Coding Tomorrow in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Building a Future with Science, Equality, and Solidarity
On Saturday, November 29th, 2026 the “Coding Tomorrow in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” discussion panel organized by the Bridge to Türkiye Fund (BTF) STEM Group, took place at Türkevi, New York with a large turnout. It was a source of great pride for me to moderate this panel as a BTF volunteer.
Our goal was not only to discuss artificial intelligence and technology, but also to make a concrete contribution to the future by making STEM Camps sustainable for youth. The most powerful aspect of the panel was the gathering of three inspiring leaders on stage: Dr. Tendü Yoğurtçu, Prof. Dr. Lerzan Aksoy, and Dr. Zeynep Sayım Yazal.
A Moment from the Panel: A Meeting That Reminded Us How Small the World Is
During the panel, we shared a short video from the STEM camp we held in June 2025. This camp was organized with Hatay students in collaboration with the Red Pepper Association and GHD, sponsored by BTF.
After the video ended, a young participant came up to me and said:
“I’m from Hatay. The school where you held your science camp is right next to our house. I thank you very much on behalf of my city.”
Hearing those words makes the work meaningful. Sometimes, kindness comes back to you when you least expect it, even on the other side of the world. A seemingly temporary project leaves a lasting mark on the world of a child, a young person, a family. That was the spirit of the panel: A vision of the future at the intersection of kindness, science, and equality.
Reflection from the Panel
We began the panel with Dr. Tendü Yoğurtçu’s reflections on the scale and speed of global change driven by artificial intelligence. She emphasized that AI is no longer simply reshaping industries; it is changing how societies work, learn, and grow. According to a 2025 McKinsey survey, 71% of companies now report regular use of generative AI, a clear sign of how rapidly expectations for the future are shifting.
Dr. Yoğurtçu noted that while this pace of change can widen digital skill gaps for communities without access, it also creates a powerful opportunity. “The future belongs to those who combine human-centered skills with technological fluency. If we equip women and girls with these capabilities, they will not only adapt, they will shape what comes next.” This is precisely why seemingly small initiatives like STEM camps are actually shaping the country’s future.
Next, Prof. Dr. Lerzan Aksoy, explained that AI is not just a technology trend but a new global economic infrastructure. She noted that the AI sector has been growing at an annual rate of more than 40 percent, a sign of how rapidly the field is expanding and how deeply it is influencing science, education and business. She also drew attention to the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields, emphasizing that this inequality is directly reflected as bias in artificial intelligence systems. She added: “Women’s empathy, resilience, communication, and collaboration skills are strategic leadership qualities in the age of AI.” These words were like an open invitation to the young women in the audience.
Dr. Zeynep Sayım Yazal approached the topic from the perspective of human resources, leadership, and entrepreneurship. She said that many women are in job sectors at risk of automation; however, she also emphasized that the AI era cannot replicate empathy, creativity, emotional intelligence and human-centered thinking. “Women in this era can be actors who not only adapt but also drive transformation” was one of the panel’s most powerful messages.
BTF’s Science Camps for youth, including programs for girls, have been a beacon of hope, especially for children in the earthquake-affected region as they rebuild their lives. The words of that young woman from Hatay after the panel summed it all up:
“You touched my city.”
We know these to be true:
- Educating a girl transforms not only her future, but the future of entire communities.
- When girls gain access to science, they become the innovators and coders of tomorrow.
- Equality and opportunity are the foundation of a more humane, innovative future.
Realizing the dream of science camps is a project that brings pride to the BTF. The first camp, organized with the Red Pepper Association and the Volunteer Services Association, inspired and gave us hope. We wish to continue this every year with students from disadvantaged regions of our country. Looking at the bigger picture, every step we take to strengthen access to science for our fellow students in our country, especially girls, brings us closer to a more equitable future.
This journey continues together, shoulder to shoulder, we continue to work to code tomorrow equally.
Fatma Aytaç is the Chairwoman of the Red Pepper Association (Kırmızı Biber Derneği), leading work focused on women’s and children’s rights. A Boğaziçi University graduate, she is especially committed to strengthening impact on the ground through science and technology–focused initiatives (STEM/STEAM) for girls in earthquake-affected regions. She also represents her organization in international advocacy platforms and has been a long-time volunteer and supporter of Bridge to Türkiye Fund.
