Author - Selen Ucak

Selen Ucak is a social impact leader working at the intersection of the private sector, the impact economy, and global development. She serves as Strategy Lead at the Refugee Investment Network, which is the first impact investing and blended finance collaborative focused on solutions to forced displacement, where she supports investors and international organizations, facilitates opportunities for refugee-led and refugee-supporting enterprises, and contributes thought leadership in refugee lens investing. In addition, through her consulting practice, Selen advises foundations, funds, and mission-driven organizations on inclusive entrepreneurship, impact investing, and market-based development strategies.

Previously, she served as Program Director for the Middle East at Building Markets, supporting small businesses and job creation in Turkey and Jordan. She is the author of several publications on refugee entrepreneurship and economic inclusion.

Earlier, Selen was Executive Director of The American Turkish Society, leading initiatives to strengthen U.S.-Turkey economic and cultural relations. Her background includes work in social entrepreneurship, grantmaking, and economics research.

She holds an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School, where she was the first Tashman Fellow, and a B.A. in Economics and International Affairs from Colorado College.