Born and raised in Rize, Türkiye, Ayça Arifoğlu Gülener has been passionate about mathematics and commerce since childhood. Growing up in a family involved in business gave her an early understanding of the dynamics of the trade world. After graduating from the Faculty of Business Administration at Çanakkale 18 March University, she began her career in Istanbul as an Assistant Purchasing Specialist. Yet within just 15 days, she realized the role was not the right fit and made the bold decision to resign — a turning point that strengthened her confidence and helped her discover her true passion.

She pursued her career in the retail sector, working at major brands such as CarrefourSA and Real, gaining insights into both Türkiye’s trade dynamics and international business culture. Attending the 9-day Role Matrix training in France, she deepened her understanding of the product life cycle. She specialized in SAP, Oracle, and Power BI, serving as a “Key User” to improve processes and share knowledge across teams. From limited access to technology in a small town to leadership roles in global companies, Ayça’s journey reflects determination and continuous learning.

Becoming a manager at the age of 27, she encourages young girls with this message: “Be curious, work hard, and keep your confidence. No one is 100% an expert in technology; what matters is to start, ask questions, and keep learning.”