GLENDALE, CA – The Armenian National Committee-Western Region (ANC-WR) is pleased to welcome long-time community activists Tamar Yardemian Baboujian and Lerna Kayserian Shirinian to the ANC-WR team as they gear up to meet the challenges of 2010 and beyond.

“The ANC is thrilled to have Lerna and Tamar join the ANC team as full time staff,” stated ANC-WR Chairman Vicken Sonentz-Papazian, “Our latest additions bring an impressive resume of dedication, skill and service in advancing the interests of the Armenian American community and the Armenian Cause.

As the new Special Projects Coordinator, Mrs. Baboujian brings with her nearly two decades of community activism. A member of the Armenian Youth Federation – Western Region since the age of 8, she served on numerous Central Committees as well as Executive member of the San Fernando Valley Sardarabad Chapter. Mrs. Baboujian has also attended AYF Summer Camp for 15 years, both as camper and counselor.

Mrs. Baboujian is a graduate of the University of California – Irvine with a degree in Studio Arts, Photography. Following the completion of her undergraduate education, she received her master’s in Public Policy from the University of Southern California, with an emphasis in nonprofit management and leadership.

“I am excited to continue building on past accomplishments of the ANC-WR and working hard to advance the interests of the Armenian American community,” said Baboujian.

As the new Government Relations Director, Mrs. Shirinian brings many years of hands-on experience in community and political activism. She has been involved with the ANC-WR for nearly a decade, serving both on the ANC Professional Network Executive Committee and the ANC-WR Board of Directors. Mrs. Shirinian also served as a Field Deputy for State Assemblymember Anthony Portantino (D-44), where she advised the Member on immigration, child care and foster care issues and was the point of contact for outreach to the Armenian American community.

A graduate of the University of Southern California, Mrs. Shirinian received her degree in Political Science, with an emphasis on Peace and Conflict Studies. During her undergraduate years, she served as an intern at Human Rights Watch in Los Angeles and in Armenia at the Armenian Center for National and International Studies.

“I look forward to taking my activism to the next level as Government Relations Director,” said Mrs. Shirinian. “I am proud to serve in this position and look forward to working with our elected officials to advance our community’s Hai Tahd agenda.”

The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest Armenian American grassroots community 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 works to promote understanding regarding issues of concern to the Armenian American community.