Posted on June 1, 2014
In 2011, I began mentoring Sinem Kankotan, a Turkey native and student, after our brief meeting in Istanbul following the United Nations World Congress. Sinem truly impressed me and I saw an immense amount of fire and passion behind her brown eyes. During these past years, Sinem’s goal has been clear – to organize her first asbestos awareness conference in Turkey, and to ultimately see an asbestos ban.
This month, Sinem turned that goal into a reality. On May 16, while I was on vacation in Turkey, Sinem asked if I could join her at the Dokuz Eylul University to present at her “Asbestos – Future Summit” conference. Although I had concerns that we didn’t have enough time, I agreed to write a speech, delay my flight home, and present “Asbestos: From Magic Mineral to Killer Dust” at her conference. Sinem did an excellent job bringing together esteemed professors, physicians, and workers to raise asbestos awareness to the Social Responsibility Community circle and throughout the country. Her goal was simple; she states, “The conference is expected to increase public awareness about the dangers of asbestos. In addition, to evaluate issues from a medical perspective will be specialist doctors, and to assess from a societal perspective will be representatives of trade unions and civil society organizations.” Following the conference, Sinem expressed her gratitude, “Finally two-and-a-half years later, my dream came true! We could have an Asbestos Awareness Conference in İzmir! My special thanks to the attendees, volunteers and speakers.”
Special thanks to the fantastic students who volunteered to help: Gülay Mığırdağı, Buğra Seydel, Neslihan Dağlı, Gülçin Durgut, Sedef Çevik, Nur Okur, Zehra Özberisoy, Büşra Yıldırgan, Zeki Fırat kaya, Doğuş Alkaynak.
One of my greatest joys is mentoring young adults. Sinem, congratulations on a successful event. Your dedication and commitment to asbestos awareness and action is amazing. I am excited to work with you during the coming years to cultivate global change and protect the health of the public. I have no doubt that you will change your country’s policies and earn the respect you so deserve.
In unity,
Linda