The judging panel for the Alumni Awards brings together a wealth of international expertise in education, entrepreneurship and national policy. Find out more about them and their work below.

Alumni Judges

Nilgün Yalçın Felchner

Deputy Director Turkey

Nilgün studied Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at Istanbul Technical University and completed her MBA degree at Galatasaray University. Following her career in ship building and construction chemicals sectors, she joined the British Council in 2007. She has managed a range of British Council operations and businesses over the last twelve years with focus on strategy development and change management. 

She is the Board Director of British Council’s commercial subsidiary in Turkey and leading our income-generating businesses.

Najma Bouakaze-Khan

Counsellor for Communications and Projects, British Embassy 

A career diplomat since 1987.  Postings include:  Addis Ababa (1989-93), UK Delegation to NATO in Brussels (1993-96), Istanbul (2000-2004), Deputy High Commissioner, Botswana (2004-2009). In London worked in Communications Directorate and South Asia and Afghanistan Directorate, focusing on India foreign policy/security issues. 

Dr. Sırrı Uyanık

CEO, ISKEN-Turkey

Dr. Sırrı Uyanık studied Public and Business Administration, Management Sciences, Natural Resource Development, Energy and Environmental Economics in Turkey, England (Exeter, MA) and the U.S. Having formerly worked in the public sector, he has been working in energy sector (since 2000) with STEAG of Germany and its affiliate Iskenderun Enerji.

He is presently the CEO of the company generating thermal electricity and additionally developing and operating renewable energy projects. His areas of expertise and interest include Energy Market, Project Development and Contract Management, Energy and Environmental Economics, Management of Regulatory and Permitting Issues, Governmental, Public and Community Relations and Corporate Communications.