more dispersed, we wish for the schools/societies that we have directly affected to spread their knowledge to others. We aim to open new chapters or establish brand partnerships with major corporations to make our mission reach a larger audience.
Our Vision
Equity Estrel, based in Europe, was founded with a profound vision: to achieve and advance equity for underrepresented groups within the STEM field.
With an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, we actively work to dismantle systemic barriers that have historically hindered the progress of minority individuals in STEM. Through our widespread chapters in the US, Brazil, Tanzania, Turkey, and the Czech Republic, we support women, individuals with disabilities, economically restricted members, and various other disadvantaged groups in obtaining scientific-technological opportunities. With our multifaceted approach, we level the playing field, enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to thrive and excel in STEM disciplines without being restricted by differences. By fostering a welcoming and supportive community, Equity Estrel cultivates an environment where every individual’s unique experiences and perspectives contribute to the growth and innovation of the field. In the pursuit of equity, this organization serves as a catalyst for transformative change, empowering minorities to not only break through barriers but also reshape the landscape of STEM to be truly representative and inclusive..
The EE Executive Board!
Founder & Executive Director
Selin Ozgursoy, the Founder & Executive Director of Equity Estrel, is a 17-year-old young woman from Ankara, Turkey. She is a STEM promoter, innovator and change-maker. Selin is UNICEF Turkey's first-ever Youth Representative and UN Turkey’s Youngest Advisor on Business. She has an unbound determination to serve the youth and the next generations with her many leadership roles. From fighting for disabled rights to advocating for environmental sustainability, Selin has set her mind to become the voice of the underrepresented. Igniting the sparks of change in her community, Selin is interested in continuing her journey within the field of technology, CS and AI. From her fellowships to academic research, she has channeled her experience to both personal and professional growth, and wants to continue to do so in her future vocational and social pursuits.
Deputy Executive Director
Yagmur Mutlu is a senior IBDP student at TED Ankara College. Her peers know her for her passion for art, design and architecture. She has also been actively participating in Model UN since she was an 8th grader and has taken part in organizing her school's MUN conference. Yagmur is the founder of Archited, the first club related to architecture in her school, allowing students like herself to share their passion and experiences with each other. She displays her love for literature with her part in the creative writing club and always has stories to tell from her interviews with authors and poets. Yagmur is also interested in music and has been playing the piano since she was four-years-old and often showcases her hard work and dedication through concerts. However, art isn't her only passion. When she isn't talking about art, she is almost always discussing sports. From tennis to Formula 1, she can jump into every conversation about sports with the utmost excitement.
Director of Technology
Duru Eras is a freshman pursuing an Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree at The University of Edinburgh. Her interest in technology began when she first joined the robotics team of her school. Having been three years since she started her journey, she has undertaken several roles regarding technology. Her research in the analysis of RHEL's log files and the efficiency of CAPTCHA systems has led her passion grow deeper. She has done multiple internships with the aim of improving her knowledge, practice and creativity while working in different areas of computer science, ranging from developing AI models to administrating Linux systems. Duru hopes to further enhance her abilities in engineering through her academic career, and also work in an environment where people are as enthusiastic about technology as she is.
Director of Media
Elif Naz Albayrak is a BTEC student at TED Ankara College. Her passion for arts and design begins when she met theatre for the first time in primary school. She then started working both on stage and backstage. She has taken roles in many plays since then. She has also been participating in her school’s MUN club since she was in middle school and has taken place in many conferences until today. Elif is also interested in music and has been playing the piano and the violin. She constantly strives to be helpful to the society and she is trying to achieve that with her role in Equity Estrel.
Outreach Member
Ella is an MYP student at the American International School of Bucharest. She moved from the U.S to Romania in 10th grade and needed to adjust to a new country and culture. She quickly became very involved within the school, and is known for her outgoing personality and advocacy for human rights. From an early age, Ella was exposed and worked closely with people with disabilities, especially those with Down Syndrome. She has volunteered numerous times at Global Down-syndrome Foundation events and has since been an advocate for those who are differently-abled. Ella also has a passion for the arts, specifically jewelry, and ran an arts CCA at her school with the goal of inspiring a love in arts for the next generation. In addition, Ella is also interested in aviation and has taken flight lessons with the intention of one day becoming a pilot. Ella’s goal within Equity Estrel is to expand on her passion of helping others and to have a positive impact in society.
Outreach Member
Alya Altan is a soon to be IBDP student at the American International School of Bucharest. She is Turkish but was raised all around the world in 5 different countries. She speaks Turkish, English, Spanish, French and is currently learning Romanian. She has tried various sports professionally from gymnastics to boxing before finding her true passion; track and field. She has been competing for more than 4 years and is currently the captain of her schools team. Beyond sports, Alya’s interests extend to the arts. Most people around her say that her “hidden talent” is drawing and sewing. She has always had a passion for drawing and had 2 art exhibitions with the theme of women since then. Alya gives importance to giving back to her community through volunteer work, whether it's with the UN Food Programme, her school’s councils or helping out at children's shelters. She enjoys reading and writing and writes articles and interviews people for her school newspaper, The Bite. Alya is the chapter leader to her school and is the founder of AISB Equity Estrel Club.
Social Media Member
Opal Blohm is a MYP student at the American International School of Bucharest. An American born overseas, she is a third-culture kid who has lived in four different countries throughout her life. Although she has never lived in the United States, she calls Michigan home. Opal is an active member of her AISB community and has led various after-school activities for ES and ELC students. She is also a leader of a service group that advocates for women's rights, helping women's voices be heard and respected. This past year Opal found an interest in marketing and has contributed to the school news site, The Bite, through her journalism class. Opal is currently completing the Duke of Edinburgh award. In her free time, Opal enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and has been cooking and baking since she was little.
Outreach Member
Patrick Romanescu is a sophomore student at the American International School of Bucharest. He’s known for his lifelong passion for basketball, leadership, and business. He’s been playing basketball since he was 6 years old and has played in Spain and Italy, where he won 3rd place in the global championship, representing Romania’s national team. Being a loud and energetic kid growing up, he always wanted to be a leader, and over the last two years, he has coached over 140 kids on the fundamentals of basketball and how to stand out as a player. His passion for business, especially the finance part, started with his parents. Because both of them are entrepreneurs, he always wondered how they maintained an income or how their company could generate money. He was always passionate about numbers and statistics, so he loves the finance industry and plans to work there.
Our numbers that speak
Our Partners
