Team
- Founder & Director
- Green Technologies Consultant
- Social and Emotional Learning & Well-Being Consultant
- English Language & Curriculum Development Consultant
- Lead Trustee
- Procurement & Stakeholder Engagement Consultant
Director
Zhannat Bubekbayeva
With a strong background in educational, social, and environmental programming, Zhannat holds master’s degrees from University College London (the United Kingdom) and New York University (the United States).
She is a recipient of the Bolashak Scholarship (Government of Kazakhstan), the Chevening Scholarship (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office), and the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Impact Award (U.S. Department of State), recognized for her contributions to digital education, environmental sustainability, and policy change.
Driven by a commitment to empowering communities through knowledge and opportunity, she continues to expand Bilim Barine’s impact by fostering partnerships, securing funding, and pioneering transformative initiatives.
Zhannat is a lifelong learner who enjoys exploring AI and psychology, playing piano, and reading personal development books and Agatha Christie novels.
She is a recipient of the Bolashak Scholarship (Government of Kazakhstan), the Chevening Scholarship (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office), and the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Impact Award (U.S. Department of State), recognized for her contributions to digital education, environmental sustainability, and policy change.
Driven by a commitment to empowering communities through knowledge and opportunity, she continues to expand Bilim Barine’s impact by fostering partnerships, securing funding, and pioneering transformative initiatives.
Zhannat is a lifelong learner who enjoys exploring AI and psychology, playing piano, and reading personal development books and Agatha Christie novels.
Green Technologies Consultant
Bauyrzhan Biakhmetov
Bauyrzhan is an expert in renewable energy and green technologies, with extensive experience in waste-to-energy systems, hydrogen production, and sustainable energy solutions.
He is a Bolashak Scholarship recipient and holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Glasgow and a MSc in Renewable Energy from Newcastle University. His research focuses on bioenergy systems, hydrogen production from waste, and GHG emissions reduction technologies.
With extensive experience in engineering, including roles at major engineering companies and involvement in cutting-edge international research on waste-to-energy and renewable energy, Bauyrzhan combines technical expertise with research-driven innovation to advance Bilim Barine’s mission.
He has published 6 scientific papers indexed in Scopus, with four appearing in Q1 journals, and serves as a reviewer for the prestigious Journal of Cleaner Production.
In his free time, he enjoys outdoor adventures with his family, especially hiking in beautiful natural landscapes like forests and mountains.
He is a Bolashak Scholarship recipient and holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Glasgow and a MSc in Renewable Energy from Newcastle University. His research focuses on bioenergy systems, hydrogen production from waste, and GHG emissions reduction technologies.
With extensive experience in engineering, including roles at major engineering companies and involvement in cutting-edge international research on waste-to-energy and renewable energy, Bauyrzhan combines technical expertise with research-driven innovation to advance Bilim Barine’s mission.
He has published 6 scientific papers indexed in Scopus, with four appearing in Q1 journals, and serves as a reviewer for the prestigious Journal of Cleaner Production.
In his free time, he enjoys outdoor adventures with his family, especially hiking in beautiful natural landscapes like forests and mountains.
English Language & Curriculum Development Consultant
Sona Penkina
Sona is an expert in English language education, curriculum development, and teacher training. She holds a PhD in Pedagogy and Psychology from the Caspian University of Technology and Engineering, focusing on Kazakhstan’s teacher performance appraisal system. She completed all her degrees on full scholarships from the Government of Kazakhstan, graduating with distinction.
She holds CELTA, TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test), and Train-the-Trainer certifications from the University of Cambridge and is a U.S. Government-funded educational programs alumna. Sona has also earned the Assured Certificate in Teacher Education (ACTE) from the British Council and City & Guilds, strengthening her ability to design and deliver learner-centered teacher training and effective assessment strategies.
At Bilim Barine, Sona develops and leads training programs integrating critical thinking, CLIL methodology, and innovative teaching practices. She has worked as a university lecturer, curriculum designer, and teacher trainer, delivering professional development programs for educators across Kazakhstan.
Her work advances education reform and teacher development, shaping Bilim Barine’s impact on language education and pedagogy in Kazakhstan.
Beyond work, Sona is a devoted mother to her daughter. She enjoys connecting with colleagues, exchanging insights in education, and finding creative ways to balance career and motherhood.
She holds CELTA, TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test), and Train-the-Trainer certifications from the University of Cambridge and is a U.S. Government-funded educational programs alumna. Sona has also earned the Assured Certificate in Teacher Education (ACTE) from the British Council and City & Guilds, strengthening her ability to design and deliver learner-centered teacher training and effective assessment strategies.
At Bilim Barine, Sona develops and leads training programs integrating critical thinking, CLIL methodology, and innovative teaching practices. She has worked as a university lecturer, curriculum designer, and teacher trainer, delivering professional development programs for educators across Kazakhstan.
Her work advances education reform and teacher development, shaping Bilim Barine’s impact on language education and pedagogy in Kazakhstan.
Beyond work, Sona is a devoted mother to her daughter. She enjoys connecting with colleagues, exchanging insights in education, and finding creative ways to balance career and motherhood.
Procurement & Stakeholder Engagement Consultant
Aisulu Kozhamberliyeva
Aisulu is an expert in procurement, stakeholder engagement, and project administration, with extensive experience in international oil companies.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Oil and Gas Management from Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University and two master’s degrees—one in Geology from China University of Petroleum (funded by the Government of China) and another in Economics from Bolashak University. All her degrees were obtained on governmental scholarships.
At Bilim Barine, Aisulu plays a key role in overseeing procurement, managing stakeholder relations, and ensuring the smooth implementation of projects. Her strong industry expertise and operational skills contribute to the organization’s efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Beyond her professional work, Aisulu enjoys exploring astrology as a cultural and philosophical perspective.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Oil and Gas Management from Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University and two master’s degrees—one in Geology from China University of Petroleum (funded by the Government of China) and another in Economics from Bolashak University. All her degrees were obtained on governmental scholarships.
At Bilim Barine, Aisulu plays a key role in overseeing procurement, managing stakeholder relations, and ensuring the smooth implementation of projects. Her strong industry expertise and operational skills contribute to the organization’s efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Beyond her professional work, Aisulu enjoys exploring astrology as a cultural and philosophical perspective.
Lead Trustee
Emiliya Mubarak
Emiliya is a human resources and industrial relations professional with ten years of experience in higher education, workforce development, and social adaptation programs. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Yessenov University (Kazakhstan) and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from the University of Edinburgh, earned through the prestigious Bolashak Scholarship.
Her work has spanned diverse sectors, from managing outplacement and career guidance initiatives to teaching at the MBA level and co-founding an educational center offering training in English, robotics, and digital skills. Emiliya has also consulted on industrial relations, workplace morale, and organizational culture across public and private institutions.
In addition to her work in human capital development, Emiliya contributes to promoting economic and financial literacy by translating the open-access resources of the Economic Fundamentals Initiative into Kazakh (https://www.econfun.org/kz/learning-center). Her research interests include complex themes such as resolving industrial conflicts in Kazakhstan’s oil and gas sector.
As Lead Trustee, Emiliya brings strategic vision and a deep understanding of people and systems, helping to guide Bilim Barine’s governance and sustainable growth. Her strong network and commitment to inclusive development add lasting value to the foundation’s mission.
Outside of her professional life, Emiliya and her partner are passionate advocates for local tourism in Mangystau, where they promote the region’s breathtaking landscapes and unique landmarks, such as Bozzhyra, Sherkala, and many others.
Her work has spanned diverse sectors, from managing outplacement and career guidance initiatives to teaching at the MBA level and co-founding an educational center offering training in English, robotics, and digital skills. Emiliya has also consulted on industrial relations, workplace morale, and organizational culture across public and private institutions.
In addition to her work in human capital development, Emiliya contributes to promoting economic and financial literacy by translating the open-access resources of the Economic Fundamentals Initiative into Kazakh (https://www.econfun.org/kz/learning-center). Her research interests include complex themes such as resolving industrial conflicts in Kazakhstan’s oil and gas sector.
As Lead Trustee, Emiliya brings strategic vision and a deep understanding of people and systems, helping to guide Bilim Barine’s governance and sustainable growth. Her strong network and commitment to inclusive development add lasting value to the foundation’s mission.
Outside of her professional life, Emiliya and her partner are passionate advocates for local tourism in Mangystau, where they promote the region’s breathtaking landscapes and unique landmarks, such as Bozzhyra, Sherkala, and many others.
Social and Emotional Learning & Well-Being Consultant
Lidiya Marat
Lidiya is an expert in social and emotional learning (SEL) with a strong background in mental health support and student well-being, global citizenship education, youth empowerment, and online protection. At Bilim Barine, she leads the integration of SEL strategies into educational initiatives, fostering inclusive, safe, and psychologically supportive learning environments.
She previously served as a National Consultant for UNICEF, spearheading Kazakhstan’s digital literacy and online safety efforts. Her work resulted in educational tools and training programs that reached over 500,000 children, parents, and educators nationwide. Lidiya also contributed to global youth engagement policy as a Strategic Consultant for the World Federation of Associations and Clubs for UNESCO.
Lidiya's career spans roles in global development, including with USAID Central Asia, where she managed education programs and health communications and advanced inclusive development strategies across five countries.
She holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Oregon and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Social and Behavioral Health) from Northwest Christian University (USA). She is currently pursuing a certification in Social and Behavioral Counseling from the UK. Lidiya's work is grounded in empathy, research, and a commitment to building safe, supportive spaces for youth to thrive.
She previously served as a National Consultant for UNICEF, spearheading Kazakhstan’s digital literacy and online safety efforts. Her work resulted in educational tools and training programs that reached over 500,000 children, parents, and educators nationwide. Lidiya also contributed to global youth engagement policy as a Strategic Consultant for the World Federation of Associations and Clubs for UNESCO.
Lidiya's career spans roles in global development, including with USAID Central Asia, where she managed education programs and health communications and advanced inclusive development strategies across five countries.
She holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Oregon and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Social and Behavioral Health) from Northwest Christian University (USA). She is currently pursuing a certification in Social and Behavioral Counseling from the UK. Lidiya's work is grounded in empathy, research, and a commitment to building safe, supportive spaces for youth to thrive.
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