Maria Kousar — Leading with Purpose, On and Off the Field
For Maria Kousar, the University of Central Asia has been more than a place of learning—it has been a platform for growth, leadership, and service.
Drawn to UCA by its mission to support the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly mountain communities, Maria embraced every opportunity to challenge herself both inside and outside the classroom. Over the years, she became a familiar face in student leadership, helping shape campus life through Model United Nations (MUN), sports, and community engagement.
"My university experience has been much more than earning a degree. Through student organisations, sports, and leadership roles, I have learned how to manage responsibilities, communicate effectively, and contribute to my community."
One of the most transformative parts of Maria’s UCA journey was the MUN Club. Before joining UCA, she had never participated in debates or public speaking activities. What started as a challenge soon became a passion. After two years as an active member, Maria took on leadership roles as Club President and later General Secretary, positions through which she helped train new delegates, organise conferences, and expand opportunities for students to participate in national and international events.
Under her leadership, the club collaborated with universities across the region and beyond, including Nazarbayev University and Tennessee State University. UCA delegates participated in international conferences, earned prestigious awards, and continued to raise the profile of the university’s MUN community.
Yet for Maria, the greatest achievement was not measured by trophies or titles.
"The most rewarding part of this journey was seeing the students we trained grow in confidence, participate in major conferences, and achieve remarkable success."
Leadership also extended beyond conference halls. As a member of the UCA Football Club for four years and captain of the women’s team during her final year, Maria helped lead her teammates to a second-place finish among women’s teams in GBAO.
"The achievement showed that with commitment and teamwork, students can excel both academically and athletically."
Maria believes that leadership opportunities are especially important for young women, helping them build confidence, develop professional skills, and inspire future generations.
Looking ahead, she hopes to continue contributing to the development of her region through education, policy, and community engagement while mentoring young people and supporting initiatives that create opportunities for others.
"Perhaps the most valuable lesson UCA has taught me is how to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and how to turn ideas into meaningful initiatives."
