Panel on the Future of Professions at the Age of AI: A Joint Event at NYC Turkish House with BTF and EML-Emergent Minds Lab

A joint event organized by Emergent Minds Lab (EML), a youth-led initiative, and Bridge to Turkiye Fund (BTF), hosted by the NYC Turkish Consulate, brought together students, academics, and industry leaders to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping careers and industries.

A joint event organized by Emergent Minds Lab (EML),a youth led initiative and Bridge to Turkiye Fund (BTF), and hosted by the NYC Turkish Consulate brought together students, academics, and industry leaders to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping careers and industries. The panel centered on youth questions, creating an open dialogue about the future of work in the age of AI.

Titled “Professions in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and the Digital World,” the January 31, 2026 program in New York united young people and expert voices under one roof. Discussions focused on AI’s transformative impact on professions and the new opportunities emerging in the digital era.

                         On the pic left to right: Consul General Ahmet Yazal, Demir Akar, Kaan Ergan, Umay Yazal                             

The panel was moderated by EML co-founders Demir Akar and Kaan Ergan, alongside EML member Umay Yazal, allowing experts to engage directly with the next generation while discussing how artificial intelligence is changing various sectors.

The panel featured panelists from various domains, Prof. Dr. Lerzan Aksoy, Dean of the Gabelli School of Business; executive leader Aysun Sarıkardaşoğlu; Prof. Dr. Ebru A. Gencer from Columbia University’s Center for Urban Disaster; Prof. Dr. Cantürk İşçi, Engineering Leader; and Kadir Oğuz Türkan from Binghamton University. Speakers shared insights on AI-driven transformation in the workforce, future career paths, and how young people can best prepare for what lies ahead.

The event was facilitated by Bridge to Türkiye Fund NY/NJ Circle Leader Neslihan Önder Spada. The intergenerational format, centered on dialogue between students and experts, attracted strong interest from attendees.

The event highlighted the importance of youth led initatives, such as EML,  to empower young people as globally engaged, future-ready individuals. The program concluded with closing remarks of Consul General Ambassador Ahmet Yazal.