Self-Care for Ombuds Professionals: Navigating Trauma and Its Impact

Presented by Tuba Bilecik

In this session, the participants will explore the crucial topic of self-care and its profound impact when working with individuals affected by trauma. The presentation aims to provide attendees with essential strategies for maintaining their well-being while navigating the complexities of ombuds work within diverse and dynamic environments. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of trauma's effects on both visitors and themselves, particularly in the way they engage in conflict resolution, and they will learn practical self-care techniques to enhance resilience and cultivate a supportive work environment.

Tuba Bilecik

Tuba is a highly accomplished mediator, outsourced ombuds, conflict management consultant, and trainer based in Washington, DC. With a wealth of experience in mediating civil, commercial, employment, and workplace disputes, she collaborates closely with organizations providing expert advice on effective conflict management and fostering a positive and respectful workplace environment. Tuba has successfully set up outsourced ombuds programs for various private companies, effectively providing impartial and confidential dispute resolution services. She serves as a mediator for the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman of the World Bank Group, Global Mediation Panel member at the Office of the Ombudsman for United Nations Funds and Programmes, and an ADR consultant for the Council of Europe.
Having started her ADR career as a mediation pioneer in Turkey, Tuba has worked with diverse clients worldwide, including international organizations, private companies, NGOs, government agencies, and individuals. She is a Distinguished Fellow of the International Academy of Mediators and was awarded the prestigious Weinstein JAMS International Fellowship in 2017. Tuba holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Marmara University and an LL.M. in ADR degree from the University of Southern California.