The U.S.-CAEF Alumni Association is a dynamic and growing network of over 400 leaders from Central Asia, now making a global impact. We are united by a shared purpose: to drive positive change in our home region. Through our three core pillars of entrepreneurship, education, and community we empower alumni to create lasting impact.

The U.S.-CAEF Alumni Association is a dynamic and growing network of over 400 leaders from Central Asia, now making a global impact. We are united by a shared purpose: to drive positive change in our home region. Through our three core pillars of entrepreneurship, education, and community we empower alumni to create lasting impact.

Our mission is to cultivate a vibrant social and economic environment in Central Asia by empowering entrepreneurship, advancing education, and leveraging the collective strength of our alumni network.

HISTORY

2011

Founded by the first U.S.-CAEF graduating cohort as an informal alumni network.

2021

Registered in Kyrgyzstan as the “U.S.-CAEF Alumni Association” and held first alumni conference with 115 attendees.

2022

Appointed the first Executive Director and launched our official alumni website.

2023

Hosted the 2nd Regional Alumni Conference with over 85 participants.

2024

Expanded our reach beyond the alumni community, engaging 200+ students and over 600 citizens from Central Asia.

2025

Exciting updates are coming, including a new Events Calendar, AI Hackathon, and Career Launch Program!

WE ARE IN NUMBERS

U.S.-CAEF alumni represent some of the most energetic, innovative, and successful young business people in Central Asia.

1
TOTAL ALUMNI
1%
FEMALE
1%
MALE
1%
REMAINING IN CENTRAL ASIA
▶︎ 18% KAZAKHSTAN
▶︎ 50% KYRGYZSTAN
▶︎ 19% TAJIKISTAN
▶︎ 8% TURKMENISTAN
▶︎ 5% UZBEKISTAN

Many hold key positions as financial managers, investment advisors, marketing professionals, auditors, IT managers, and business consultants at leading Central Asian and international companies.

1%
PRIVATE
1%
PUBLIC
1%
NON-PROFIT
1%
COMPLETED / ENROLLED IN POST-GRADUATE PROGRAMS
1%
FOUNDED / CO-FOUNDED BUSINESSES

LEADERSHIP

Asel Kaldybaeva

CHAIR | AUCA 2017

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Valentina Khomenko

VICE CHAIR | AUCA 2015

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Aizharkyn Burkanova

DIRECTOR | AUCA 2014

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Yusup Artykgulyyev

DIRECTOR | KIMEP 2015

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Meryem Karakhasanova

DIRECTOR | AUCA 2018

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Farangis Mirzobekova

DIRECTOR | AUCA 2023

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Baktygul Tazhamatova

DIRECTOR | AUCA 2024

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Nargiza Chaikozova

ADVISOR | AUCA 2011

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Baktygul Kerimova

Executive Director | U.S.-CAEF Alumni Association

Baktygul Kerimova, a recent Business Administration graduate from AUCA in Kyrgyzstan, is dedicated to social entrepreneurship and community development. As a U.S.-CAEF Fellow, she studied at Collegium Civitas in Warsaw, interned with the Aga Khan Foundation, and mentored with Girls for Girls, deepening her commitment to social impact. Now, as Executive Director of the U.S.-CAEF Alumni Association, she aims to empower future Central Asian leaders with her positivity and drive.

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LEADERSHIP

Asel Kaldybaeva

CHAIR | AUCA 2017

LinkedIn

Valentina Khomenko

VICE CHAIR | AUCA 2015

LinkedIn

Aizharkyn Burkanova

DIRECTOR | AUCA 2014

LinkedIn

Yusup Artykgulyyev

DIRECTOR | KIMEP 2015

LinkedIn

Meryem Karakhasanova

DIRECTOR | AUCA 2018

LinkedIn

Farangis Mirzobekova

DIRECTOR | AUCA 2023

LinkedIn

Baktygul Tazhamatova

DIRECTOR | AUCA 2024

LinkedIn

Nargiza Chaikozova

ADVISOR | AUCA 2011

LinkedIn

Baktygul Kerimova

Executive Director | U.S.-CAEF Alumni Association

Baktygul Kerimova, a recent Business Administration graduate from AUCA in Kyrgyzstan, is dedicated to social entrepreneurship and community development. As a U.S.-CAEF Fellow, she studied at Collegium Civitas in Warsaw, interned with the Aga Khan Foundation, and mentored with Girls for Girls, deepening her commitment to social impact. Now, as Executive Director of the U.S.-CAEF Alumni Association, she aims to empower future Central Asian leaders with her positivity and drive.

Start a chat on WhatsApp:

WhatsApp

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