Ezgi Yıldız Kefeli, Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Corporate Communications Group Manager, discusses the impact of the She’s Mentoring Program, which supports young women in their professional journeys.
Rather than viewing March 8th, International Women’s Day, as merely a time for special discount campaigns or celebrating successful women, we should see it as an important opportunity to amplify efforts toward gender equality and take concrete action for a more inclusive future. In recent years, many organizations have stepped up with sustainable initiatives that promote an egalitarian business world—not just for a single day, but for lasting change. Mercedes-Benz is one such brand.
The She’s Mentoring Program stands out as a pioneering initiative that inspires young women, guides them in their careers, and aims to unlock their leadership potential. Time and again, we witness the transformative power of women in leadership across science, art, and industries traditionally dominated by men. Yet, the journey toward true equality remains ongoing. Ezgi Yıldız Kefeli highlights the success of She’s Mentoring and emphasizes a vision that fosters social transformation.
Mercedes-Benz has taken a pioneering step with the She’s Mentoring Program. For those who may not be familiar with it, could you briefly explain the program’s aims and the impact it has had so far?
She’s Mentoring is an initiative launched by Mercedes-Benz to support and inspire young women. By connecting them with accomplished female leaders, we aim to guide them in their career journeys and build a strong support network. Since its inception in 2015, the program has been rooted in our She’s Mercedes platform, which is dedicated to understanding women’s aspirations, challenges, and leadership perspectives. This initiative empowers young women, helping them advance with confidence and take firm steps toward their professional goals.
The program’s impact was evident from its very first year. We received an overwhelming number of applications from across Turkey and even internationally, underscoring the high demand for mentorship. Through expert training sessions and one-on-one mentoring, participants have strengthened their leadership skills, gained confidence, and launched projects that contribute to both social and economic change.
How would you summarize the essence of the program?
She’s Mentoring is more than just a mentoring program—it’s a journey that equips women with the confidence to move forward, seize opportunities, and grow as future leaders. Our mission is to eliminate barriers and pave the way for a more inclusive future.
How did Mercedes-Benz decide to launch this initiative? What challenges does it seek to address in women’s leadership development?
At Mercedes-Benz, we believe that real change happens through action. That’s exactly why we created She’s Mentoring. We recognized that many talented and ambitious women face challenges on their path to leadership. While talent is widespread, opportunities are not always equally accessible—and we wanted to change that.
She’s Mentoring is more than just a mentorship program; it’s a platform designed to help women build self-confidence, refine their leadership skills, and connect with a strong support network. Our aim is to empower women to step into leadership roles with determination. Beyond individual growth, this program shifts mindsets, challenges stereotypes, and redefines leadership. Because when women become leaders, they have the power to change the world.
Talent exists everywhere, but opportunities remain unequal—something we were determined to change.
Since the program began, there have been many success stories. Which ones stand out to you?
She’s Mentoring has surpassed expectations, not just by supporting women but by empowering them to take action and create meaningful change. One of the most inspiring outcomes has been the projects brought to life by the mentees. From digital platforms designed for the hearing impaired to AI-powered media solutions, many groundbreaking ideas have become a reality through She’s Mentoring. However, the true success of the program lies not only in these projects but in the lives that have been transformed—women who have found the courage to step into leadership roles, redefine their career paths, and now, in turn, mentor other women.
How do you plan to expand the program in the future?
The overwhelming interest in the program has reinforced how valuable and essential mentorship is. Moving forward, our goal is to reach even more women, strengthen our alumni network, and create new opportunities so that every woman who aspires to lead can access this support. After all, true success is not built individually but collectively. The real impact of the program is not just in the projects—it’s in the lives that have been changed.
The real impact of the program is not just in the projects—it’s in the lives that have been changed.
This program speaks volumes about gender equality in the business world. How do you see its contribution?
For genuine transformation, gender equality cannot remain just a topic of discussion at leadership levels; it must be backed by concrete policies, decisive actions, and long-term strategic investments. This is where She’s Mentoring stands out as a pioneering model that actively supports women on their leadership journey. Rather than simply raising awareness, the program takes a structured, measurable, and sustainable approach to preparing women for leadership roles.
How does it make a difference in practice?
It’s not enough to discuss women’s leadership potential—we must actively prepare them for these roles today. Women have always possessed leadership capabilities, yet systemic barriers, social biases, and unequal access to opportunities have often prevented them from being perceived as “ready.” She’s Mentoring breaks this cycle by turning theory into action: beyond leadership development, participants gain access to industry connections, confidence-building training, and real-world business scenarios.
What makes She’s Mentoring truly unique is that it extends beyond individual growth—it’s a movement that leaves a lasting impact in both the corporate and social spheres. The empowered women who emerge from the program create a ripple effect, influencing recruitment and promotion processes, decision-making mechanisms, and innovation cultures. This proves an important point: gender equality in leadership is not just a matter of fairness—it’s a strategic necessity that strengthens talent pools and enhances organizations’ capacity for innovation.
In this sense, the program is making a landmark impact for many young businesswomen. On that note, I’d like to shift focus to your own career. Were there any pivotal moments in your journey?
Throughout my career, taking on different roles has provided me with a deep understanding of business dynamics and management processes. One of the most defining moments for me was my time as an assistant CEO. This role gave me the opportunity to closely observe an organization’s entire operations, decision-making structures, and executive processes, significantly sharpening my ability to see the big picture and think analytically.
During a particularly challenging period, I had the chance to contribute directly to high-level decision-making. Faced with an unexpected situation, I coordinated across multiple departments, set management priorities, and led the development of a viable action plan. This experience was a turning point—it reinforced the importance of strategic thinking and the ability to provide direction under pressure.
These moments taught me that leadership is not just about authority; it’s about vision, communication, and actively engaging in decision-making. Today, with this perspective in mind, I focus on cultivating a more strategic, solution-oriented, and inclusive leadership approach in the business world.
Have there been any women mentors who inspired you in your career?
One of the most inspiring figures in my career has been Sabiha Gökçen, Turkey’s first female pilot and the world’s first female fighter pilot. Her courage, determination, and boundary-breaking vision stand as a powerful testament to how women can make a lasting impact in traditionally male-dominated fields. Gökçen was more than just an aviator—she was a pioneering leader. With the support of Atatürk, she embarked on an extraordinary aviation journey, achieving remarkable success while inspiring countless women with her unwavering determination and decisive stance.
Her ability to break through societal stereotypes is not just a success story—it has been a guiding compass for me. Whenever I face obstacles in my professional life, I draw strength from her legacy, reminding myself of the importance of bold steps, pioneering change, and embracing an innovative perspective.
You work for one of the leading brands in the automotive world. How do you think the role of women in this sector will evolve in the coming period?
The future of the automotive industry is being shaped by innovation, and women are at the heart of this transformation. They are no longer just participants in the field; they are leaders driving sustainability, technology, and mobility solutions. This evolution isn’t solely about increasing representation—it’s about ensuring that women’s perspectives actively shape strategies and decision-making processes.
As digitalization and new mobility solutions continue to redefine the industry, diverse and inclusive leadership is no longer optional; it is essential for progress. In the near future, we will see women leading breakthrough innovations, redefining mobility, and transforming business culture. The automotive sector isn’t just evolving—it’s being reimagined. And women are the driving force behind this transformation.
The automotive industry is not just evolving, it’s being reimagined – and women are driving this transformation.
What new opportunities do you think emerging technologies can create for women in leadership?
Emerging technologies are breaking down traditional barriers and redefining leadership, creating new opportunities where expertise and vision take precedence over hierarchy. AI, automation, and digital platforms are reshaping decision-making processes, allowing women to lead in fields that will shape the future—such as AI ethics, digital transformation, and sustainability.
However, true progress isn’t just about women adapting to these changes; it’s about them leading innovation. The real challenge now is to increase women’s participation in the tech world. Strengthening equal opportunities, mentorship programs, and leadership pathways is essential to building a future where technology is shaped by diverse perspectives.
Move forward with confidence, defy conventions, and never doubt your power to drive change. The future is yours to shape.
Outside of She’s Mentoring, as a female leader, what strategies do you adopt to create an inclusive work environment in your teams?
Leadership is shaped by perspective, and working with diverse cultures has shown me time and again that there is no single, definitive way to lead. True leadership is about listening, adapting, and fostering an environment where different voices thrive.
Diversity is more than representation—it’s about how varied perspectives shape decisions, fuel creativity, and drive innovation. The most groundbreaking ideas emerge when people from different backgrounds challenge and inspire each other. Over time, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about empowering people to bring out their best. The more we embrace different ways of thinking, the stronger, more resilient, and future-ready our teams and industries become. Real progress happens when we learn from one another, push boundaries, and build something greater together. That is the essence of true leadership.
Automotive, like the world of high watchmaking, has long been considered a male-dominated industry. On International Women’s Day, what message would you like to share with young women entering such fields?
There may be moments when you feel you have to work twice as hard to prove yourself, push the limits to be noticed, or fight to have your voice heard. But remember this—your ideas, your leadership, and your vision are not just valuable; they are essential.
The future of every industry depends on fresh perspectives, innovative thinking, and bold leadership—and you are part of that future. If you find yourself in spaces where few others look like you, take it as an opportunity to pave the way for those who will follow. Seek mentors who inspire you, build a network that supports you, and most importantly, believe in your power to shape what comes next.
Leadership isn’t about fitting into existing patterns—it’s about reshaping them. And today, women are redefining the rules in every field. On this International Women’s Day, my message is simple: Move forward with confidence, break the mold, and never underestimate your power to create change. The future is yours to shape.
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