Ilkay is well known in the community for her work as an actor, director, producer, playwright, educator, volunteer and organizer. She was the driving force behind the opening of the Black Box Theatre at St.
Thomas University (STU), has taught at STU for almost 30 years, was a founding member of the TNB Young Company and the Notable Acts Theatre Festival, chaired the NB Arts board between 1994 and 1999, and has produced and directed countless plays in our community. In 2008, she currently chairs the Theatre New Brunswick board of directors.