U.S.-CAEF Alumni Association (the Association) is a non-governmental organization providing opportunities to graduates of the Enterprise Student Fellowship Program to cultivate a vibrant and diverse community committed to deepening connections with each other and growing together.
In October 2020, a group of active alumni created a strategic planning committee to develop an action plan to ensure the continuity of the U.S.-CAEF Alumni Association following the end of the initial program’s funding in 2022. The members of the committee created a mission, vision, and transition plan for the organization.
On November 5, the Association was registered as an independent, non-profit organization in Bishkek, a major milestone for the program reflecting the alumni’s shared passion for sustainability.
October 2-3, 2021: the U.S.-CAEF Regional Alumni Conference 2021 (RAC21) became the first-of-its-kind hybrid event, bringing together U.S.-CAEF alumni representing all five republics of Central Asia, the U.S. Embassies in the region, other alumni of U.S. Government-sponsored programs, and key business communities in the region. The conference served as an impetus for expanding regional and international economic cooperation and advancing the professional growth of U.S.-CAEF alumni. U.S.-CAEF is grateful for the support from the U.S. Department of State for making this historic moment possible.
April 28-29, 2023: We are proud to announce that the 2nd U.S.-CAEF Regional Alumni Conference (RAC’23) takes place on April 28-29 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Over 85 talented program alumni from five Central Asian countries will attend, focusing on alumni development, career interests, networking, and US commitment to Central Asia’s growth. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and U.S.-CAEF, and administered by American Councils, we’re excited to make this historic moment possible!
M I S S I O N
Inspire and support U.S.-CAEF alumni in translating their initiatives into building a favorable social and economic environment in Central Asia.
M I L E S T O N E S
In October 2020, a group of active alumni created a strategic planning committee to develop an action plan to ensure the continuity of the U.S.-CAEF Alumni Association following the end of the initial program’s funding in 2022. The members of the committee created a mission, vision, and transition plan for the organization.
On November 5, the Association was registered as an independent, non-profit organization in Bishkek, a major milestone for the program reflecting the alumni’s shared passion for sustainability.
October 2-3, 2021:
The U.S.-CAEF Regional Alumni Conference 2021 (RAC21) became the first-of-its-kind hybrid event, bringing together U.S.-CAEF alumni representing all five republics of Central Asia, the U.S. Embassies in the region, other alumni of U.S. Government-sponsored programs, and key business communities in the region. The conference served as an impetus for expanding regional and international economic cooperation and advancing the professional growth of U.S.-CAEF alumni. U.S.-CAEF is grateful for the support from the U.S. Department of State for making this historic moment possible.
April 28-29, 2023:
We are proud to announce that the 2nd U.S.-CAEF Regional Alumni Conference (RAC’23) takes place on April 28-29 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Over 85 talented program alumni from five Central Asian countries will attend, focusing on alumni development, career interests, networking, and US commitment to Central Asia’s growth. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and U.S.-CAEF, and administered by American Councils, we’re excited to make this historic moment possible!
Leadership
The Association is governed by the alumni board of directors. Executive Director implements the Association’s strategic goals and provides leadership for alumni programs and services.
Aidana Odeichuk
CHAIR | KIMEP’12
Aizharkyn Burkanova
DIRECTOR | AUCA’14
Valentina Khomenko
DIRECTOR | AUCA’15
Asel Kaldybaeva
DIRECTOR | AUCA’17
Yusup Artykgulyyev
DIRECTOR | KIMEP’15
Leadership
The Association is governed by the alumni board of directors. Executive Director implements the Association’s strategic goals and provides leadership for alumni programs and services.
Aisuluu Zholdoshova
Executive Director | U.S.-CAEF Alumni Association
Ms. Aisuluu Zholdoshova brings over six years of experience in education and leadership to her role as Alumni Association Director. She began her career in a charitable organization, acquiring skills in project management and community engagement. Aisuluu actively participated in the SUSI Women’s Leadership program, Enactus Kyrgyzstan, the USG Mentoring Program, and the Erasmus project. Additionally, she played an important role at her alma mater, the International University of Central Asia, contributing significantly to its academic landscape.
Aisuluu’s dedication to education continued during her tenure as the Executive Director of the ProKG Professionals’ Club, where she spearheaded several impactful educational projects. She has organized conferences and facilitated various training sessions, including notable events such as “BE NEXT,” “What were you wearing?” and “SHEtalks.” Her diverse experiences across various organizations have equipped her with the skills to implement projects and devise innovative solutions.
With her fervor for community growth and educational leadership, Aisuluu is poised to make a substantial contribution to the Association’s activities.
Aisuluu Zholdoshova
Executive Director
Ms. Aisuluu Zholdoshova brings over six years of experience in education and leadership to her role as Alumni Association Director. She began her career in a charitable organization, acquiring skills in project management and community engagement. Aisuluu actively participated in the SUSI Women’s Leadership program, Enactus Kyrgyzstan, the USG Mentoring Program, and the Erasmus project. Additionally, she played an important role at her alma mater, the International University of Central Asia, contributing significantly to its academic landscape.
Aisuluu’s dedication to education continued during her tenure as the Executive Director of the ProKG Professionals’ Club, where she spearheaded several impactful educational projects. She has organized conferences and facilitated various training sessions, including notable events such as “BE NEXT,” “What were you wearing?” and “SHEtalks.” Her diverse experiences across various organizations have equipped her with the skills to implement projects and devise innovative solutions.
With her fervor for community growth and educational leadership, Aisuluu is poised to make a substantial contribution to the Association’s activities.
The Founders’ Alumni Excellence Award
The Founders’ Alumni Excellence Award was established to honor the visionary founders of U.S.-CAEF, Mr. Steven F. Shea and Mr. Stephen D. Weinroth, commemorating their profound contributions to the program and dedication to the region’s development. This prestigious award is presented annually to recognize alumni who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievements, exemplary community service, and a proactive commitment to advancing economic growth in Central Asia. Prior to 2024, the award was known as The Steven F. Shea Excellence Award.
The Founders’ Alumni Excellence Award
The Founders’ Alumni Excellence Award was established to honor the visionary founders of U.S.-CAEF, Mr. Steven F. Shea and Mr. Stephen D. Weinroth, commemorating their profound contributions to the program and dedication to the region’s development. This prestigious award is presented annually to recognize alumni who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievements, exemplary community service, and a proactive commitment to advancing economic growth in Central Asia. Prior to 2024, the award was known as The Steven F. Shea Excellence Award.
Alumni Community
Alumni Community
U.S.-CAEF alumni represent some of the most energetic, innovative, and successful young business people in Central Asia.
U.S.-CAEF alumni represent some of the most energetic, innovative, and successful young business people in Central Asia.
0
TOTAL ALUMNI
0%
FEMALE
0%
MALE
0%
REMAINING IN CENTRAL ASIA
▶︎ 20% KAZAKHSTAN
▶︎ 49% KYRGYZSTAN
▶︎ 17% TAJIKISTAN
▶︎ 4% 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.
Many hold key positions as financial managers, investment advisors, marketing professionals, auditors, IT managers, and business consultants at leading Central Asian and international companies.
0%
PRIVATE
0%
PUBLIC
0%
NON-PROFIT
0%
COMPLETED / ENROLLED IN POST-GRADUATE PROGRAMS
0%
FOUNDED / CO-FOUNDED BUSINESSES
0%
COMPLETED / ENROLLED IN POST-GRADUATE PROGRAMS
0%
FOUNDED / CO-FOUNDED BUSINESSES
HELPING THOSE IN NEED UNITES U.S.-CAEF ALUMNI
U.S.-CAEF alumni demonstrate remarkable commitment to helping less-advantaged communities. During the COVID crisis, U.S.-CAEF alumni organized large-scale charitable campaigns to aid vulnerable populations throughout Central Asia; helped hundreds of farmers in Tajikistan receive essential fertilizers to strengthen their crops; played a critical role in the production of face-shields for medical workers in Almaty; developed a COVID-tracking app in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and led one of the largest laboratory providers of COVID tests in Kazakhstan.
HELPING THOSE IN NEED UNITES U.S.-CAEF ALUMNI
What continues to stand out most about U.S.-CAEF alumni is not just business acumen, and career success, but also the remarkable commitment to helping less-advantaged communities in Central Asia.
During the COVID crisis, U.S.-CAEF alumni organized large-scale charitable campaigns to aid vulnerable populations throughout Central Asia; helped hundreds of farmers in Tajikistan receive essential fertilizers to strengthen their crops; played a critical role in the production of face-shields for medical workers in Almaty; developed a COVID-tracking app in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and led one of the largest laboratory providers of COVID tests in Kazakhstan.
The strong bond between program participants has been pivotal in generating lasting cooperation across borders. U.S.-CAEF community members are welcome to the alumni portal to connect with their peers.
infoUser guidelines
Welcome to the alumni portal!
We are excited to share with you the U.S.-CAEF alumni database that allows you to connect with the members of your U.S.-CAEF family. Use the search and filter features to look up alumni by graduation year, university, and country of origin or residence. You can also learn about your peers’ current occupation and postgraduate degrees. Click on LinkedIn button to connect with alumni. If LinkedIn button is not available, contact uscaefalumni@gmail.com to request more information.
The strong bond between program participants has been pivotal in generating lasting cooperation across borders. U.S.-CAEF community members are welcome to the alumni portal to connect with their peers.
infoUser guidelines
Welcome to the alumni portal!
We are excited to share with you the U.S.-CAEF alumni database that allows you to connect with the members of your U.S.-CAEF family. Use the search and filter features to look up alumni by graduation year, university, and country of origin or residence. You can also learn about your peers’ current occupation and postgraduate degrees. Click on LinkedIn button to connect with alumni. If LinkedIn button is not available, contact uscaefalumni@gmail.com to request more information.
Help us grow!
Your generous contributions will help the alumni further the association’s mission. Thank you for supporting the U.S.-CAEF community.
Payment information
Beneficiary: ОО “Ассоциация выпускников Ю.С.-КАЕФ”
Bank: Optima Bank
SWIFT: ENEJKG22
BIC: 109012
Beneficiarys’ Account: 1091209419380191
Privacy Policy
Cards from the payment systems Visa and Mastercard are accepted for payment. It can be used for payment only if the card has a CVV code — a three-digit verification number printed on the back of the credit card in the upper right corner of a special signature strip. Check whether your bank card is intended for online payments (your bank can provide this information) and make sure that your card has sufficient funds for processing the payment. During the payment process using a bank card, the system will redirect you to the bank’s server, which will request your bank card details (card number, card expiration date, cardholder’s name in Latin letters). Collection and processing of your confidential information (account details, card information, registration data, etc.) are carried out in the bank’s processing center — with the highest level of protection.
Payment Security Guarantee: Our website ensures a high level of security for card payments. We utilize reliable encryption protocols and collaborate with trusted payment systems to safeguard users’ financial data. Payments will be processed using 3D Secure technology for an added layer of security. The security of processing online payments through the bank’s payment gateway is guaranteed by the international PCI DSS security certificate. Information transmission is carried out using SSL encryption technology. This information is not accessible to third parties.
Confirmation of Successful Transaction: Upon completing a transaction, users will receive both an email confirmation and a phone message confirmation to verify the successful payment.
Cancellation and Donation Refund Policy: Donations are voluntary and non-refundable.
Tips and recommendations for necessary security measures when making payments using a credit card:
1)Treat your plastic cards with the same care as you do with cash. Do not forget them in the car, restaurant, store, etc.
2) Never provide the full number of your credit card over the phone to any individuals or companies.
3) Always have the phone number of the bank that issued your card on hand for emergency contact, and in case of its loss, immediately contact the bank.
4) Enter your card details only when making a purchase. Never provide them for any other reasons.
Alumni Initiatives and Events
U.S.-CAEF alumni are lifelong learners who continually seek out opportunities to acquire new knowledge and skills, push their boundaries and expand their worldview, and engage in activities contributing to their communities.
Webinars
Expanding the global perspective
with guest speakers
Business Breakfast
Meetings with business experts
Idea Pitch
Supporting new business initiatives
Alumni Talks & Reunions
Exchange of knowledge and expertise
Black Tie
Annual alumni reunion
YSEP
Youth Social Entrepreneurship Program | Helping communities
Mentorship program
Growing together
Read more on page 22
Webinars
Expanding the global perspective with guest speakers