about me
My name is Deniz Kaptan, and I am from the Greater Chicago Area. I am pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with career interests that bridge artificial intelligence, systems engineering, and product development. I enrolled in the Leadership Certificate Program to strengthen my ability to lead with clarity, empathy, and purpose, which are skills I see as essential not only for technical problem-solving but also for inspiring collaboration and driving innovation in any team I’m part of.
my hobbies:
- Music Production & Audio Engineering
- I mix and master tracks for independent artists in my free time
- Fitness & Gym
- Illini Water Polo Club
- Reading (currently reading “Atomic Habits” by James Clear)
- Tinkering with autonomous systems & drones
Leadership
My leadership philosophy and approach
My leadership journey has been shaped by a commitment to integrity, collaboration, and continuous learning. I believe strong leadership fosters growth, empowers others, and drives positive change. Throughout my experiences, I have prioritized building trust, inspiring teams, and embracing challenges as opportunities for development. My goal is to lead with purpose and create environments where everyone can thrive and contribute their best.
Illinois Leadership Certificate ePortfolio 