About Us

About Us

We host podcasts inspiring change & innovation.

Podcast Innovation & Change NYC was born not in a studio, but in the spirit of New York itself between towering buildings, shifting skies, and the quiet courage it takes to imagine something new in a city that never stops moving.
Founded by Tamar Makharashvili, Nanuka Tevzadze, Ekaterine Murghulia, and Sofia Akhvlediani, the podcast brings together diverse professional expertise and interdisciplinary perspectives developed across the education, healthcare, social, and business sectors. What began as shared conversations evolved into a collective vision: to create a space where innovation is not abstract, change is not performative, and voices especially women’s voices are heard with depth and respect.
tamar makharashvili

Tamar Makharashvili is a United States–based social scientist, PhD candidate, author, international speaker, and expert in accessibility, educational equity, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and inclusive tourism. With more than fifteen years of professional experience, she combines academic research, policy development, accessibility auditing, and strategic planning to advance educational equity, accessibility, and the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities.

Her research focuses on educational equity, accessibility, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), inclusive tourism, and disability policy, with particular emphasis on higher education, public policy, institutional development, and international standards.

She has conducted comparative and applied research across the United States, the European Union (EU), and Georgia, examining legislative frameworks, institutional governance, accessibility standards, and evidence-based strategies that advance inclusive education, accessible environments, and equal opportunities.

Her scholarship bridges research and practice by translating international standards into evidence-informed policies, institutional strategies, and sustainable solutions. Tamar is the author and co-author of books, peer-reviewed publications, technical guidelines, and policy resources in the fields of accessibility, educational equity, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and inclusive tourism. She has led and contributed to multidisciplinary research and development projects commissioned by governments, universities, international organizations, and development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and other international institutions.

Her work has informed the development of evidence-based policies, accessibility standards, and inclusive practices across education, tourism, and the built environment.

Her professional contributions have been recognized through numerous national and international awards.

In 2017, she received the Professional Excellence Award at the Welcome to Georgia National Tourism Awards. In 2025, she was honored at the Georgians in USA Awards in New York and received a Certificate of Recognition from the New York State Senate for her outstanding contributions to the community, as well as a Professional Excellence Award from the New York State Assembly in recognition of her professional achievements and public service.

As a Country Advisor, international speaker, and expert in accessibility and digital inclusion, Tamar actively contributes to global initiatives. She has served on international scientific and programme committees, contributed to the development of evidence-based recommendations, and delivered keynote addresses, invited lectures, and presentations at leading international conferences, universities, and professional forums on accessibility, digital inclusion, educational equity, and inclusive tourism.

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Nana (Nanuka) Tevzadze is the Founder and Head of Strategic Business Development of Georgian Space, a New York–based platform dedicated to connecting and empowering the Georgian community through education, business development, professional networking, and cultural initiatives.

With a multidisciplinary background spanning financial services, banking, hospitality, and strategic business development, Nanuka has built her career around creating meaningful connections between people, organizations, and opportunities. Her experience includes developing client-focused strategies, leading partnership initiatives, and designing programs that support professional growth and long-term community impact.

Since founding Georgian Space in 2021, she has led the organization’s strategic vision, expanding it into a dynamic platform that brings together professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare experts, artists, and community leaders. Under her leadership, Georgian Space has launched a range of initiatives that promote knowledge sharing, career development, entrepreneurship, health awareness, and cross-sector collaboration.

Nanuka believes that strong communities are built through meaningful relationships, lifelong learning, and shared purpose. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and creating opportunities that empower individuals to achieve both personal and professional success.

Beyond Georgian Space, she is actively involved in developing projects that strengthen connections between the Georgian diaspora and international partners, while advancing initiatives in education, business, healthcare, and social innovation. Her mission is to build sustainable platforms that inspire leadership, encourage collaboration, and create lasting value for communities in both the United States and Georgia.

sofi akhvlediani

Entrepreneur. Founder of Aesthetic Services. Nurse Practitioner (NP). Specialist in Aesthetic Medicine. Member of leading aesthetic medicine academies and professional associations in the United States and Europe. Lead Consultant at LifeVantage.

kato

Highly qualified English language educator with 12 years of professional experience, dedicated to helping students develop strong language proficiency and effective communication skills. She is also a journalist and the Co-Founder and Partner of the educational platform Brain Hub, where she actively explores and highlights key issues in modern education, society, and innovation.