Mariya Ippolitova: A Young Leader in Social Innovation and Digital Transformation
In a world rapidly advancing toward digital transformation and community innovation, Mariya Ippolitova stands out as one of the most inspiring female figures in Central Asia, thanks to her impressive track record in managing digital projects, community building, and promoting youth engagement.
Born on May 14, 1994, Mariya combines an entrepreneurial spirit with research-driven leadership. She has held senior positions in international organizations and non-profits, including the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program and the UNICEF-supported “Ozim” digital platform, in addition to contributing to impactful research at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan.
During her tenure as a program officer at the United Nations in 2024, she achieved remarkable results. She increased the number of UN volunteers in Kazakhstan by 64 percent and tripled the program’s reach on social media. In the “Ozim” project, which focuses on supporting parents and caregivers of children, she helped develop the digital roadmap and led the team in launching new features that won international awards such as “Tech for Good” and the “Steppe Women” award under the global Cartier initiative.
Mariya is not only a project manager but also a rigorous researcher. She has participated in several research projects addressing university-industry partnerships and the impact of social factors on early education. Her work has been published in reputable academic journals, and she has represented her country at major international conferences such as AERA and BAICE.
With extensive experience in data analysis, digital management tools like Trello and Notion, and fluency in three languages (Russian, English, and Kazakh), Maria serves as a global role model for women leaders in the fields of social innovation and digital education.
Thanks to her leadership spirit and diverse skill set, Mariya Ippolitova continues to make an impact across Central Asian communities and deliver digital and humanitarian solutions that reflect the strength of a new generation of inspiring women.
