Atacan Yesilada’s storytelling journey has made him a leading content creator and educator, reaching over 710,000 followers on his Instagram channel, English with Atacan. As a 2023 Aspire Leaders Program alumnus, he blends language learning, entertainment, and storytelling to engage global audiences. His work spans film reviews, celebrity interviews, and collaborations with brands like Canva, Sony, Cambly, and Vodafone.
Life & Global Experience
Born and raised in Izmir, Türkiye, Atacan developed an early interest in language, technology, and media. Though he pursued studies in English Literature and International Relations, his curiosity led him to explore the intersections of education, digital content, and social impact.
His acceptance into the 2023 Aspire Leaders Program marked a key moment in his journey. Selected from thousands of applicants, he participated in case studies led by global academics, gaining new perspectives on leadership and community engagement. The program broadened his perspective on leadership and community impact, reinforcing his belief that meaningful change starts with local action.
His platform ‘English with Atacan’ started as a way to help English learners expand their vocabulary and language skills. “I started offering private lessons and teaching English when I reached 100,000 followers. Then, I came up with a concept that would change everything: teaching English words through movies, which helped me grow to 718,000 followers,” Atacan shares.
Beyond content creation, Atacan has been involved in community projects that amplify underrepresented voices. While living in London, he worked on initiatives supporting refugees and the elderly, teaching filmmaking and storytelling as tools for self-expression. He also hosted a radio show and organized a movie day for refugee children, using media to foster connection and dialogue.
His creative work extends to filmmaking, where he has written and directed two short films, Kerosen Dreams and Kaçan Kovalanır. Additionally, he was recognized in the NASA Space Apps Challenge, winning locally and earning a global nomination.
More recently, Atacan brought his leadership skills to Yellowstone National Park, where he focused on building a deeper connection to nature. Over four months, he worked alongside a dedicated team to support the park’s mission of hospitality and preservation while interacting with visitors from various backgrounds. Inspired by the natural beauty, Atacan found new ways to blend his passion for storytelling with a strong commitment to environmental conservation
Looking Ahead
Atacan continues to expand his impact through content and storytelling. He hopes to pursue a master’s degree to deepen his expertise while developing new projects that connect media, education, and social change. His goal is to create meaningful content that informs and inspires, whether through film, digital platforms, or mentorship.
Reflecting on his journey, he emphasizes the importance of seeking new opportunities and staying open to growth. He recognizes the Aspire Leaders Program as playing a pivotal role in shaping his leadership journey. Atacan credits the program with helping him develop the skills and confidence to pursue ambitious goals. “I think it’s crucial to seek out opportunities like Aspire and to never stop exploring ways to grow.” Through his efforts, he contributes to a growing community of Aspire Alumni leaders dedicated to making a positive impact.
