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Aidana Tleuken, at 28, dreams of crafting a future in Kazakhstan where sustainability and a circular economy take center stage. Her vision is all about minimizing waste, maximizing resources, and paving the way for a greener, more efficient tomorrow. She aspires to be an academic and a leader of a dynamic research team, contributing to the growth of renewable energy and ultimately combating climate change—a vision that propels her story of resilience, ambition, and the empowering influence of supportive mentorship.
Born in Pavlodar, Aidana’s love for nature led her to the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). In 2018, she proudly graduated with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the prestigious Nazarbayev University. After obtaining her master’s degree from the University of Glasgow, Aidana returned to her alma mater, now working as a research assistant. As an early-stage researcher, she hopes to become a professor, sharing knowledge and conducting relevant studies. Despite facing challenges like a limited network and moments of self-doubt during job interviews, Aidana’s unwavering determination propels her forward.
“As a young sustainability specialist in Kazakhstan, I would like to acquire experience and knowledge from seasoned professionals, both technical and soft skills, while also seeking advice on my career development. This guidance would be particularly timely now—although I have gained some experience in the sustainability sector, my mind remains receptive to absorbing new knowledge and experiences,” she said as she applied for the Women and Youth Mentorship Network, launched by the USAID Power Central Asia Activity in 2023.
This six-month USAID Women and Youth Mentorship Network program was designed to unite professionals and young individuals with a long-term career growth and development perspective. The program served as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences, enhancing skills, and exploring opportunities within the energy sector. Embracing this developmental approach, USAID selected 40 young professionals and students who were paired with seasoned mentors from the clean energy industry.
These mentors played a crucial role in providing personalized guidance and advice, spanning various fields of study and work relevant to the dynamic industry. Ultimately, the program aimed to empower women and youth in the energy sector, providing them with the skills and support needed to navigate challenges and thrive in their careers.
In her mentorship journey, Aidana met online with her mentor Bakhyt Yessekina, Director of the scientific and educational center Green Academy. With the guidance she received, Aidana explored themes related to construction waste and co-authored a research paper published in a prominent industry magazine. The mentor-mentee duo’s article, “Sustainable Waste Management in the Construction Sector: An Important Factor in Reducing Emissions in Kazakhstan,” stands as a testament to their shared vision of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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According to the article, about 80 percent of building materials around the world end in the form of waste, which has a sizable negative impact on the environment. Production and construction account for 13 percent of direct greenhouse gas emissions and a significant share of emissions from electricity production. Circular economy approaches (reuse, reduce, recycle) to building materials are a promising solution that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the negative impact of construction waste.
Aidana shares, “Bakhyt and I sought to turn our mentorship into actionable change.” Within the article, Aidana and Bakhyt propose seven measures to improve waste management. Published in English, Russian, and Kazakh, the article underscores the urgency of collective action. Although she co-authored several publications in international journals with a high impact factor before, this publication in a local magazine is as essential, as it creates real local impact: “I appreciated how it evolved into a localized study, offering practical applications. The magazine’s industry-focused approach, rather than being purely academic, was a perspective I hadn’t initially considered. My mentor guided me to approach our article as a review, encouraging me to dive into a wealth of documents and literature—a process that significantly enriched our work.” Aidana reflects.
Being a working mother, Aidana finds strength in the support of those around her. She highlights the significance of family and friends in her journey, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative and supportive environment.
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“As a female specialist, I wanted to ask for advice on how to balance family and career. I am afraid of losing relevant experience and opportunities and falling behind”, Aidana recalls. After going through mentorship and working with a successful female role model, Aidana encourages other young girls to stay informed, check the news, and actively pursue professional opportunities. From business meetings to mentor programs and accelerators, she underscores the importance of staying connected to the ever-evolving landscape of opportunities.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Aidana is exploring women’s rights in urban contexts, embodying the principles of urban feminism. Considering her future trajectory, Aidana contemplates pursuing a Ph.D., recognizing the value of continuous education. The prospective Ph.D. would extend her existing focus on sustainable construction, but she also considers expanding her work in urban feminism—a theme uniting various movements to enhance the comfort and safety of both genders in urban spaces. Aidana’s commitment is evident in her ongoing studies, which include identifying safe and vulnerable zones in Kazakh cities, with her current focus on improving safety for women in taxis and addressing harassment issues in urban environments and public transport. By viewing urban feminism against harassment as a continuation of efforts for sustainability and the circular economy, Aidana recognizes the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental aspects.
Aidana’s engagement in the Mentorship Network mirrors her dedication to continual growth. Her diverse interests, from energy education to renewable energy projects, management, modeling, and energy policy, showcase a dynamic professional journey. Seeking guidance for practical knowledge application in promoting sustainability in Kazakhstan, Aidana’s participation is a testament to her commitment.
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Here’s to the young game changers in STEM and the aspiring girls looking up to role models like Aidana! May their collective efforts illuminate a future where mentorship and determination pave the way for impactful change.
