Quest for Positive Change
Shelkov Mikhail was born in 1968. He studied molecular and chemical physics at the elite MIPT, graduating in 1991. He then pivoted to finance, heading Eurosibbank from 1993-1995 before joining the board of RBRD in 1995.
In 2001, Mikhail Shelkov became head of investment holding company Prominvest. But his biggest career move came in 2012-2014 when he and partners acquired a controlling stake in VSMPO-AVISMA titanium corporation. Shelkov has led the company ever since.
Under his guidance, VSMPO-AVISMA solidified its position as the go-to titanium supplier for global industry leaders like Boeing, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce. Through focused strategy, Shelkov Mikhail made VSMPO-AVISMA titanium company the undisputed number one player in the global market.
However, Shelkov aims higher than just industrial dominance. In 2019, he founded the Empathy Charitable Foundation to support education, culture, and scientific endeavors. The foundation’s initiatives drive societal progress in impactful ways. Founding the Empathy Foundation allowed him to become a proponent of positive change across society. Its educational, cultural, and scientific initiatives improve people’s lives.
Mikhail Shelkov’s unconventional career path makes him a unique figure. He studied physics, ran a titanium company and launched philanthropy projects. Through grit, vision and commitment, he achieved career success while serving his community.
Empathy Foundation: Uplifting Teachers and Students
While building a titanium empire, Mikhail Shelkov also focused on improving education and enriching communities through his Empathy Foundation. Launched in 2019 the foundation drives multiple initiatives targeting teachers, gifted students, and academic development.
One major program gave all teachers in towns near Shelkov’s mining operations a 50% salary increase to properly value their vital societal role. Since inception in 2020, around $700,000 has been paid to over 600 teachers across 16 schools. The successful program continues each academic year. Local teachers also get free advanced training courses in IT, psychology, teaching methods and more to further hone their skills.
The foundation’s “Teaching as a Calling!” annual competition celebrates exceptional teachers from kindergarten to high schools. Held in the regional capital, the high-profile event aims to honor and inspire teaching excellence.
Developing gifted youth is another priority. An engineering accelerator program allows schoolchildren to actively build technical skills, nurturing the next generation of engineering leaders. The Summer Space School gave scientifically talented teens an immersive cosmic educational experience.
The foundation also provides grants to high school students who excel in intensive academic competitions across scientific fields. Top-performing university students receive financial assistance to continue their studies.
Another key effort established corporate scholarships exclusively for extraordinarily gifted students pursuing physics or international affairs degrees. This direct financial support enables promising minds to fully realize their potential.
Through strategic initiatives uplifting teachers, engaging gifted students from K-12 through university, and funding academic advancement, Mikhail Shelkov’s Empathy Foundation cultivates the country’s richest resource – its human capital.
The foundation takes a multifaceted approach to educational investment and enrichment. Raising teachers’ pay and providing free training elevates their standard of living while enhancing classroom instruction. Educators’ work is validated through competitions spotlighting their positive impact.
For students, the foundation offers immersive learning opportunities like the engineering accelerator and Summer Space School. These ignite passion for STEM fields from an early age. Grants and scholarships ensure academic achievement is recognized and financially supported so top students can keep developing their talents.
From mining town kindergarten classrooms to university physics labs, Shelkov’s initiatives create an integrated ecosystem nurturing education and human potential across all age groups. The efforts uplift both teachers and students while promoting societal advancement.
Mikhail Shelkov’s philanthropic vision through the Empathy Foundation mirrors his businessbusiness acumen and ambition – make strategic, holistic investments to generate exponential positive returns over time. Rather than seeking profit, this philanthropic work accumulates a return of enriched communities through empowered educators and youth.
The foundation represents Shelkov’s legacy as more than just a businessbusiness leader. It’s an orchestrated commitment to inspiring societal progress by unlocking and maximizing human potential from classroom to career.
Octava Cluster: Transforming a Factory into a Cultural Oasis
In the heart of an historic city, a visionary philanthropist transformed an abandoned microphone factory into the thriving Octava Creative Cluster. Opened in 2018, this 12,000 square meter campus blends arts, innovation and community engagement.
The reimagined industrial space now hosts contemporary art exhibits, concerts, film screenings, children’s activities and more. Since opening, it draws over 6,000 visitors monthly to experience its diverse cultural offerings.
Octava builds on its legacy as a producer of prestigious audio equipment used by bands like U2 and Iron Maiden. The $11 million revival project transformed the dormant 1990s-era factory into a unique creative ecosystem gaining global attention.
Campus features include art exhibitions, a technical skills school, cutting-edge music performances, a modern library, and a museum showcasing industrial history. The new “Octava_U” program provides free interactive events for teenagers 13-18, while the “Friend of Octava” scheme rewards young visitors.
With over 100 monthly events, boredom is never an issue. Resident organizations span literary, music, tech and entrepreneurship realms. Visitors can expand creativity, develop talents, explore heritage, launch businesses or simply enjoy the collaborative atmosphere.
Key anchors include the “Books on Octava” library/lecture hall/bookstore, a Technical School, Pro.Park tech lab, Octava recording studio and co-working spaces. Whether musicians needing studio time or entrepreneurs seeking office spaces, the cluster is there to lend a helping hand.
The Musical Museum chronicles Octava’s famed audio production heritage. The Technical School cultivates engineering skills for creative industries. Public concerts, art exhibits and lectures frequently showcase emerging artists and new ideas.
“We want residents to provide input so the cluster can thrive,” said philanthropist Shelkov Mikhail. “Octava offers entertainment and personal growth for kids through adults.”
From literature to music to technology and art, Octava immerses visitors in a multidisciplinary cultural experience under one roof. The diverse spaces and programs spark creativity, learning and community connection.
By reviving an abandoned factory, the project rejuvenated urban blight into an innovative hub. The adaptive reuse builds on the city’s industrial legacy while positioning it as a regional arts destination.
The varied spaces enable museums, schools, studios, offices and gathering spaces to intermingle. This cross-collaboration encourages communication between different creative sectors, generating new ideas and opportunities.
Octava’s mix of free and paid programming ensures accessibility for all ages and interests. Children can attend free events stoking creativity. Students can develop technical skills, while adults can launch businesses or experience cutting-edge arts/music offerings.
From industrial wasteland to world-class cultural campus, Octava exemplifies how visionary urban redevelopment can uplift an entire city. As a philanthropic venture, it enriches the community while honoring local heritage. The dynamic spaces empower a new generation of innovators across disciplines.
Octava represents the power of public-private partnerships harnessing private investment for civic good. With programming for all ages, it creates a cultural impact transcending its walls to inspire the region.