Theme: TEDxTokombaevSt

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

LOFT Цех
Litovskaya Street, 3
Bishkek, Bishkek, 720065
Kyrgyzstan

Aidana Otorbaeva

Professional soccer player, volunteer

Aidana is a professional soccer player, certified coach, and founder of the “MAESTRO” soccer school and Football for All project. Aidana is an inspiring role model for young girls who wish to pursue a career in professional sports. She has helped organize a sports camp for children with disabilities from all regions of Kyrgyzstan, as well as engaged in fundraising and volunteer efforts. International Federation of Professional Footballers awarded her special recognition for her volunteer efforts during the pandemic with the FIFPRO Hero Award.

Gulnaz Zhuzbaeva

Founder of the Kyrgyz Federation of the Blind, activist, BBC 100 Women 2020

Gulnaz is founder of the Kyrgyz Federation of the Blind. She is an advocate for inclusivity and the rights of people with disabilities. After completing courses for the visually impaired in the United States, Gulnaz launched an educational program for people with vision impairments in Kyrgyzstan. The program equips people with skills to use smartphones and computers, read Braille, learn languages, and navigate around cities independently. In 2020, Gulnaz was included in the BBC’s list of 100 influential and inspiring women in recognition of her outstanding contributions to helping people with vision impairments.

Gulzada Musabekova

Entrepreneur and local community activist

Gulzada is co-founder of “KulturCafe” and a local bakery “Tot Samiy Tort” in Naryn city. Gulzada and her team organize events for the local community, including marathons and a book club for literature and poetry enthusiasts. Gulzada draws inspiration for her projects from her own diverse life experience, which includes working as a foreign language instructor and volunteering in Germany.

Kanykei Bazieva

Student, volunteer, and aspiring computer scientist

Kanykei is a second year computer science student at the American University of Central Asia and a TechGirls Program alumna. Born in the small city of Kyzyl Kiya in Batken with limited access to good education, Kanykei made it her mission to create educational and personal development opportunities for herself and others. In particular, Kanykei promotes initiatives and projects that create opportunities for children and women in the IT sector.

Meergul Karakozueva

Entrepreneur, mentor

Meergul is an entrepreneur, the founder of Konok Center hostel and Art Hotel in Osh city. She overcame challenges related to a hearing impediment to achieve success in the hospitality and tourism sector. In 2016, she participated in Global Entrepreneurship Summit in the United States, which inspired her to share her knowledge, and support and mentor women with disabilities and in tough circumstances.

Meerim Osmonalieva

Founder of Chess Academy, Director of Oasis Fund

Meerim is the director of the Oasis Fund in Kyrgyzstan and the founder of the educational center “Chess Academy”. Through her work with the Oasis Fund, Meerim studies issues of vulnerable and marginalized youth and women in Kyrgyzstan. Her research covers human trafficking, access to education, and social integration. She has launched numerous programs across the country to educate, support, and socially integrate vulnerable and marginalized youth and women. For example, she launched the “Bilim Belek” crowdfunding initiative to improve educational opportunities for children left without parental care.