Los Angeles, CA – Several Armenian National Committee – Western Region (ANC-WR) board and staff members attended a luncheon honoring California Assembly Speaker – Elect Karen Bass on Monday, March 17, 2008. The event took place at the Ebell of Los Angeles and was attended by hundreds of women marking this historic occasion with the newly elected California Assembly Speaker.

“Karen Bass is an inspirational, influential and strong woman who serves as a great role model for all American women and the accomplishments they can achieve,” remarked Souzi Zerounian-Khanzadian, ANC-WR Board member. “Her efforts in advancing important state issues such as foster care are truly admirable,” she added.

During the luncheon Bass shared her insights regarding current issues within the State of California and how she plans on improving current conditions such as the California deficit and financial cuts made to the California Education system.

Karen Bass represents the 47th Assembly district of California and has been a member of the State Assembly since 2005. Bass is the first African American woman to be elected to the position of Assembly Speaker. A long time advocate on several important issues including education and foster care reform, Bass, a Democrat, has also served as a California Co-chair of Barack Obama’s Presidential Campaign as well as California African Americans for Obama. The Armenian National Committee of America announced its endorsement of Presidential hopeful Barack Obama in January 2008.

The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANC-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

Photo caption: Speaker-Elect Assembly Member Karen Bass (center) joined by Rose Nazarian-Fagerian, Aida Dimejian, Souzi Zerounian-Khanzadian and Ani Garabedian (from left to right)