Women in Business& Education

A space for ambitious women to learn from each other and take their next step.

November 21, 2026 · 12–6pmDavid Rubenstein Forum, Chicago

A day to learn, connect, and grow.

Meet inspiring women from Central Asia and beyond, including entrepreneurs, educators, students, and women in government. Hear their stories, share ideas, and make new connections. Join us in Chicago to learn from each other and discover new opportunities.

Education panelsBusiness conversationsResourcesNetworking

What to expect.

01

Education panel.

Hear women share their experiences pursuing higher education, applying to universities, and continuing to learn while balancing work and family. Get ideas for your own education and career.

02

Business panel.

Listen to women entrepreneurs talk about starting a business, finding customers, and managing growth. Hear what worked, what was difficult, and what they wish they had known earlier.

03

Government & civic voices.

Learn about organizations and public programs that support women and small business owners. Discover where to look for business guidance, funding opportunities, and community support.

04

Speed networking.

Take part in short, one-on-one conversations with other attendees, moving to a new person every few minutes. Introduce yourself, talk about your interests, and exchange contact details when you’d like to stay connected.

Meet the speakers.

Women building businesses, pursuing education, and creating opportunities for others.

Education

Aruuke Uran, moderator and PhD candidate in history at Stanford UniversityModerator
Assel Ibadulla, PhD student at Stanford UniversityPanelist
Tomiris Kenenbayeva, Harvard University, Class of 2027Panelist
Zhadyra Yerkesh, PhD, postdoctoral researcher at UC BerkeleyPanelist
Malika Kanatbek, UX designer at Stanford UniversityPanelist

Business

Ainur Zhunussova, founder and host of Women in Business & EducationModerator
Assel Amangeldi, founder of TiluPanelist
Elvira (Ella) Berikova, co-founder of Truckline SolutionsPanelist
Nargiz Erbol, co-founder of ANA Design GroupPanelist

Government & Industry Leaders

Susana A. Mendoza, Illinois State Comptroller
Smita N. Shah, founder and CEO of SPAAN Tech
Rebecca Kahnweiler, managing partner at LongJump
Michelle Lura White, Women’s Entrepreneurship Lead at Illinois DCEO

Speaker announcements, event updates, and a look behind the scenes.

Follow @wbe.synoro on Instagram ↗

Where inspiration takes place.

David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago, seen from above at dusk
Auditorium at the David Rubenstein Forum, with a panel stage facing the Chicago skyline

David Rubenstein Forum

University of Chicago

November 21, 2026

Join the conversation.

Tell us about your background and why you’d like to attend. We review applications to bring together a thoughtful mix of experiences and perspectives. Selected applicants will receive an invitation by email.

Apply to attend

Applying does not guarantee admission.