Global Sports Mentoring Program

Social Entrepreneur Empowers Women and Girls through Soccer In Turkey

Using soccer as a tool to help women and girls discover their inner strength and unleash their potential, Kiraz Öcal is carving a path toward a better future in Turkey. Ranked 130 out of 156 countries on the 2021 Global Gender Gap Report, Turkish women face a number of challenges, including gender-based violence and discrimination in all sectors of society, including sports. While soccer is the most common sport in Turkey and in the world, the rate of licensed female players in the country is just one percent. Kiraz recognized the blatant discrepancies, and aspired to make a difference. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, and a Master of International Human Resource Management from Middlesex University in London, where she wrote a thesis on sustainability and diversity management. After presenting the results at various scientific congresses, Kiraz returned to Turkey to apply the advanced techniques she learned in the field.

While thinking about social development, Kiraz decided that soccer could effectively generate conversations around gender-equality in Turkey. In 2014, she became a volunteer for Kızlar Sahada (Women on the Field), a social enterprise that empowers women and girls of all ages through soccer. Kızlar Sahada organizes soccer schools for girls, tournaments for high school students and adult women, and leadership and social development camps for mixed groups of girls and boys. In 2018, the organization was a finalist in the category of “Best Women’s Football Initiative” at the World Football Summit Industry Awards in Madrid. That same year, Kiraz was officially named co-founder of Kızlar Sahada, which continues to be the only women’s soccer platform in Turkey that offers sustainable solutions for social development and gender equality. In 2019 the Turkish Olympic Committee granted them the “Fairplay Award.”

Through her GSMP experience, Kiraz hopes to increase her knowledge of international programs, sharpen her leadership skills to expand her network, and learn how to gain institutional support for her projects. For GSMP: Empowering Women through Sports 2021, Kiraz will be mentored by Paula Goldfarb Resh, Brand Purpose Manager and Romina Bongiovanni, Head of Global Communications at New Balance, and their team in Boston, Massachusetts.

Paula Goldfarb Resh, Boston, MA

Brand Purpose Manager, New Balance

Paula Goldfarb Resh is a brand purpose strategist dedicated to advancing social impact with over 18 years of experience in the brand, sports and nonprofit industries. Currently, Paula serves as the Brand Purpose Manager at New Balance, responsible for bringing the company’s brand values to life through purpose-driven initiatives, engaging our roster of athletes in charitable activities, and partnering with nonprofit organizations to create meaningful change.

Prior to New Balance, Paula spent over five years as the Associate Director of Signature Programs, Home Base at Massachusetts General Hospital, an award-winning organization delivering direct care to veterans, service members and military families. Previously Paula spent 3 years at the Massachusetts Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure as the Director of Events & Sponsorship.

Paula holds a B.A from Colby College and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion certificate from Cornell University. Paula is a proud member of the Home Base’s Red, White and Blue Alliance.

Romina Bongiovanni, Boston, MA

Head of Global Communications, New Balance

The 2019 appointed New Balance Head of Global Brand Communications, Romina leads communications strategies and partner initiatives to drive New Balance’s share of voice across earned communications’ vehicles and positively shape brand perception.

In her prior role as Group Director at Saatchi & Saatchi, Romina oversaw communications for Toyota Motor North America, including the public relations for the brand’s global Olympics & Paralympics campaign, “Start Your Impossible” under the guidance of Toyota Motor Corporation.

Prior, Romina co-led the creation of Edelman’s multicultural division as Senior Vice President of the global firm, where she served clients such as: Microsoft, Xbox, Starbucks, Levi’s, Nestle, American Heart Association “Go Red for Women,” and The Latin Recording Academy.

Former President of the Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA), Romina is committed to using her expertise and sports to empower underserved communities. An awarded industry veteran, Romina earned her bachelors degree in business administration in Argentina and a marketing diploma from UCLA.

Social Entrepreneur Empowers Women and Girls through Soccer In Turkey

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