Zhibek Sharapova worked as a faculty member in Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University for International Relations. In 2015, Zhibek and her husband opened their own business, the Zvyozdochki educational center. Later in 2018, she founded a Kyrgyz-Japanese school with a partner. Her career has also lead her to work with students with disabilities, an area she feels passionate about. Alongside Elena Gionis from Converse University and local specialists, they launched the Kyrgyzstan School of Inclusive Education "Sezimtal" for children with disabilities. In the fall of 2020, she ran for Parliament as a deputy. Zhibek is married and has four children. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: A Chance for the Teachers and Children of Batken

This project worked with the Ministry of Education in the Kyrgyz Republic and trained teachers from over 25 schools in remote regions. Participants learned how to monetize their knowledge, earn money as tutors, open their own education centers, or open a private tutoring office. 60 teachers participated in the training and the project reached 5000 students. Additionally, participants learned new methods of speed reading, how to increase the speed of their mathematic calculations, eidetic, and calligraphy. At the end of the project participants were given a lecture on financial literacy by the head of TFC, a professional financial company.

"In their speeches, the participants repeatedly thanked the US State Department and me and my trainers for not forgetting such a remote region of Kyrgyzstan, as it often remains forgotten." - Zhibek Sharapova

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Zhibek was a participant in the IVLP Project Women and Entrepreneurship, organized by the U.S. Department of State and the Institute of International Education.

Zhibek's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "The IVLP program allowed me to broaden my horizons regarding cultural diversity in the United States. I met new people, networked with successful entrepreneurs, and visit 5 states. I met and dined with American families. Everything was organized to the smallest detail."

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually

Phoenix, AZ; Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA; Madison, WI

"Most importantly, I was inspired to achieve more." -Zhibek Sharapova

Country: Kyrgyzstan

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