Updated on March 24, 2026

A few weeks ago, I lost a close friend here in Istanbul. She didn’t have a long resume or advanced degrees, but when she moved to a new country, she noticed that people learning English had no place to gather and converse with native speakers.

She initially created a group for her own students who had nowhere to practice. She called it “English Club” and held it religiously every week at the same cafe in Istanbul. Over time, it grew into a social hub, drawing English language learners from all over the city through word of mouth. It was an incredible gift to hundreds of people over nearly 10 years.

And it created something more meaningful than language practice: a community where individuals from wildly different backgrounds found a sense of belonging.

When my friend became sick several months ago, that same community rallied around her and cared for her as a family would.

I decided to share her story because it captures a universal truth: some people change the world by creating environments where others feel welcome, whether that’s meetups in cafes, STR alliance events, or virtual support networks. That’s the essence of hospitality.

In the vacation rental community, I see the same instinct guiding many who have stepped forward to build networks, advocate for fairness, or create something the industry didn’t yet have.

These stories share a common theme: filling a need, just as my friend did when she started her English Club. We plan to honor my friend’s legacy by continuing to host the weekly meetings she created, keeping the doors open for regulars and newcomers.

And here at Rent Responsibly, we plan to continue featuring the individuals who build community and innovate in our space. In the coming weeks, you’ll see features of other women making history, including: