Refika Boz

Refika Boz graduated from Mersin University's Department of Urban and Regional Planning. During her university years, she worked on smart cities, nature-based approaches, and sustainability. After studying in Poland as an Erasmus+ exchange student, she gained international experience through an Erasmus+ internship in Spain in 2021.

After participating in fieldwork for a short-term urban transformation project, she continued her career in various sectors. Her experiences in various sectors have equipped her with an interdisciplinary perspective and strengthened her communication, participation, and organizational skills. During this period, she maintained her connection to planning through educational programs, volunteer projects, and cultural activities. Her experiences included volunteering at MARUF 2023, IPA City School, Yücel Cultural Foundation, and storytelling workshops.

Inspired by Jane Jacobs, she began organizing walks in public spaces as an Istanbul city organizer within Jane's Walk, encouraging participants to interact with space. She began working in a planning office and focused on developing her professional skills. It continues its work to contribute to projects that will create social impact in cities at the intersection of sustainability, culture and community.