Qarshi Bridge (16th century)

Rishta Fellowship Program

Bridging Cultures Through Education, Leadership, and Service

The American Uzbekistan Association (AUA) is committed to strengthening bonds between the people of the United States and Uzbekistan. Public diplomacy has long proven to be an effective model for fostering international understanding. In line with this mission, AUA launched the Rishta Fellowship Program, an initiative designed to support academic, cultural, and professional exchanges that build meaningful connections across borders.

The word rishta means bond or relation in Uzbek, reflecting the program’s goal of fostering human connections while advancing education, leadership, and service.

About the Program

The Rishta Fellowship supports volunteers from the U.S. who travel to Uzbekistan each year to engage in impactful development work in partnership with local communities and institutions.

Fellows may focus on:

  • Teaching in schools and universities

  • Supporting public health initiatives

  • Collaborating with civil society organizations

  • Engaging with arts and culture professionals

Fellows contribute their skills and ideas while gaining firsthand experience of Uzbekistan’s rich history, culture, and society.

Our Fellows

Since its launch in 2022, the Rishta Fellowship Program has welcomed dedicated and accomplished individuals from across the United States, including early-career young professionals, mid-career specialists, and retired experts who continue to serve with purpose.

  • Jared Meunier – Taught English at a school in southern Uzbekistan

  • Gabriela Davila – Taught English at a school in southern Uzbekistan

  • Steven Labensky – Taught effective writing skills for law students at Tashkent State University of Law

  • Mackenzie Westfall – Worked with a local nonprofit providing occupational therapy for parents of children with disabilities

  • Nicole Capaldo – Teaching English at Andijan State Institute of Foreign Languages

Explore each fellow’s story by clicking on their name above.

As the program grows, this list will continue expanding to include fellows from diverse personal and professional backgrounds—each contributing their experience, expertise, and commitment to strengthening bonds between the United States and Uzbekistan.

Why Rishta Matters

Through this fellowship, AUA aims to:

  • Strengthen people-to-people bonds between the U.S. and Uzbekistan

  • Provide fellows with hands-on international experience

  • Support local development efforts in education, health, civil society, and the arts

  • Build lasting relationships that benefit both countries

Get Involved

The American Uzbekistan Association (AUA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its mission is to promote academic, cultural, and professional exchange between the people of the United States and Uzbekistan.

Take action to support the Rishta Fellowship:

  • Apply to become a fellow and gain firsthand experience in education, leadership, and service in Uzbekistan

  • Partner with AUA as a host institution in Uzbekistan and provide opportunities for fellows

  • Mentor fellows and share your expertise to guide the next generation of leaders

  • Donate to sustain and grow programs that foster lasting bonds between communities

Together, we can build enduring rishtas—bonds that connect people, communities, and nations.

👉 Learn more, apply, or support today!