NEW YORK, NY- The Armenian National Committee of America, Eastern Region (ANCA-ER), announced that Ms. Stephanie Mesrobian will be the mistress of ceremonies at its Second Annual Banquet and Awards Program, to take place on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.

A native of Providence, Rhode Island, Ms. Mesrobian has in-depth experience in the field of international development, directing economic research and analysis in the U.S. and Armenia for global research firm Japonica InterSect. She has for many years applied her professional background in public relations and her expertise in global development to her grass-roots involvement in the Armenian-American community. In addition to extensive work with the ANCA, Ms. Mesrobian has spearheaded several high-profile projects related to non-governmental organizations with the United Nations Public Information Office, on behalf of the Armenian Relief Society.

“We are pleased to have Stephanie Mesrobian emcee this year’s banquet,” said Banquet Committee Co-Chair Zohrab Tazian. “A familiar face to many in our community, Stephanie has been a dynamic, public figure on Armenian-American issues in her native Providence and beyond.”

As announced previously, the ANCA-ER will present its Freedom Award to Harvard University professor and human rights activist Dr. Samantha Power. A leading voice on genocide awareness, Power won the Pulitzer Prize for her book A Problem From Hell: America and the Age of Genocide. The Vahan Cardashian Award will be presented to Ms. Martha Aramian of Providence, Rhode Island, a longstanding active member of the Armenian community and supporter of the ANCA’s mission.

Final arrangements for the event are underway. The evening will begin with a silent auction and cocktail reception, followed by a dinner and awards program. Ticket and table reservations are now being accepted. For more information and reservations, visit https://www.anca.org/erbanquet, email erbanquet@anca.org or call 917-428-1918.

The Armenian National Committee of America is the largest and most influential Armenian-American grassroots political organization. Working through a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the US and around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian-American community on a broad range of issues.