Defne was born and raised in Turkey until the age of seven when her family immigrated to the States. Defne spent her youth roaming Maryland’s suburbs and refining her talents in the theatrical arts. During an eight year stay in New York City, she would obtain a Conservatorship in Acting and a Bachelor’s Degree in Film. Her aspirations of becoming a theatrical actor were quickly swept away after her very first visit to a climbing gym. In the three years since then, Defne has sunk her teeth into all things climbing and, thanks to the invaluable friends and mentors she’s met along the way, is developing the skills to become the climber she one day hopes to be.