Simay Akar
Biography
Simay Akar has consistently demonstrated her dedication and willingness to contribute her time and skills to IEEE, holding various positions over the years. As the lead for 2013 and 2014 IEEE Day, she successfully coordinated hundreds of events globally. Under her leadership, IEEE Day evolved from a small gathering to a large-scale, well-coordinated worldwide network. In recognition of this effort, Akar received the IEEE MGA Achievement Award in 2014. Currently, she is actively involved in the IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Board and IEEE Women in Engineering, among others. Additionally, she chaired the Young Professionals Committee at the IEEE Power and Energy Society. Her outstanding contributions in these roles earned her several prestigious awards, including the 2022 IEEE MGA Diversity & Inclusion Award, 2022 IEEE PES Robert P. Noberini Distinguished Contributions to Engineering Professionalism Award, and 2018 IEEE Young Professionals Hall of Fame Award, among many others. Akar epitomizes professionalism, dedication, and strong work ethic. She excels at motivating student volunteers, tirelessly working to serve them, and thereby making a significant contribution to advancing IEEE’s mission. She built her professional career in the solar power industry and renewable clean energies, first serving in Turkey as the Business Development Manager at CSUN Solar. Subsequently, she moved to China as Head of Overseas Marketing Development at Talesun Solar, a leader in the photovoltaic components sector. Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, she returned to Turkey, where she co-founded Innoses and founded AK Energy Consulting – companies dedicated to providing sustainable energy solutions. Akar’s endeavors have not only made her a role model for the younger generation worldwide but have also served as an inspiration for many young women within her professional field.
An IEEE Senior Member, Akar is CEO & Founder of AK Energy Consulting in Istanbul, Turkey and is the 2024 recipient of the IEEE Theodore W. Hissey Outstanding Young Professional Award for "leadership and inspiration of young professionals with significant contributions in the technical fields of photovoltaics and sustainable energy storage."
