Işıl Elif Arslan completed her undergraduate studies in Sociology (English) at Middle East Technical University and her master’s degree at Hacettepe University’s Institute of Population Studies. As part of her work with the private sector and international organizations, she has taken on roles in project management. During this time, she actively contributed to the planning and implementation of projects in areas such as migration, sustainability, corporate governance, and capacity building, working closely with program and project teams. As of 2024, she has been working as a Project Manager at the Mediterranean Conservation Society.