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May 11, 2013

Fellow Spotlight: Mehves Tangun, Brown University

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Name:  Mehves Ofelya Tangun
Hometown: Istanbul, Turkey
University: Brown University ’13
Major: Engineering & Economics
 
What led you to apply for Venture for America?
After taking my first entrepreneurship class at Brown University I realized that I really enjoyed drafting business plans and pitching to investors. My entrepreneurship professor Danny Warshay introduced me to VFA. With his advice I decided to apply.
What were you doing when you found out you were accepted?
It was during my spring break when I was in Istanbul, Turkey, suffering from a horrible jetlag. So I was up at 3 am checking my emails in my bed when I received the email from Andrew Yang. At that moment, all it said was: “Let the celebrations begin”. It was a memorable week!
Now that you’re a Fellow, what are you most excited about with regard to VFA? What do you hope to accomplish?
I am very excited to be thrown out of my element and out of my comfort zone so that I could push myself in every project I undertake. As Andrew Yang said: “People spend money and time educating the market for consulting and finance. The theory is you must become a baller before you come back and change the world”. Even though we laugh to this statement, which is said with a touch of sarcasm by Yang; I would like to be trained for the startup sector and I believe Venture for America is the right place for it. So far this is all I want to accomplish- gaining knowledge and experience after a “baller” training.
If you had to live one place for the rest of your life, where would you choose? Barcelona (minus the crisis)
Best thing about Brown:  You are the master of your time!
Favorite Book: The Unbearable Lightness of Being- Milan Kundera
Favorite childhood TV show: Rocko’s Modern Life and The Smurffs
Favorite meal: Dinner
Favorite holiday: Thanksgiving- even though I was introduced to it very recently, I cannot get over the food!
Best class you’ve ever taken: Entrepreneurship and Innovation by Danny Warshay
Favorite movie quote: “Do not be afraid to let go or forget… Because in reality, all that matters never leaves us…” –Mine Vaganti (Loose Cannons)
Favorite thing to do on Sunday: Sunday BRUNCH!
Favorite entrepreneur: Wolfgang Puck or Mario Batali (Going back and forth between the two)
Favorite cereal: Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Most worn article of clothing: Beige Scarf
Favorite sports team: The Celtics
Best trip you’ve ever been on: To the region of Cotes du Provence for wine tasting.
Favorite historical figure: Ataturk- The Great Turkish Leader who brought Democracy to Turkey
Accomplishment you’re most proud of: Opening a bakery from scratch in a small town called Chepkanga in Kenya.

Posted in: Fellows

VFA Has Ceased Operations


Since its first cohort in 2012, Venture For America (VFA) has championed entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth across the nation. As of August 6, 2024, VFA has ceased its operations. While this marks the end of an era, it also provides an opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary accomplishments and lasting impact that we have achieved together.

Please click here to read the full update.

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