ANCA Local Grassroots Seminar Inspires and Educates Rising Armenian American Leaders

May 17, 2023

Glendale, CA – A broad and diverse group of rising Armenian American high school and university students gathered for an Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Local Grassroots Seminar in southern California on May 13, 2023. The gathering was cosponsored by the ARF Shant Student Association and drew a number of Armenian American students who are interested in working in the field of politics and learning more about how the ANCA works on the local, state, and federal levels to advance the Armenian Cause across the United States. The ANCA Local Grassroots Seminar included the participation of a number of community leaders, political activists, local elected officials, and individuals seeking public office.

“The ANCA was pleased to convene this productive and forward-looking seminar to provide ladders of opportunity to young Armenian Americans exploring a career in politics,” remarked ANCA National Board member Zanku Armenian. “The seminar offered a welcome opportunity for emerging Armenian American leaders to learn – first hand – what life is like if you choose to pursue a career in American politics,” Armenian added.

The impressive lineup of speakers at the ANCA Local Grassroots Seminar included a number of ANCA leaders, including ANCA National Chair Raffi Hamparian, ANCA Hollywood Chair Lara Yeretsian, and ANCA Orange County Chair Garo Madenlian. Leading the dialogue on a session of the seminar entitled “What it Takes to Work in Politics and Run for Office,” were Glendale City Councilmember Ardashes Kassakhian, Former Sierra Madre Mayor and candidate for the California State Senate John Hairabedian, and respected political consultant Natalie Bruton-Yenovkian. The speakers drew on their vast personal experiences in the field of politics to encourage those in attendance to consider a career in politics – whether as a public official, political staffer, or lobbyist.

“This ANCA Local Grassroots Seminar is the first of many forums we are planning this year to educate, motivate, and activate Armenian Americans who are eager to enter the political arena,” remarked ARF Shant Student Association members Kevork Madenlian and Areni Hamparian -who organized the event. “We believe that more than ever – especially with the critical situation in Armenia and Artsakh – Armenian Americans have a unique opportunity to effectively help our homeland through direct advocacy on the local, state, and federal levels. This seminar and future gatherings will help provide the tools that will empower Armenian American students to advocate for the Armenian Cause,” Madenlian and Hamparian added.

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