From Botakara Village to the United Nations: NU alumni Zhanel Sembayeva’s Journey to Global Impact

Zhanel Sembayeva, a young woman from the small village of Botakara in Kazakhstan's Karagandy region, has taken her career to global heights. After graduating from her local school, Zhanel pursued a degree in economics at the School of Sciences and Humaities, later GSPP at Nazarbayev University (NU), where her academic achievements laid the groundwork for her current role at the United Nations. Today, she works for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a specialized UN agency focused on food security, agriculture, and rural development, and has already been recognized as one of the organization’s best employees.

In a recent interview with El.kz, Zhanel discussed her journey from a rural school graduate to an international career. She credited her success to perseverance, her family's support, her knowledge gained at her Alma mater and passion for creating positive change.

"I used to dream of working at the UN organization from when I was a school student" Zhanel shared. "NU prioritizes the development of the strongest abilities of students – today graduates of the institution contribute to the development not only of Kazakhstan, but also of the world. The principles of academic integrity and integrity taught by my Alma mater have become the basis for my professional and personal development., and those skills have helped me greatly at FAO."

Zhanel’s success story has become an inspiration for students at Nazarbayev University and beyond. Her advice to aspiring young professionals is simple but powerful: "Do not listen to people who do not trust you, do not support you. Believe in yourself and do not give up on your dream. Even if not immediately, you will eventually achieve what you wants with hard work."

Her story reminds rural and urban youth alike that dreams are attainable, regardless of where they start. As a proud representative of her community and country, Zhanel continues to make a significant impact on the global stage.