Emerging Leaders Class of 2018

Baris Vahapoglu in his native country, Turkey, practiced as a commercial attorney and volunteered for several NGOs. He helped Syrians displaced by the war to assimilate by teaching them Turkish, and he tutored disadvantaged Turkish youth in chess, classical guitar, and office software programs. He believes that justice will be possible only when we are able to question authority without retribution, and everyone’s basic needs for food, housing, and work with dignity are met. Baris moved to United States in November 2016.