Asel Dildebaeva, a 2017 graduate of AUCA from the Kyrgyz Republic, is an entrepreneur and cultural ambassador who merges her business acumen with a passion for regional development. Asel is the co-founder of Royal Gate, a guesthouse and cultural center located on the South Shore of Issyk-Kul, which she built from the ground up after starting with a small fast-food kiosk as a sophomore. Her business now serves as a hub for promoting Kyrgyz hospitality, culture, and sustainable tourism.

Before launching her own venture, Asel gained international experience in the finance sector in the UAE. Choosing to return to Kyrgyzstan for family reasons, she saw potential where others saw limitations — turning rural life into an opportunity for innovation and impact. With support from organizations like the EBRD and UNDP, she scaled Royal Gate into a destination that integrates local talent, nature, and heritage.

Beyond her business, Asel is a dedicated mother of three and an active member of the U.S.-CAEF alumni community. Her work exemplifies socially conscious entrepreneurship, and she continues to inspire others by offering mentorship and special access to her services for fellow alumni. Asel believes deeply in the untapped potential of Kyrgyzstan’s tourism sector and continues to raise its standards through thoughtful leadership and creative vision.