Almina Zhidebayeva

I was honored to have been chosen as one of six young entrepreneurs from around the world to undertake mentorship from UPenn GSE Professors, Flavio Serapiao, Michael J. Nakkula, and John Gamba, as part of Bayitu's membership of the Global Possibility Network. I am currently mentored in transformative leadership, internal innovation, and expansion. I have been invited to be a co-author of a book on international social organizations, which is expected to be published by the Wharton School in 2024.

Bayitu is a non-profit organization based in Kazakhstan that aims to help find and develop the interests of children in local orphanages through conducting regular workshops. We provide an opportunity for self-actualization by exposing the kids to various disciplines, from math tutoring to bracelet-making and neuroscience. Bayitu does fundraising through local sponsoring companies and organizes charity events. The money is used for supporting orphanages and purchasing workshop supplies. Bayitu team also organizes donation events where toys, books, and clothes are collected and distributed among the children at local orphanages.

We are the first DECA Chapter in Central Asia. We inform people about education in business by hosting various events such as Social Initiative Competitions where students can win cash prizes.

The internship in the sales department was helpful to learn more about marketing at the point of sale. I was taught all about up-selling luxury brand products, portfolio management, working with clients and doing day-to-day operations

Developed a plan for an Uber Teens app. Attended educational meetings to learn consulting frameworks. Conducted market research, calculated financial feasibility, and learned UI/UX design. Created a business plan to present it to Uber representatives.

I have completed the Basic Pastry certificate at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, where I learned all the essential techniques and skills needed to be a pastry chef. The intensive program consisted of both the theoretical and practical experiences led by world-renowned chef. I was fortunate to gain experience of working in a professional kitchen, following the chef’s lead, recreating recipes from memory, and try myself out in a completely new field.

Being an academic A-level scholar at Haileybruy, I took 5 A-level subjects, which include: Further Mathematics (A*), Mathematics (A*), Business Studies (A*), Art and Design (A*), and Russian (A*). I graduated with Distinction, the highest level of diploma.

Leadership in the Business World (LBW) is an intensive summer program for a select group of rising seniors who want an introduction to a top-notch undergraduate business education and the opportunity to hone their leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

I attended the Yale Summer Session over 5 weeks, taking the Painting and Visual Thinking courses for credit (A, A).