Theme: The Tangled Web

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

University of Central Asia
310 Lenin Street
Naryn, Naryn, 722918
Kyrgyzstan

Elnura Alkanova

Investigative Journalist

Elnura is a well-known journalist in Kyrgyzstan with large scale investigative reports and is also an Assistant Professor at the American University of Central Asia. Elnura has a rich history of working on local and regional problematic stories. Her recent work includes the revelation of the secret ties between the Kyrgyz President’s office with a Czech company - Liglass Trading which was awarded $1 billion governmental contracts without public tenders to establish energy facilities in Kyrgyzstan. She has also been awarded the "Report of the Year" prize by Institute for War and Peace Reporting Kyrgyzstan and “Breakthrough of the Year” by Kyrgyz Committee for Freedom of Speech.

Sabrina Lakhani

Behavior Scientist

Sabrina is a behavioral scientist, with a background in market research and marketing consulting. She seeks to self-actualize and create social change through her work. She loves to observe patterns and connects the dots. Sabrina is fascinated by human behavior and cultural patterns and shares her personal insights on self-knowledge, relationships, and community building her. She holds an MBA degree from INSEAD and a BS degree in Business Management from Babson College. Her interests include photography, developmental psychology, systems thinking, sacred geometry, and Sufi poetry.

Samreen Kalani

Counselor

Samreen is based at UCA’s Naryn campus as a Campus Counselor. She is a nationally certified and state-licensed clinician from Chicago, IL. She has graduated with a double major in Bachelor of Sciences (BS) in Psychology and Humanities from Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), followed by a Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling from Northwestern University. Samreen also has extensive training in integrative couple’s therapy. She has been involved in research focusing on perfectionism and understanding the overall life of a college student and risk factors associated with their mental well-being. Samreen is passionate about, and advocates for preventative care, student wellness, and self-care practices.

Sanira Madzhikova

Co-founder Neobis

Sanira is the CEO and co-founder of an IT youth organization Neobis Clubs based in Kyrgyzstan. She is also a software developer and project manager. She graduated from AUCA majoring in software development and had one-semester exchange at the Northern Michigan University as a finalist of the Global UGREAD program. Currently, she is doing her MBA from AUCA.

Sumsarbek Mamyraly

Chef + Entrepreneur

Sumsarbek is the founder and chef at Baan Baan restaurant, which is the first authentic Thai café in Bishkek. He holds a post-graduate degree in Business Management from Cambridge College of Learning London and a higher apprenticeship in care and leadership from Poole College United Kingdom Samsarbek has acquired important skills such as developing project proposals, implementing strategies, and building relationships with international investors while working at ICRC, USAID, MSF, and Aga Khan Foundation. With an experience of working in both the private and government sectors, he has a strong work ethic and analytical approach to any problem. He is interested in learning different languages, executing social projects and fundraising for campaigns which are important to the society.