Fall 2024 ANCA Capital Gateway Fellows Make Their Mark in Washington, D.C.

Recent Graduates Are Invited to Apply for the Winter 2025 Session of this Unique Armenian American Career Services Program. Deadline: November 15th!

October 23, 2024

WASHINGTON, DC—The fall 2024 session of the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program (CGP) has brought together a stellar group of young graduates from universities across the U.S. who are committed to kickstarting their careers in the nation’s capital, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

These emerging professionals, equipped with diverse academic backgrounds, are part of the growing number of Armenian Americans pursuing careers in public policy, politics, media, and development in the nation’s capital.

“The program has an impeccable track record of placing people on the path towards professional success,” remarked ANCA Programs Coordinator Nareg Mesrobian. “The Capital Gateway Program has served as a launchpad for every one of our previous fellows, who are now reaching new heights, and we know that our hardworking Fall 2024 fellows will follow suit. They are truly fit to benefit from the program and start meaningful careers here in DC!”

The Fall 2024 CGP fellows include William Musserian, who received both his Bachelor’s in Economics and MBA Science from Boston College; Alexander Avanesyan, who received a Bachelor’s in International Studies from California State University, Long Beach; Nelli Harutyunyan, who received her Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College; and, Michael Tatevossian, who has received a Bachelor’s in Economics from California State University, Los Angeles.

Mesrobian and the CGP Advisory Committee – comprised of program veterans – coordinated two weeks of intensive workshops on resume building, cover letter writing, interview techniques, and networking skills. The program culminated with a “meet and greet” event with professionals from the Washington, DC area. The CGP fellows are now actively applying for positions on Capitol Hill, with think tanks, and various consulting firms.

“As a recent Economics graduate entering a competitive industry, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program has provided in my job search,” said Michael Tatevossian, who also completed the ANCA Rising Leaders Program in March. “This program has not only helped me expand my network but also allowed me to attend valuable networking events and meet inspiring individuals. Thanks to the program, I feel more confident and prepared to pursue opportunities in the field I aspire to work in, and I’m excited for what the future holds in the nation’s capital.”

Alexander Avanesyan explained, “The ANCA Capital Gateway Program has provided me with valuable insight into careers on Capitol Hill. The CGPAC has proactively provided me with career development resources and has assisted me with finding career opportunities on the Hill. I am grateful for the opportunities for career growth that the Capital Gateway Program has offered me, and I highly recommend this program for Armenian-Americans seeking to create change in the nation’s capital”, concluded Avanesyan.

CGP Advisory Committee Members Speak Out on the Power of the Gateway Program

Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program Advisory Committee members have been working hard to support CGP Fellows on their career development journey, offering invaluable insights about work and life in many of DC’s professional spheres, ranging from consulting to Capitol Hill. The CGP Advisory Committee—all comprised of program alumni—has been instrumental in assisting young Armenian American professionals in exploring career and internship opportunities in countless prestigious institutions.

“The Capital Gateway program is one of the best tools for Armenian professional development in the ANCA toolbox,” noted CGP Advisory Committee member Areni Margossian. “It attracts the brightest young minds across the US, and we have the privilege of seeing just how far our fellows can go in just a few years – all because the ANCA sets each fellow up with crucial skills to succeed. Now, we have a vast network of professionals across various industries who continuously give back. It is a brilliant symbiosis.”

“The Capital Gateway Program is a phenomenal way for young professionals to get their foot in the DC door,” CGP Advisory Committee member Vahe Mirikian concurred. “Not only does it give young professionals an immediate and expansive network of people who have gone through the program, but it also offers opportunities for people to find lifelong friends in the process.”

CGP Advisory Committee member Arsen Markarov explained, “I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdehian Capital Gateway Program, having gone through it myself in 2017. This program doesn’t just open doors; it equips young Armenian-American professionals with the tools, network, and expertise to thrive in Washington, DC. From the enrichment seminars to personalized mentorship, the CGP is more than just a career launchpad – it’s a community that fosters growth, connection, and lasting impact. I’m proud to be a part of an initiative that honors Hovig Apo Saghdejian’s legacy by bringing Armenians from all over together and empowering the next generation of leaders.”

The ANCA Capital Gateway Program offers fellows three months of housing at the ANCA Aramian House, career-building workshops, and networking opportunities. Applications for the Winter 2025 session, which begins on January 13th, are due by November 15th and are available at anca.org/gateway.