Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)

From Boston to Capitol Hill, ANCA Rising Leader Aramazd Havan brings his passion for public service, education, and Armenian community engagement to Washington, DC. A Civics and History teacher and youth club soccer coach, Aramazd is committed to empowering the next generation both inside and outside the classroom. “Government and politics is something that I want to get more involved in and I’m excited to be in the nation’s capital to learn more about how Washington, DC works and ways we can continue to advocate and raise our collective voices as global ambassadors of the Armenian nation,” says Aramazd. In addition to his professional roles, Aramazd volunteers with organizations including Homenetmen, ARS, and NAASR—living out his commitment to community every day. We’re proud to have him as part of this year’s cohort of Rising Leaders. Join Aramazd and explore how you can make a lasting impact through the ANCA’s youth empowerment and career development programs. Visit anca.org/youth to get started. Co-sponsored by the AYF Eastern US and Western US, ANCA Rising Leaders and the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Day are made possible through a generous grant by Mr. Dean Shahinian, Esq., and the family and friends of Mrs. Lucine Zadoian Kouchakdjian. #ANCARisingLeaders #CareerEmpowerment #CivicEngagement #ArmenianIdentity #YouthEmpowerment

Meet ANCA Rising Leader Artashes Harutyunyan, a senior at Florida International University majoring in International Relations. With a deep passion for geopolitics, diplomacy, and international affairs, he’s been actively engaged in numerous organizations and political activities—strengthening his lifelong commitment to advocacy. “I am excited to be in the nation’s capital, at the heart of the political world. I am eager to advocate for the people of Armenia and Artsakh, working tirelessly to bring justice to them and advance our shared cause,” says Artashes. We’re inspired by his drive and dedication to justice. Join Artashes and discover how you can make a lasting impact as part of the broad range of ANCA career services and youth empowerment programs. Visit anca.org/youth to explore the opportunities. Co-sponsored by the AYF Eastern US and Western US, ANCA Rising Leaders and the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Day are made possible through a generous grant by Mr. Dean Shahinian, Esq., and the family and friends of Mrs. Lucine Zadoian Kouchakdjian. #ANCARisingLeaders #CareerEmpowerment #CivicEngagement #ArmenianIdentity #YouthEmpowerment

Meet ANCA Rising Leader Karin Oruncakciel, a senior at AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School in Canoga Park, California, where she leads as Student Council President and stays deeply involved in her community. From Homenetmen to youth programs at St. Peter’s Armenian Church, Karin is building the foundation of a lifelong commitment to service. “Being involved in multiple programs and organizations has given me the drive but, most importantly, the opportunity to give back to my Armenian community and further learn about ways to advocate for us and our homeland,” says Karin. “I’m excited to participate in the Rising Leaders Program to deepen my understanding of Armenian issues and promote the Armenian Cause here on Capitol Hill.” A proud alum of the 2024 Kasparian Summer Academy, Karin plans to pursue International Relations and Global Business in college—hoping to one day contribute to diplomacy and create new opportunities for Armenia and its global diaspora. Join Karin and discover how ANCA’s Rising Leaders Program empowers young Armenian Americans to turn passion into impact. Visit anca.org/youth to learn more. Co-sponsored by the AYF Eastern US (@ayfeast) and Western US (@ayfwest), ANCA Rising Leaders and the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Day are made possible through a generous grant by Mr. Dean Shahinian, Esq., and the family and friends of Mrs. Lucine Zadoian Kouchakdjian. #ANCARisingLeaders #CareerEmpowerment #CivicEngagement #ArmenianIdentity #YouthEmpowerment #FutureLeaders

Tomorrow | If you're in the DC area, spend Easter Saturday with your ANCA family. Easter Brunch Part of the ANCA Friday HyeLights Networking Series Saturday, April 19, 2025 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM The Aramian House | Washington, DC 1620 T Street NW, Washington DC RSVP at anca.org/rsvp For additional information, email networking@anca.org

"Say hello to ANCA Rising Leader Ani Karajayan, a junior at the University of Southern California (USC), where she’s pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience with a minor in Cinematic Arts and Screenwriting. Ani’s merging science, storytelling, and advocacy to amplify the Armenian voice on a national level. “I am passionate about Armenian advocacy. I’m driven by a desire to support Armenia and Artsakh amidst the ongoing crisis. I hope that my understanding of neuroscience can inform my work in human rights and health policy,” says Ani. Ani has been an active force in the Armenian community, serving as a volunteer coach with Homenetmen Hrashq, a member of USC’s Armenian Student Association, and a contributor to All-ASA’s Advocacy Committee. Through the Rising Leaders Program, she’s connecting with changemakers and gaining the tools to drive meaningful impact for the Armenian Cause. Join Ani and explore how you can make a difference through ANCA’s youth empowerment and career development programs. Visit anca.org/youth to get started. Co-sponsored by the AYF Eastern US and Western US, ANCA Rising Leaders and the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Day are made possible through a generous grant by Mr. Dean Shahinian, Esq., and the family and friends of Mrs. Lucine Zadoian Kouchakdjian. #ANCARisingLeaders #CareerEmpowerment #CivicEngagement #ArmenianIdentity #YouthEmpowerment"

THREE DAYS LEFT! ANCA Easter Brunch at the Aramian House! Saturday, April 19, 2025 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM The Aramian House | Washington, DC RSVP at anca.org/rsvp We’re switching things up this month! Join us for a special Easter Brunch as the April installment of ANCA Friday HyeLights, our monthly gathering of Armenian professionals, friends, and allies across the D.C. area. Strengthen your network and immerse yourself in the DMV-Armenian community over an afternoon of good food, drinks, and conversation. Whether you’re just starting your career or are already well-established, this brunch is a great chance to expand your connections, share experiences, and learn from one another. This month’s event will also include: — A warm welcome for our newest ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Fellow and intern — A heartfelt thank you to all the professionals who generously mentor and support our fellows and interns in building meaningful careers in Washington, D.C. Invite your colleagues, friends, and fellow Armenian Americans to connect with professionals from across industries—from government and policy to tech, law, and the arts. Whether you’re catching up or meeting someone new, you have a seat at the table. Please RSVP at anca.org/rsvp and come hungry for great food and even better connections. For additional information, email networking@anca.org

ANCA Easter Brunch at the Aramian House! Saturday, April 19, 2025 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM The Aramian House | Washington, DC RSVP at anca.org/rsvp We’re switching things up this month! Join us for a special Easter Brunch as the April installment of ANCA Friday HyeLights, our monthly gathering of Armenian professionals, friends, and allies across the D.C. area. Strengthen your network and immerse yourself in the DMV-Armenian community over an afternoon of good food, drinks, and conversation. Whether you’re just starting your career or are already well-established, this brunch is a great chance to expand your connections, share experiences, and learn from one another. This month’s event will also include: — A warm welcome for our newest ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Fellow and intern — A heartfelt thank you to all the professionals who generously mentor and support our fellows and interns in building meaningful careers in Washington, D.C. Invite your colleagues, friends, and fellow Armenian Americans to connect with professionals from across industries—from government and policy to tech, law, and the arts. Whether you’re catching up or meeting someone new, you have a seat at the table. Please RSVP at anca.org/rsvp and come hungry for great food and even better connections. For additional information, email networking@anca.org

#BREAKING: 36 U.S. lawmakers - led by Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) & Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) - have urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to impose Global Magnitsky sanctions on Azerbaijani officials and demand the release of Armenian POWs & Artsakh's political leaders. “This bipartisan letter—led by Representatives Dina Titus and Chris Smith—sends a powerful message that America must stand on the side of justice and accountability,” stated ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “We thank all the Members of Congress who signed this letter for demanding immediate Magnitsky sanctions against Azerbaijani officials involved in war crimes and the unlawful detention of Armenian political leaders and POWs. Durable peace in the region requires the release of all illegally detained Armenians, the withdrawal of Azerbaijani forces from Armenian territory, and, of course, support for the right of Artsakh Armenians to collectively return to their ancestral homes with dignity and security.” Read: https://lnkd.in/eABMVx6s

Are you a student leader or activist passionate about Armenian issues? Apply to the Armenian National Committee of America’s prestigious 2025 Leo Sarkisian Summer Internship! Spend six weeks working toward your career goals while simultaneously advocating for Artsakh and Armenia. Apply today to not only contribute to the advancement of Armenian policy issues but also explore career opportunities in the nation’s capital. The program is open to students with various academic backgrounds and/or career plans – everyone will have a purpose and benefit from the program at the ANCA. Accepted participants will live in the ANCA Aramian House, a unique opportunity to connect with our Armenian identity and create lifelong friendships. The 2025 ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship program will run from June 16th to July 25th, 2025. Apply by April 14th, 2025. To apply, visit anca.org/internship If you have any questions, email lsi@anca.org

The ANCA was proud to host the Rose & Alex Pilibos Armenian School 8th graders for an afternoon of pizza and politics - with a special focus on the importance of youth voices to stand up for Artsakh and defend Armenia. #Pilibos #Pilibos55 #UnstoppablePilibos #ArmenianSchool #ANCAyouth #youthempowerment