Bayan Toikebayeva is a business professional with a passion for leadership, community service, and the empowerment of women. Her career is a testament to her commitment to driving positive change and fostering development in Kazakhstan and beyond. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management and a Bachelor's degree in finance with a specialization in accounting and auditing, both from the International Business University in Kazakhstan. Her leadership journey began during her time as Director at Heaven House LLC and Asylagash-zhihaz LLC, where she developed a keen sense for strategic planning and organizational development. In January 2007 she became CEO of Felix Astana LLC, where she guided the company through various stages of growth and innovation.   

Bayan is committed to advocating for women's empowerment and leadership in Kazakhstan. She served as Deputy Chair of the Kazakhstan Women's Power Alliance and as Chair of the Businesswomen's Association of Astana from 2017 to 2020. As an Independent Director at S. Amanzholov University and Sh.Ualikhanov Kokshetau University, she contributes to the strategic direction and governance of those institutions. Her roles in the Public Council at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Commission on Women's Affairs and Family-Demographic Policy of Astana city underscores her commitment to public service and societal development.  

IVLP Impact Award Project: NextGen Women Leaders: Entrepreneurial Empowerment Initiative 

Bayan’s project, NextGen Women Leaders: Entrepreneurial Empowerment Initiative, provides young Kazakh women with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to succeed in technology-driven fields. This initiative will offer a series of workshops, business trainings, podcasts and networking events focused on technology, leadership, and business management. The goal is to inspire and equip the next generation of women leaders with the confidence and capabilities to excel in their careers and contribute to the nation's progress.

Bayan is leveraging her IVLP experience and collaborating with local and international experts to create a supportive environment where aspiring female leaders can grow, innovate, and lead. NextGen Women Leaders is more than just a training program; it is a movement towards a more inclusive and diverse technological future in Kazakhstan.

Bayan has hosted two online classes so far: one on women’s leadership with 35 attendees and another on AI fundamentals in business with 24 participants. She also held an in-person training for 20 participants to apply the theoretical skills in practical situations. Bayan is planning to hold two more workshops and produce three podcast episodes, featuring insights from the trainers to broaden the sessions’ reach. Bayan reported that, “The project fostered peer connections, allowing participants to support each other and collaborate beyond the training.”

"With the 'NextGen Women Leaders: Entrepreneurial Empowerment Initiative' project...my goal is to dismantle the barriers women face in technology and leadership, fostering an environment where their talents and aspirations can flourish without bounds... Through this initiative, I hope to catalyze a ripple effect of empowerment, leadership, and innovation that transcends individual participants and reshapes our societal fabric.” - Bayan Toikebayeva   

IVLP Exchange Experience  

Bayan participated in the IVLP Project: Women's Entrepreneurship: Supporting the Next Generation of Women Business Leaders, organized by the U.S. Department of State and World Learning in partnership with Global Ties Detroit, Lincoln Council for International Visitors, World Affairs Council of Las Vegas and the U.S. Department of State Office of International Visitors program branch in New York City.

Bayan's exchange experience led to the development of her project, which focuses on bridging the gender gap and empowering women in the tech industry in Kazakhstan. “During my participation in the IVLP program, I had the opportunity to visit various organizations and enterprises such as the Nebraska Innovation Campus, Common Good Farm, and the ECHO Collective, which significantly influenced my understanding of innovation, sustainable development, and intercultural exchange. These experiences inspired the creation of the NextGen Women Leaders: Entrepreneurial Empowerment Initiative project.” 

U.S. Communities Visited 

Washington, DC; Detroit, MI; Lincoln, NE; New York City, NY; Las Vegas, NV

“My IVLP experience was a transformative journey that not only broadened my horizons but also deepened my commitment to fostering female leadership in Kazakhstan... The project is a direct reflection of those insights... By leveraging the knowledge and networks gained from my IVLP experience, this project seeks to create a platform where young Kazakh women can harness the power of technology to lead, innovate, and shape a brighter future.” - Bayan Toikebayeva  

Country: Kazakhstan   

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