For her extraordinary work in diplomacy, advocacy and international communications, Safak Pavey of Istanbul, Turkey was named a 2011 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World (JCI TOYP) recipient in the category of contribution to children, world peace and/or human rights. Growing up in Istanbul, Pavey was surrounded by writing and the arts. Her early interests grew into a career in international communications, journalism and documentary production for a variety of media companies. However, a tragic train accident left Pavey with only one arm and one leg. Her time in the hospital and recovery efforts shaped her into a woman filled with strength and determination to look past her disability and continue with her education and career. Completing graduate and post-graduate studies while working to pay for her medical treatments and schooling, she began humanitarian relief work for the United Nations in the Middle East and Africa. While expanding her diplomacy skills, she began advocacy work for people with disabilities. Pavey is the founding member of the UN Interagency Support Group for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the first appointed Secretary to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. She has since departed the UN after being named the Deputy of Istanbul, becoming as the first disabled female member of the Turkish Parliament. She provides consultancy on many issues for people living with disabilities including education, goal setting and strategic planning. Her goal is to prove that these people carry a strong sense of personal dignity and pride as they overcome their physical obstacles each and every day. JCI TOYP JCI (Junior Chamber International) honors ten outstanding young people under the age of 40 each year. These individuals exemplify the spirit of the JCI Mission and provide extraordinary service to their communities. Whether through service, innovation, determination or revolutionary thinking, these young active citizens create positive impacts in their communities. These ten young active citizens will be honored at the 2011 JCI TOYP Ceremony and reception Wednesday, November 2 at the JCI World Congress in Brussels, Belgium. About JCI: JCI is a worldwide membership-based nonprofit organization of young active citizens ages 18 to 40 who are dedicated to creating positive change in their communities. Through projects in more than 5,000 communities across more than 100 countries, members seek targeted solutions to local problems, creating a global impact. Visit www.jci.cc to learn more. Contact: Krissy Durant, Programs Manager, JCI (Junior Chamber International) programs@jci.cc
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