Meet Women in Localization’s Top Volunteers

2024 STAR Award Winner Sıla Alan

The STAR Award is presented once a year and highlights one exceptional volunteer chosen from that year’s Kudos winners. This prestigious honor celebrates the individual who exemplifies unparalleled commitment and leadership throughout the year. The 2024 winner is Sıla Alan, WL’s head of volunteer training for the Operations & Metrics team. She is also a founding member of WL’s Türkiye Chapter and one of its social media managers. We spoke to Sıla about her volunteer journey with WL and what she envisions for the future of the organization.

Why did you choose to enter the language industry, and what has been your career path so far?

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, which I believe is 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 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.

Having graduated as a valedictorian in Translation and Interpreting from Dokuz Eylül University, Türkiye, and also in International Relations from Anadolu University, I gained professional experience in marketing and sales. Subsequently, I dedicated myself to volunteer work at WL, where I’ve been responsible for volunteer training for nearly two years. Additionally, I was a founding member and one of the social media managers of the WL Türkiye Chapter, which officially launched in September 2024. Then, this past October, I embarked on a master’s degree in Translation, Communication, and Language Technology at Heidelberg University, Germany.

How did you first get involved in WL?

My WL journey began with a simple LinkedIn message. On March 7, 2023, feeling lost and unsure of my next step, I sent a LinkedIn message to Carrie Livermore Fischer, who was president of WL at that time. Desperate for help, I was surprised by her kindness. She offered a meeting, suggested the WL 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.”

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 Daniela and Cecilia Maldonado, I gained confidence and found my voice. In my first year, I learned to articulate my thoughts, and in the second, I took the initiative to act on them. I must admit that before connecting with Carrie, I was considering leaving the industry. The encouragement and support from our incredible WL community reignited my passion and gave me the courage to continue my journey, even pursuing a master’s degree abroad.

What does your role at WL entail?

My role as a volunteer trainer 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.

What are your goals for the Operations & Metrics team and for the Türkiye Chapter?

I believe that Operations & Metrics can be encapsulated in three core principles: efficiency, effectiveness, and data-driven decision making. Throughout my journey with amazing team members, we’ve strived to embody these principles in our work. My goal is to achieve continuous growth and improvement by leveraging automation, providing easy access to information, and ensuring a human touch in all our interactions. I aspire to hear someone say, “I already knew this from a WL volunteer training,” without realizing that I was the one who organized it, even though they may recognize my name.

WL’s Türkiye Chapter is the country’s first global, nonprofit, industry-specific organization. I’m thankful to our entire team, especially Olga Hergül, our dedicated Chapter Manager. We strive to build a welcoming community that empowers local professionals, offering them a vibrant platform for knowledge sharing, learning, and mutual growth. I envision a future where our Türkiye community thrives and expands its global footprint.

Why do you enjoy volunteering with WL?

I firmly believe that a strong professional network can significantly impact one’s life. The WL community is a perfect example of this, and it has had a transformative effect on my life. I’ve learned firsthand that being part of a supportive community, especially one filled with inspiring industry leaders from around the world, can truly empower you.

Every interaction within the WL community, be it through emails or virtual meetings, provides valuable insights and fosters a sense of camaraderie. Despite the distance, I feel a genuine connection with my team members, as if they were trusted friends. For instance, the fact that Sara and Marta from our Portugal Chapter reposted my LinkedIn plea for help, without even knowing me personally, is a testament to the power of our global community. Jim Rohn’s adage, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” rings true, and being surrounded by over 300 talented women in WL is truly inspiring. I aspire to one day reach the same level of success and impact as these remarkable individuals.

What does winning the STAR Award mean to you?

I was honored to receive the Kudos Award in July 2024 and subsequently the STAR Award. No individual can achieve success without the support of a talented team. Our accomplishments and setbacks are collective efforts. Therefore, for me, the STAR Award is a testament to the strength of our team. But it also signifies a formal acknowledgment of my work in fostering understanding and empathy, a goal shared by language professionals worldwide. This award feels like a validation of my efforts and a source of encouragement to persevere. It inspires me to continue my journey, driven by the values of active listening (not hearing), empathy, and taking meaningful action. It’s a testament to the positive impact I’ve made on others, and it inspires me to continue living a life of purpose.