Watertown, MA — The ANCA Eastern Region is pleased to announce it has selected two participants for this summer’s ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship (LSI) program. Taleen Lachinian of Watertown, Massachusetts and Tamar Purut of Wyckoff, New Jersey will be representing the ANCA Eastern Region in Washington, DC, from June 17 to August 9.

“Both of these young women exemplify what the ANCA Eastern Region is looking for in its interns, and we’re thrilled to send them to our nation’s capital for a chance to put their skills into action through the LSI program,” said Michelle Hagopian, ANCA Eastern Region Executive Director.

Taleen Lachinian, 18, is a sophomore at Boston University where she is majoring in finance. She has been actively involved in the Armenian community starting from a very young age, serving as vice president and president of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF-YOARF) Greater Boston “Nedjeh” junior chapter, and she continues as an active member of the senior chapter today.

“I am thrilled about the opportunity to learn more about policy issues that impact the Armenian-American community and help the ANCA to advance Armenian interests in Washington. As I begin my professional career, I am very excited that it can begin with the ANCA, and I know this experience will help form the bond between my career and my heritage,” Lachinian said.

Lachnian is also heavily involved with Boston University’s Armenian Students Association. She attended Camp Haiastan as a camper for nine years and worked as a counselor for two summers. She is currently an active member of St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Watertown, having both attended and taught Sunday School.

Tamar Purut, 20, is a junior at Seton Hall University in New Jersey where she is majoring in political science and minoring in philosophy. Following graduation next spring, she plans to further her education in law school.

Purut’s interest in politics came to fruition upon her realization that increased Armenian involvement in government and legislation may well assist Armenians in attaining our nation’s vision of a free, independent and united Armenia. As she learned more during her youth about the Armenian Genocide and its repercussions, Tamar found it crucial to shed light on and broaden awareness of the Genocide.

“I’m eager to partake in this summer’s (LSI) program, as I will finally be given the incredible opportunity to couple my love for my heritage with my vast interest in politics while fighting for a just and honest cause,” Purut said.

As a first-generation Armenian-American, Purut is the daughter of parents who were born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey. Tamar has wholly immersed herself in her culture and identifies with it on many levels, namely socially and academically. She is a member of Akh’Tamar Dance Ensemble of New Jersey, as well as St. Leon’s ACYOA of Fair Lawn, NJ, where she has created lifelong friendships.