Risolat Makhsimova

2025-2026 University of Chicago Scholar

Headshot of Risolat Makhsimova, 2025-2026 University of Chicago Scholar

Uzbekistan

Project Manager, Youth Affairs Agency of Uzbekistan

Empowering youth and transforming education systems through cross-sector leadership, policy innovation, and media-driven social change

Risolat Makhsimova is dedicated to advancing girls' education in her home country of Uzbekistan. As project manager at the Youth Affairs Agency of Uzbekistan, Risolat contributed to multiple national-level youth development initiatives, including “Ibrat Farzandlari,” Uzbekistan’s largest free language education platform. In that role, Risolat directed the production of free video lessons in over 20 languages, helping over 700,000 learners gain access to educational materials that allowed them to pursue international education and career opportunities. As a former member of Uzbekistan's Youth Parliament, Risolat also successfully advocated for the inclusion of youth rights in the Reformed Constitution of Uzbekistan in 2023, solidifying protections for youth. Through the Scholars program, Risolat aims to strengthen her skills in policy advocacy and strategic planning to launch a new mentorship program for girls in Uzbekistan, empowering them to overcome societal restrictions that limit their future opportunities.

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The Obama Foundation Scholars program gives rising leaders from around the world who are already making a difference in their communities the opportunity to take their work to the next level.

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