BIRTHRIGHT ARMENIA ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
Fall 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS “Next Step” Alumni Grant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 HIKEArmenia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Alumni Around the World . . . . . .
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Alumni in Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Pathway to Armenia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Ambassador Program
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Weddings and Babies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 AVC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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“Next Step” Alumni Grant With our alumni numbers growing so quickly, we feel now more than ever is the time to invest in our participants’ post-program desire to further engage with the Homeland. In years past, we funded 17 “Next Step” alumni grants that were capped at $2,500 each for a total of $34,000 awarded. Additionally, alums were able to use these grants to leverage tens of thousands of more dollars for development projects in Armenia. But we’ve since increased the scope of the “Next Step” Alumni Fund in 2018, with projects sized up to $35,000 in an effort to further encourage and support new, creative collaborations amongst you and your implementing partners on the ground. There is power in numbers! We’re very pleased to announce the first four winners of Next Step grants resulting from the pool of round one submissions we received. They will begin implementing their projects immediately. Congratulations to all four winners and many thanks to the other alums who submitted worthy projects for our consideration. Alexander Azizian (2012, USA) has been devoted to Grigoryan Fencing School for many years, both as an athlete and trainer. In 2013 he fundraised $6,000 to purchase much needed fencing equipment for the 142 athletes using the facility. With this grant, Alex will be training six fencers to prepare them for international competitions in Latvia and Luxembourg. Best of luck to all! As a professional radio producer Jeremy Dalmas (2008, USA) will be partnering with EVN Report to create a quality podcast as a source of current Armenian news. Jeremy will secure the necessary equipment, hire needed human resources in Armenia, and then provide hands-on training and expertise over a period of two months to help EVN Report develop, expand, and publicize a highquality podcast that reaches Armenians in the country and in the diaspora. Gabe Armas-Cardona (2012, USA) will be partnering with Women’s Support Center and other women’s rights organizations to promote rights-respecting policies regarding domestic violence. They will be working towards ensuring Armenia’s domestic violence law is compliant with the Istanbul Convention, create a document with policy recommendations, and most importantly to hold a training for NGOs on these recommendations and how to monitor the law. In 1988 Aghberk and Araguni villages, located on the eastern shore of Lake Sevan, were populated by Azerbaijanis. Originally placed cross-stones (khachkars) in the historical Armenian cemeteries of these villages were taken by Azeri’s and used to build houses and cattle sheds. Raffi Kortoshian (2006, Syria) and Research on Armenian Architecture Foundation (RAA) will be recovering the khachkars and creating a garden. Their work will be published in a bilingual booklet covering the historical information about the khachkars, as well as the progress of the project.
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HIKEArmenia It is no secret that Armenia has beautiful landscapes and adventure waiting to be discovered and explored around each corner. With countless mountain tops, four beautiful seasons, hidden villages full of the kindest people, it was only a matter of time for an organization to invest and promote what makes Armenia extraordinary. Cue HIKEArmenia, the fourth “brand” under the Hovnanian Foundation. Alongside Birthright Armenia, Armenian Volunteer Corps and HIVE, HIKEArmenia certainly has its place and work cut out for itself!
Executive Director of HIKEArmenia, Ardag Kosian (4th from the left), had the opportunity to hike over 200km of the Camino de Santiago with other trail leaders from around the globe.
HIKEArmenia’s mission is to promote Armenia as a premier hiking destination with world-class trails, unique homestay options, tie-ins to cultural/historical sites and trained guides, all of which offer the best experiences possible to hikers in search of adventure. HIKEArmenia.org was launched in late June and allows you to explore Armenia on your own, or get personalized help from the staff to plan the perfect hiking adventure. The HIKEArmenia app is available for download on iOS and Android, with a brand new expanded version currently undergoing beta testing, so stay tuned. Most importantly, this summer HIKEArmenia opened its doors to their very own storefront office located in the heart of the Yerevan at 5 Vardanants Street. Here you can meet with staff, rent equipment, pick up maps, ask for guide or homestay recommendations, and more.
Recently, HIKEArmenia was invited to present at the World Trails Conference (WTC) in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. As the newest hiking organization in attendance, HIKEArmenia presented all that Armenia has to offer hikers to the over 240 attendees from over 36 countries, most of who are prominent trail leaders. The delegates were captivated by Armenia's stunning landscapes, the amazing hospitality of the people, and the future of trails and ecotourism in Armenia. The World Trails Network holds a bi-annual conference bringing together the international community of trail promoters, builders and hiking enthusiasts. This was an amazing opportunity to share experiences with trail, tourism, and conservation experts from around the globe, and to invite them to hike Armenia's trails. New partnerships with trail organizations such as the Lebanon Mountain Trail and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, just to mention two, will take HIKEArmenia around the world and bring more of the world to Armenia.
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This fall HIKEArmenia is back out among the mountains and hilltops, gathering GPS tracks for 400+ KM of existing trails and building a whole new trail network between the villages of Gomk, Artavan, and Martiros. They will also be putting up new signage to cover trails in at least four regions of Armenia to keep hikers on the right path. The new trails around Gomk will provide opportunities to explore a truly unique area of Southern Vayots Dzor, complete with breathtaking views, ancient pathways, authentic accommodations, and amazing local hospitality. See for yourself here!
Alumni Around the World Having had over 1,650 participants from 48 countries, 124 of whom currently live in Armenia, Birthright Armenia alumni are always up to something good! Business and tourism development come hand in hand for our alums Garo Serpekian (2015, Jordan) and Maria Anazonian (2015, Argentina). This year both have started their own companies and are providing top notch services. Pathfinder, founded by Garo, offers a variety of unique tours in Armenia, Artsakh, Western Armenia and Georgia - tours that can be provided in Armenian, English, Arabic, Russian, Spanish and French. Maria, on the other hand, has chosen to work more closely one-on-one with her clients for a customized approach. Her self-titled company offers travel and financial advice to anyone visiting or moving to Armenia. Now we can refer all of our family and friends when asked about anything and everything related to traveling in Armenia! As a newly licensed Occupational Therapist looking for more experience in pediatrics, Victoria Armineh Babikian (2017, USA) came to volunteer in Armenia. While in Armenia, she submitted a poster about the work she was doing with Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) for the annual conference of the American Occupational Therapy Association. The conference has a very selective process with less than 70% of submissions getting accepted. A hardworking and dedicated volunteer, Victoria had by the end of her volunteer service worked with 12 children in 7 villages in the Armavir and Aragatsotn regions on various skills such as handwriting, toileting, dressing, play, coordination, memory, attention, and sensory processing, so it’s no surprise that Victoria’s was chosen. The conference was held April 19-22 in Salt Lake City, Utah. “There was a lot of interest in my project (Initiating a Pilot Pediatric Occupational Therapy Program in Rural Armenia). Many had never heard of Armenia, or the presence of occupational therapy there. It was a great experience to advocate for Armenia and educate people about its development.” Victoria will be traveling back to Armenia this November to continue her collaboration with COAF, taking with her items that provide therapeutic activities to local clinicians, teachers, and families. Too learn how you could support Victoria’s efforts you may reach her by email.
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This year’s Sevan Startup Summit included several of our alumni in action. Birthright Armenia alums didn’t just compete at SSS2018, they judged! Armen Petrossian (2017, USA), founder of Streamable, was a judge for the Fintech Battle, which featured a number of startups founded by Armenians. “It was amazing to see an event on the shores of Lake Sevan, which was certainly a unique experience I'll never forget! I'm looking forward to seeing the contestants develop their startups into the next generation of great companies.” Birthright Armenia alums didn’t just compete at SSS2018, they judged! Armen Petrossian (2017, USA), founder of Streamable, was a judge for the Fintech Battle, which featured a number of startups founded by Armenians. “It was amazing to see an event on the shores of Lake Sevan, which was certainly a unique experience I'll never forget! I'm looking forward to seeing the contestants develop their startups into the next generation of great companies.” Mattieu Sahakian (2017, France) was presenting his startup, Factor Fan, which helps teenagers gather money from family and friends to then purchase their favorite video game by using social media and a crowd gifting platform. A crowd gifting platform allows a group of people to collaborate by sending money for a common gift. The first business model is simple- taking 10% commission for every operation. He and his team reached the semifinals with Factor Fan and two investors reached out with interest, one even investing 15k! The summit offered a multitude of networking opportunities. Mattieu met some French attendees, who after a bit of conversation, decided to collaborate on another project idea that they were able to present at Francophonie. In addition to all this success, the startup Mattieu founded last year (a PC video game about David of Sasoun) won again this year.
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Prior to coming up with an idea for a startup Araz Kekejian (2016, Lebanon) had opened up an Upwork account (a platform for freelancers to find work in data science). She soon realized many companies shared a similar problem of trusting someone to make critical financial and strategic decisions for their business. Bring on MegaData Mining, Araz’s startup which helps small-medium sized enterprises make critical financial decisions by mining and studying their customer behavior, ensuring high accuracy [94%+] in their predictions. Araz was selected among 900 applicants to be part of the summit and eventually made it to the finals, competing against 18 others. At the summit she made friends from different countries and backgrounds, and even some future clients. Of recent news, Araz’s startup took on a Depi Hayk volunteer!
Romina Keshishyan (2011, USA) volunteered as a community organizer with Institute of Democracy and Human Rights (IDHR), a human rights NGO in Yerevan. She took her love of activism to the next level and pursued a law degree to now specialize in labor and employment law. Opening her own practice this year, Romina represents California employees in wage and hour class actions and single-plaintiff matters. In less than one year, she has successfully settled over two million dollars in her advocacy for employees who were wronged by their employers. Romina hopes to share proceeds of settlements by way of scholarships to young Armenians who wish to pursue higher education or advancement in their careers. By continuing her advocacy of a progressive agenda, Romina hopes to improve the lives of the Armenian community, both in the diaspora and in Armenia. She and her fiancé plan to return to Armenia to further pursue a meaningful connection with the young professional community that is thriving in Armenia today. Carla Kekejian (2014, USA) is currently a graduate student at the University of Utah working towards her PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Since her volunteerism, she has traveled back to Armenia several times to continue her research on Harsneren: a gesture-based form of communication used by married Armenian women. “In efforts to learn more about Harsneren, I traveled to the villages of Baghanis, Voskepar, Voskevan, and Noyemberyan in the Tavush Province of present-day northeast Armenia, where the first and only study of the sign language was conducted in the early 1930s. Harsneren was used instead of oral language upon marriage, as women were often not permitted to speak in the presence of their husband, in-laws, and certain other relatives.” To learn more about Harsneren and follow Carla’s research click here. Letters for Peace, a pilot project that harnesses writing as a tool for peaceful social transformation in regions impacted by conflict, was created by Raffi Wartanian (2007, USA). This summer he held a two-week creative writing workshop in Yerevan with high school and university students who prepared letters articulating the importance of and possibilities for a peaceful future between Armenia and Azerbaijan (Raffi is second from the left standing alongside his students). These letters were translated from Armenian to Azerbaijani Turkish and English, and sent to counterparts in Azerbaijan with the aim of sparking dialogue driven by a spirit of mutual respect. To read the letter visit Letters for Peace online.
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Alumni in Government Often we express how tricky it is to keep up with the amazing work our alumni are up to. Alums Tatevik Revazian (2010, Denmark) and Babken Der Grigorian (2010, USA) are the perfect example. Just one newsletter ago we mentioned exciting new career steps each had taken however, with the recent changes in Armenia’s government both excelled in leaps and bounds. Tatevik was appointed to chairwoman of the Civil Aviation Committee. In recent interviews she has mentioned that one of her main goals is to market Armenia and increase tourism. This will interest and increase airlines that fly to and from Armenia, allow for better prices, flight times, and convenient transits. Recently, Tatevik attended the 2018 World Routes forum in the city of Guangzhou where an agreement was signed with Van Xi Zing, a deputy chief of the Chinese Civil Aviation Department, establishes the legal grounds for launching direct flights between Armenia and China. To hear more from Tatevik, listen to her #DiscoveryTalk. Babken was appointed Deputy Minister of the Diaspora and Economic Advisor to Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan. He holds a PhD in Information Studies from University of California, Los Angeles. Babken moved to Armenia in 2012, and has been involved in election and policy making in Armenia since. In an interview following the Velvet Revolution, Babken talked about bridging the gap between Armenia and the Diaspora, especially as regards diaspora youth.
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PATHWAY to ARMENIA
Since its inception in 2013 Pathway to Armenia has assisted alums on their path to repatriation by providing economical housing, CV and cover letter preparation, and job search assistance. We are proud to have recently welcomed our 50th participant, Vatche Daghlian (2018, Lebanon), into the Birthright House! Vatche received his bachelor’s degree from Lebanese International University in Interior Design and interned with Herbs and Honey in Gyumri over the summer. "I have had these three months to organize my future in Armenia in a more comfortable way. I have support from a family called Birthright, and I know that they will help me in any matter. A year ago I could only dream about all of this, and now I'm here. And I am grateful for this chance.” Lilit Tumanyan (2017, Russia) To learn more about Lilit’s journey of self-discovery click here. “I am very grateful to Depi Hayk and Pathway to Armenia program. It has been helpful in my repatriation process, their help was fundamental for me to establish myself and getting my first job in Armenia. Now I am working with the Armenian Football Federation.” Alexis Avakian (2012, Argentina)
“The Birthright house has given me an opportunity to transition my life from volunteer to repat.” Alexis Davitian (2017, USA) Here Lexi shares one of her many stories about volunteering in Gyumri. 9
Ambassadors Birthright Armenia is excited to announce its newest of now seven regional Ambassador Programs, BOSTON! Talish Aghababayan (2013, USA) and Meliné Topouzian (2013, USA) will be our coambassadors to the Boston and New-England area. To connect with your Ambassadors around the world click here.
Talish, a Doctor of Optometry, was a volunteer with World Vision Gyumri and Malayan Ophthalmological Center in Yerevan.
Meliné is originally from the greater Detroit area and studied Social Work at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She volunteered at child development centers in Yerevan. She moved to Boston after marrying her husband, who is from the Boston area.
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Our Ambassador Program was created to keep our vibrant and active alumni engaged even after completing their volunteerism. The program encourages ongoing recruitment, community development, and networking. This year our Los Angeles Ambassadors have really dedicated themselves to do just that. Karina Halajian (2016) and Kerop Martirosyan (2017) figured with an abundance of Armenian organizations based in LA, it was time to collaborate and focus on a cause dear to all of them, a mine free Artsakh. They contacted several organizations to team up and host a professional summer mixer that would fundraise for the #JobsNotMines campaign organized by One Armenia and HALO Trust in Nagorno Karabakh. This fantastic initiative raised $4,310, which was then matched dollar for dollar by an anonymous donor, totaling $8,620. Our alumni leadership and representation of Birthright Armenia in initiatives such as this this are remarkable, and we couldn’t be more proud!
Weddings and Babies
Sareen Khachatourians (2014, Canada) married Zohak Allahyarian at Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Toronto. They are excited to return to Armenia as husband and wife.
Cristina Maria Nerguizian (2012, Uruguay) married Viken Boyadjian.
Maroun El-Khoury (2014, Canada) and Aurelie Araxi Andonian (2014, Jordan) married.
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Jeanette Gevikoglu (2005, Canada) and her husband, Grant Linton, welcomed their son Andrew Setrak William Linton on February 4, 2018.
Hovig Khatcherian (2014, Canada) and Siranuysh Papikyan (Russia, 2014) first met as volunteers. On March 16th they welcomed twin boys Aram (left) and David (right).
Anoush Jilozian Yousefzai was born to proud parents Ani Jilozian (2007, Pennsylvania) and Faizan Tariq Yousefzai on April 20th. Her birth coincided with the events in Armenia - here she is saying “Viva la revolution!�
Talin Balaian (2014, LA) welcomed baby girl Emma Rose Balalian on April 20th.
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Ani Saraphanian (2006, Canada) gave birth to Naro Knar Koulajian on June 6th. “Big sister Arya, 2, is ecstatic to have a sibling!”
Barkev Iskikian (2016 AVC, USA) and Lisa Giragosian Iskikian (2004 BR and 2016 AVC, USA) welcomed Jirayr Barkev Iskikian on June 7th. Was not bolded.
Inna Simonian Djaniants (2007, North Carolina) and husband Jon announce the birth of daughter Charlotte Rose. “Born three days past her due date on June 30th, we are so in love with her.”
Alex Tarverdi (2012, London) and his wife Tatev are proud to introduce their son Leo to the world. Born on September 11th, he weighed in at 3.1kg with a full head of hair! 13
A first for AVC and BR as mother and daughter volunteer together: meet Lerna and Tayis Karakutuk (2018, Turkey) from Istanbul. They had both visited Armenia before, but as just that, visitors. This time they decided that they wanted to experience more, immerse, learn through work, and build an even stronger connection to Armenia. Lerna, 53, is a teacher of Armenian; she is also a writer and poet whose book of poetry, "Yertas Parov", was published in 2017. She has been a teacher for 30 years, four of which she was also a school director. She learned about AVC after her daughter Tayis applied to Birthright Armenia. Tayis, 22, is an architecture student who is passionate about photography and art. In addition to fulfilling what she sees as her responsibility as an Armenian of contributing somehow to Armenia, Tayis hopes to gain a more comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of Armenian architecture and also learn about future opportunities she might consider post-graduation. Lerna has been volunteering at Nuri Children's Center, teaching English through games and other creative activities, as well as providing all-around general support to the staff. She has also spent some time at Green Lane NGO, which has satisfied her passion for gardening. Tayis is serving at DZ Architectural Design Studio and at the Armenian Art Foundation, giving her a good balance of her professional and personal interests.
Maral Assilian Ceulen (2016, Cyprus) visited the Tavoush region and border villages as a volunteer. There she observed that locals are able to run small business where they produce goods, like jewelry and Armenian accessories, but were missing the expertise and means to market outside of Armenia to grow. “We are 10 million in the diaspora. If 5% of us sponsored a local Armenian artisan or producer, imagine where we would be!� In 2017, she crated Artzard which is a web shop, featuring Armenian jewelry made by locals. Here is an article about how she got started. Maral encouraged others interested to get in touch with her to learn how. 14
Stay Connected! 15