Sıla Alan had a strong start to her career when she graduated as the valedictorian of her class at Dokuz Eylül University, Türkiye, where she majored in Translation and Interpreting, in addition to her degree in International Relations from Anadolu University. Soon after graduating, she began volunteering for Women in Localization. Sıla has been responsible for training new volunteers for nearly two years She is also proud to be a founding member and a Social Media Manager for Women in Localization’s Türkiye Chapter, which launched in September 2024. Last October, she embarked on a master’s degree in Translation, Communication, and Language Technology at Heidelberg University, Germany.
The STAR Award is given annually to recognize an outstanding volunteer selected from that year’s Kudos winners. This prestigious honor celebrates someone who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership throughout the year. We had the opportunity to speak with Sıla to learn about her experiences and how it feels to receive such a distinguished award.
Q: Sıla, congratulations on winning the STAR award! Your contributions to Women in Localization play a pivotal role and I am excited to learn more about you. What sparked your interest in learning foreign languages?
A: Humans possess an inherent need for connection. Yet, many of us have experienced feelings of misunderstanding throughout our lives. As an adolescent, I was no different and deeply yearned to be seen and heard, a fundamental human right. During a high school translation assignment, I discovered the profound power of language. I realized that learning a foreign language could act as a bridge, connecting me to the thoughts and feelings of others. If I could comprehend their thoughts and feelings, I believed they could do the same for me. This realization led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Translation and Interpreting. Throughout my studies, I strived to broaden my knowledge and skills.
Q: How did your journey with Women in Localization begin?
A: My Women in Localization journey began with a simple LinkedIn message. On March 7, 2023, feeling lost and unsure of my next steps, I sent a LinkedIn message to Carrie Livermore Fischer, president of W.L. at that time. Desperate for help, I was surprised by her kindness. She offered a meeting, suggested the Women in Localization Mentorship Program, and said: “Let’s go over the volunteer roles together and see whether there is a fit for you or not.” I remembered exactly what I said: “But I am not experienced. I am not quite sure if I can do that.” With a warm smile, she shared her own story to encourage me and said:
“Look! The Volunteer Training Assistant role is just for you, and it is remote so you can join it.”
Q: How exciting! We love to hear about the power women possess to lift each other up and offer support as we navigate imposters syndrome! What happened next?
A: Then, my lovely inspiring Operations & Metrics Program Director, Daniela D’Amato stepped in. After an interview, she let me in and I started my role. Initially, I was hesitant to speak up, but with the inspiring leadership of Cecilia Maldonado and Daniela, I gained confidence and found my voice. In my first year, I learned to articulate my thoughts, and in my second year, I took the initiative to act on them. I was honored to receive the Kudos Award in July and subsequently the Star Award now. I must admit that before connecting with Carrie, I was considering leaving the industry. The encouragement and support from our incredible Women in Localization community reignited my passion and gave me the courage to continue my journey, even pursuing a master’s degree abroad.
Q: It’s amazing how positive of an effect your involvement with W.L. had on your professional growth and career path! What does your volunteer role involve?
A: For nearly two years, I’ve been responsible for volunteer training. My role involves actively listening to our volunteers, understanding their needs, and organizing training sessions that benefit both their personal and professional lives. This year, we successfully launched a dedicated training section on our Intranet, centralizing all training materials in one convenient location. We aim to conduct at least four trainings annually, but I often surprise our volunteers with additional sessions. I serve as a bridge between our volunteers and trainers, ensuring a positive and productive learning experience for all. Additionally, I’m proud to be a founding member as one of the Social Media Managers of the Women in Localization Türkiye Chapter, which officially launched in September 2024. Together with our team, we built our social media presence and it is actively growing now.
Q: What are the main inspiration and motivation sources for you?
A: Listening, understanding, learning, and exploring are indispensable values for me. Literature, psychology, and music are my biggest sources of inspiration. For a long time just like Michelangelo said, ‘Ancora Imparo’, meaning ‘I’m still learning!’ I live by this philosophy.
Q: Do you have any advice for women who are hesitant to take on leading volunteering roles?
A: I feel their hesitations. I felt it too, especially at the beginning. But here’s the thing: this isn’t a solo journey. It’s a global team effort, a collaboration that will blow your mind. Imagine being surrounded by incredible women leaders from every corner of the industry. You’ll soak up diverse leadership and communication styles, building a network that stretches across the globe. It’s a chance to launch new initiatives, experiment, and see what you can create. And while you’re learning, you’re also contributing, sharing your unique insights. It’s a two-way street; everyone learns and grows together. This is teamwork at its finest, a springboard for both personal and professional growth. If you’re looking for a transformative experience, I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Are you interested in getting involved with Women in Localization and giving back to our community?
Check out W.L.’s volunteer opportunities here: https://womeninlocalization.com/resources/volunteer-positions/