A Conversation with IPG-Richmond's Hilal Yalcin

Billy: What is your role at the Institute?

Hilal: I serve as a Research and Administrative Coordinator for IPG-Richmond.

Billy: How would you describe your research and praxis?

Hilal: My background is in psychology, so I have a strong interest in mental health. I am currently working to complete a Master of Public Administration degree and am focusing on organizational development. My goal is to help organizations become healthy and safe places in which their employees feel included and appreciated.

Billy: How did you become affiliated with IPG?

Hilal: I was previously a part of a group within the Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) and our team formally transitioned to IPG in July 2024.

Billy: What are some projects on which you are currently working?

Hilal: I am currently working on quite a few projects, including:

  • Virginia Public Sector Leader Program (I, II, and III)
  • Virginia Management Fellows Program
  • Language Access Needs Assessment
  • Bilingual Staff Interpreter Training
  • Peer Mentor Champion Training
  • CivilianLEAD

Billy: What does a typical day look like for you?

Hilal: I oversee many of the day-to-day operations at our office, alongside managing various projects. My responsibilities include restocking snacks, drinks, office supplies, and other necessary materials. I handle all administrative and fiscal support tasks first each day, and then focus on the most urgent tasks with closer deadlines.

On in-person event days (VPSL, CivilianLEAD, VMF), I arrive around 7:30 am to prepare coffee, tea, and breakfast for program participants. I also set up A/V equipment and ensure everything is running smoothly before the facilitators and participants arrive. I remain in the room as the program gets underway to assist with any IT issues or questions that may arise. Additionally, I manage catering for these events. At the end of the day, usually about 4:00 p.m., I help clean and reset the room for the following day.

Billy: What is one detail of your position that might be surprising for others to know?

Hilal: The number of projects on which I work. Not many people know the full extent of my responsibilities. In addition to my administrative/fiscal and programmatic support tasks, I help Dr. Stephanie Davis manage the SPIA Graduate Certificate programs.

Billy: What inspires you to do the work you do?

Hilal: The people I work with and the people I meet. The work I do is very rewarding because I can see that the programs we offer help others become better people and that they have the same impact on me and the others on our team.

Billy: What advice would you give others interested in pursuing work in your area of research or praxis?

Hilal: I would suggest that they strive to keep an open mind and an open heart. I would urge them to be friendly and kind to all, but also never to be afraid to honestly speak their mind. I would also advise that they learn to say “no” when that seems to them necessary and appropriate. Burn out is very real, especially when your position involves varied and back-to-back events and tasks. I suppose another way to say this is to say that I urge anyone who might be interested in a complex role like mine to be sure to give themselves grace, while also being willing to stand up for themselves and their point-of-view.

Billy: What are some things you like to do in your free time?

Hilal: I have a pet rabbit and cat, so I love to spend time with them. I am a big animal/nature lover so I try to do things that involve animals. I love to travel and hope to return to Turkey to visit family and do some sight-seeing. I am also a big foodie and love to make and try new dishes.