Participants/Kazakhstan/2

Uldan Abdukalykova

Section 5
Uldan Abdukalykova is a Medical Doctor and Business graduate with entrepreneurial skills. Her incredible journey began in her childhood, where she exhibited an strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit that would shape her future success. Born and raised in Kazakhstan, Uldan Abdykalykova grew up in a bustling household as one of eight children. From a young age, she felt a deep sense of responsibility towards her family's well-being, fueling her determination to make a meaningful impact on their lives.

Even as a schoolgirl, Uldan displayed a drive to help others. At the age of 13, she started working at a local maternity hospital, assisting doctors and nurses with various tasks. Uldan's dedication and genuine care for patients made her an invaluable asset to the medical team, and she quickly gained recognition for her hard work and willingness to go the extra mile. Her maternity work experience from her younger years inspired her to obtain a qualification as a Medical Doctor from Kazakhstan State Medical University, Almaty.

Driven by her desire to support her family and pursue her aspirations, Uldan expanded her ventures beyond the hospital. During school breaks and weekends, she embarked on a new business endeavor—selling clothes sourced from Tashkent and Almaty. Uldan's keen eye for fashion and her ability to connect with customers allowed her to build a loyal clientele. She would travel to neighboring towns and set up temporary stalls, showcasing the latest trends and offering personalized styling advice.

Uldan balanced her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to her studies. Despite the demands of her work, she never compromised on her education, realizing that it was the key to opening doors to a brighter future. Uldan's time management skills and determination allowed her to excel academically while growing her enterprises.

Her experiences as a young entrepreneur and her belief in the power of education shaped Uldan's perspective on life. She developed her entrepreneurial skills further at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi through the World Bank sponsored WomenX program for empowering women. She understood the importance of seizing opportunities and taking calculated risks. Uldan's willingness to step outside her comfort zone and explore new territories became the driving force behind her eventual success.

Following her entrepreneurial ventures and academic accomplishments, Uldan embarked on an exciting new chapter of her life with her marriage to a Pakistani businessman. Driven by a shared vision for a brighter future, Uldan and her husband made the decision to embark on an adventure that would lead them, together with their children, to the United States of America.

When Uldan moved to America, she faced a significant cultural shock and had to navigate the challenges of being a mother and a student in a foreign land. While studying for American exams, she also continued to care for her children, ensuring their well-being despite the emotional strain she endured.

Uldan's resilience led her to make the decision to return to Pakistan, where she could focus on her studies while receiving support from her husband's family. In Karachi, she immersed herself in her studies, spending long hours at the local library, diligently preparing for her exams. Tthe support of Uldan’s husband's relatives enabled her to overcome language barriers and grasp the American curriculum.

Tragedy struck when her husband unexpectedly left her and their four children. This devastating turn of events left Uldan as the sole provider for her children. Undeterred, she sought employment opportunities and secured a position as a consultant for a Pakistani pharmaceutical company, Searle. She rose through the ranks and was eventually appointed in the International Business Division, where she looked over various Central Asian, East Asian and African countries. Uldan's medical background, business acumen and proficiency in English allowed her to excel in her role, providing valuable insights and expertise for the company's expansion.

Uldan's success as a consultant opened new doors for her. She pursued further education, completing a Master's in Business Administration at the University of Karachi.

Armed with her extensive knowledge and experience, Uldan ventured into the pharmaceutical industry, working as a product manager for renowned companies. Her skills and expertise allowed her to travel extensively, establishing strong business relationships and conducting sales training across different countries.

Uldan's remarkable journey culminated in her role as a business consultant for Hilton Pharma, a prominent pharmaceutical company in Pakistan. Uldan has become an invaluable asset to the company. With her knowledge and keen insights, Uldan assumes the vital responsibility of overseeing projects in the CIS region, serving as the CIS Coordinator stationed in Uzbekistan.

In this role, Uldan showcases her ability to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of regulations and requirements. Her deep understanding of the industry, combined with her commitment to delivering excellence, has propelled her career to new heights.

Throughout her remarkable journey, Uldan remained grounded in her values and faith. She embraced the teachings of Islam, finding solace in the Quran and the principles it espoused. Uldan prioritized the well-being of her children, providing them with an Islamic education and encouraging them to embrace knowledge of different religions.

From her early days as a schoolgirl working at a maternity hospital to her success as a respected business consultant, Uldan's journey embodies the transformative impact of embracing opportunities, pursuing education, and never losing sight of one's dreams.