AUCA alumna and Schwarzman Scholar, Nurzada Abdivalieva is committed to expanding access to high-quality education and opportunities for young people across Central Asia and the CIS region.

Nurzada holds three graduate degrees, including a Master’s from the University of Cambridge, as well as degrees in public policy and social sciences from leading international institutions. Her academic work focuses on development policy, education, and inequality.

She previously worked as a research associate on climate and health issues, contributing to policy research on environmental risks and public health in Central Asia.

Beyond academia, Nurzada is a strong advocate for accessible education. Through her Instagram and TikTok platforms with a combined audience of over 50,000 followers, she shares guidance on scholarships, international education, and personal development, helping students from the region navigate opportunities to study abroad.

She has also been an active mentor and speaker, delivering talks and workshops in English for audiences of up to 500 participants and organizing free training sessions for U.S.-CAEF scholars and other students, supporting them in applications to international universities and scholarship programs.

Through her academic work, public speaking, and educational initiatives, Nurzada continues to empower young people from the region to pursue global opportunities and contribute to their communities.