Gunel İsmayılova is passionate about connecting with people and has held various roles throughout her career. However, her consistent focus has been on societal improvement, which she began to address through her hobby of teaching drama to children. This activity, especially when working with children with disabilities, fosters communication and integration. After facing dissatisfaction in a corporate environment, Gunel turned her hobby into a growing social business.
Through her project, Gunel aims to cultivate a more inclusive and happier society by teaching children the value of community, with hopes of seeing positive changes within the next 10-15 years. Initially viewing her efforts as charitable, she recognized the impact and structure of her work as a social business through various projects and networking opportunities.
As an entrepreneur, Gunel enjoys the ability to effect change but acknowledges the demands of nonstop work. Her experience with the Y&Y Fellowship Program has been challenging, but she sees the value in mentorship. Gunel advises young social entrepreneurs to remember to take breaks and stay motivated. For those considering the Y&Y Fellowship Program, she emphasizes the importance of being prepared for challenges.
