Dilek İmamoğlu, born on November 18, 1974, in Trabzon, Turkey, is an activist known for her work in raising awareness for people with disabilities, advocating for children's education, and championing women's rights. She is the wife of Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was elected as Metropolitan Mayor of Istanbul in 2019.
After completing her studies at Istanbul's Department of Tourism, Dilek pursued higher education and obtained a master's degree in public administration, focusing her thesis on Glass Ceiling Syndrome. She went on to earn a PhD in public administration, with a research emphasis on the leadership prospects of Generation Y and the impact of different leadership styles on societal progress.
Dilek is committed to raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. In a bold move, she spent a day in a wheelchair, accompanied by Semra Cetinkaya, to personally experience the obstacles that disabled individuals encounter in their daily lives. This initiative earned her the Sukru Surmen Award from the Spinal Cord Paralysis Association of Turkey in 2014.
As the youngest of ten siblings, Dilek grew up in a large family that included her sister, psychologist and lifestyle influencer Ceren Kaya. She married Ekrem İmamoğlu in 1995, and together they have three children: Mehmet Selim, Semih, and Beren.
In 2019, Dilek graced the cover of Madame Figaro Turkiye Magazine with the title "First Lady of Istanbul," recognizing her influential role as the wife of the Metropolitan Mayor. She has also been vocal about women's rights and the revolutionary impact that women have on society.
In January 2020, Dilek attended a theatrical event for the book "Devran" by Selahattin Demirtaş, alongside Selvi Kılıçdaroğlu, the wife of Republican Party leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. This event showcased her continued support for literature and cultural activities.
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