Ezoza Ismailova '21

When Ezoza Ismailova’s family moved from Uzbekistan to rural Pennsylvania, she was just 6 years old. The transition was challenging, but it planted the seeds of a lifelong passion for international affairs. Today, as a program associate at the International Research and Exchange Board – known as IREX – in Washington, D.C., Ezoza channels her personal experiences into a career focused on fostering global understanding through education and cultural exchange. 

Ezoza’s interest in politics and international affairs began in high school, where she was deeply involved in speech and debate. This natural inclination led her to pursue a degree in history/political science and international affairs at Pitt-Bradford. 

“I always had a worldly view on life,” she said, reflecting on how her background as a first-generation Uzbek American shaped her academic and career choices. 

Choosing Pitt-Bradford was an easy decision for Ezoza. The close-knit community and supportive environment resonated with her, making it feel like the perfect place to continue her education.  

“It made my transition from growing up in rural Pennsylvania to Bradford, Pennsylvania, much easier,” she said. 

During her time at Pitt-Bradford, Ismailova embraced campus life, taking on roles as a Resident Assistant, a Blue and Gold Society member and a teaching assistant, which helped to enrich her college life and prepare her for her future career. 

“The skills that I learned from being an RA—mentoring, advising—have been highly applicable to my current role,” she said. 

Ezoza’s academic journey didn’t stop at Pitt-Bradford. 

After graduating in 2021, she went on to earn a master’s degree in public diplomacy and global communications from Syracuse University in 2022. This program allowed her to dive deeper into the intricate connections between politics, international affairs, and communication. 

“It was the perfect fit,” she said, emphasizing how the program solidified her commitment to this field. 

Today, at IREX, Ezoza plays a pivotal role in managing student leadership programs, including the Global UGRAD-Pakistan Program and the Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program. 

These initiatives bring students from Tunisia and Pakistan to the United States for academic exchanges, fostering mutual understanding and cultural dialogue. For Ezoza, this work is deeply fulfilling. 

“This role really gives me a chance to re-exercise those RA skills that I learned,” she said, enabling her to draw a clear line from her college experiences to her professional life. 

Looking forward, Ezoza’s goals are as global as her background. She hopes to continue working in international affairs, focusing on nonprofit organizations or international governmental organizations that share her passion for cultural exchange and public diplomacy.  

Ismailova’s advice to current students is simple yet profound: “Knowledge is power. Continue to learn both inside and outside of the classroom. Practice empathy and compassion, as they are crucial for expanding your understanding of the world.” 

Ismailova’s journey—from Uzbekistan to Washington, D.C., and from Pitt-Bradford to IREX—is a powerful example of how personal experiences can shape a career dedicated to making the world a smaller, more connected place.