Asena Yildiz is an Apple colleague and close personal friend. LinkedIn: asena-yildiz. Email: asenad@gmail.com. Venmo: @silvercircle. She lives in Campbell/San Jose with her boyfriend David and their dog Pepper, at 1380 Teakwood Drive.
Summer 2023
The messages begin in July 2023, which is when Amy's life was falling apart. The Diego breakup happened that summer, and Amy stayed at Asena's house for multiple nights in late July and early August.
Asena set up towels, pajamas, toiletries, and bedding. "I was trying to make it as homey as possible so you didn't have to go back (I was worried about you)." Amy worked from Asena's place, using her CAD setup. Amy said "it's gonna be a little awkward going back to my place."
During this period, Amy called 911 for a man passed out on the road while driving to Asena's.
Asena is the friend who takes care of you when you can't take care of yourself. She didn't ask questions or push. She put out towels.
Apple and Health
Asena had significant health issues: disability accommodations at Apple, ER visits (blood clotting issue, emergency surgery in July 2023), and she debated whether to stay at Apple just for the 18 months of health insurance coverage. She eventually left: "I think I'm going to quit Apple by the end of the month" (August 2023).
Amy posted an Apple housing listing for Asena and helped with people.apple.com access. Asena encouraged Amy to set boundaries at work: "Make sure to set boundaries for yourself so that your team knows your limits."
Later
They met up again in November 2025 in San Mateo, near Caltrain. Asena mentioned hoping Amy's "boyfriend can come back to the US soon," referring to Nalin Semwal's India trip.
Amy wrote a letter of recommendation for Asena in November 2025. Asena had ChatGPT draft it, and Amy edited it for her voice.
Amy gave Asena her 3D printer when she was moving and had too much stuff.
Significance
~4,700 messages. July 2023 to January 2026. Asena matters because she was there during the worst of it. Summer 2023 was Diego, the Apple decision, the beginning of what would become Taya. Asena didn't offer advice or judgment. She offered a bed, a CAD setup, and pajamas.
Very caring, maternal energy. She goes above and beyond.