Armenian Assembly

#INTERNSPOTLIGHT Khachatur Hayrapetyan is from Yerevan, Armenia, and is a Mathematics major with a minor in Business at the University of Washington Bothell, where he has consistently made the Dean’s List. He is a member of the Armenian Student Association at the University of Washington in Seattle. A competitive soccer player since the age of six, he played for FC Urartu in Armenia before joining Crossfire Premier in the United States, where he became an ECNL U19 National Champion. As part of the Armenian Assembly of America’s Armenia Summer Internship Program, Khachatur interned at the Armenia Securities Exchange (AMX), where his main project was a comparative analysis of ETF regulatory and listing frameworks across the Warsaw Stock Exchange, Kazakhstan Stock Exchange, and Euronext Milan, giving him firsthand exposure to Armenia’s financial markets. “My internship at AMX was a valuable experience. My main project involved comparing ETF regulatory and listing frameworks across several international exchanges. The experience helped me strengthen my research and presentation skills in a professional environment while also deepening my understanding of financial markets. Another highlight for me was visiting Tatev Monastery and riding the Wings of Tatev. Armenia has always been home to me. This program made this summer even more special because I was able to spend time in Armenia while also gaining professional experience. I had an amazing time, met a great group of people, and made friendships that I know will last beyond the program.”

It was a pleasure to host 6th graders from the Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School in Fresno, CA, at our DC headquarters! The students and parents toured the Assembly offices and learned from Assembly leadership about Armenian-American advocacy in the nation’s capital. We wish them a safe journey back to Fresno 📚

#INTERNSPOTLIGHT Sona Taktakyan is a student at Boston College, where she studies Political Science with minors in Theology and Philosophy. Originally from Waltham, Massachusetts, she serves as Events Coordinator of the Boston College Armenian Student Association and as Secretary of the ACYOA Seniors at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church in Chelmsford. As part of the Armenian Assembly of America’s Armenia Summer Internship Program, Sona interned with the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, where she researched Armenian organizations across the United States in preparation for the Armenian Global Summit 2026. She also interned with the Center for Truth and Justice, translating testimonies from displaced Armenians from Artsakh and helping document and share their stories. “This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs. This experience was truly eye-opening, as I had the chance to research the many Armenian organizations throughout the United States and learn about the important work they do within their communities. I also interned at the Center for Truth and Justice, which was another deeply impactful experience. I had the opportunity to learn the personal story of a displaced Armenian from Artsakh and document their experiences. Being able to research, write, and record what I learned showed me how important it is to preserve our history and ensure that these experiences are not forgotten. More than anything, however, this internship made me realize that I truly want—and need—to repatriate to Armenia. I was born here, and being here reminded me of a connection that I had not fully understood before. I have refound my home, and I now know that this is where I want to build my future.”

“According to Freedom House, Azerbaijan runs one of the world’s most brutal police states, worse than China, the Taliban’s Afghanistan, Cuba, and Belarus. The world learned a lesson when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990 that revanchist rhetoric matters, especially when economic downturns force dictators to look for distraction. This is why the international community must take Aliyev’s continued threats seriously.” — Michael Rubin, Director of Policy Analysis, Middle East Forum · Letters to the Editor, Oct. 27, 2026 Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2026 report gives Azerbaijan a Global Freedom Score of 6 out of 100 — lower than Belarus (7), Afghanistan (8), China (9), and Cuba (9). @mrubin1971 @meforum @freedomhouse 🔗 meforum.org/letters/rethinki…

The Armenian Assembly of America mourns the passing of Osheen Keshishian, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Los Angeles-based The Armenian Observer. A participant in the first Airlie conference that founded the Assembly, Keshishian remained a friend of the organization. The Armenian Observer kept Armenian Americans informed for more than 50 years and regularly featured the Assembly’s work in its coverage. In 2013, Keshishian moderated the Assembly’s “Islamized Armenians” panel before a standing-room-only crowd in Pasadena. A well-known voice of his generation, Keshishian was a familiar figure throughout Southern California, where he was often called upon to host community events. He forged lasting connections with everyone from local officials to author William Saroyan. Deeply versed in Armenian literature, he introduced audiences to the works of Armenian writers through his public presentations, and he taught for decades at Glendale Community College, shaping generations of students. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him. May his soul rest in peace.

The Armenian Assembly of America met with U.S. Chargé d'Affaires to Armenia David Allen in Yerevan during COP17. Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, Immediate Past Co-Chair Anthony Barsamian, and Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan discussed strengthening U.S.-Armenia relations and the Assembly's ongoing work.

#INTERNSPOTLIGHT: Mariam Grigoryan is a Dean’s List undergraduate student at the NYU Stern School of Business, majoring in Business and Political Economy and minoring in European and Mediterranean Studies. As part of the Assembly’s summer internship program, she is interning at the National Peace Corps Association as an advocacy intern, where her work focuses on the organization’s annual Hill Day, during which more than 100 Returned Peace Corps Volunteers from across the nation gather in Washington, D.C., to champion Peace Corps ideals and advocate for related issues. Her work includes scheduling congressional meetings, organizing prep webinars for advocates, and researching Peace Corps legislative history and background. Passionate about education and civic engagement, Mariam hopes to pursue a career in academia or a related field. “Our role as Armenian Americans is not just to advocate. It’s to keep working to become the best version of ourselves, to inspire and cultivate future Armenian generations. Through the Terjenian-Thomas Internship Program, I was fortunate enough to hear a wide array of speakers, each offering diverse, thoughtful perspectives, from working in law to handling governmental affairs in a corporate setting to starting a mentorship program. I’ve come to realize that Armenian advocacy is not just participating in Hill meetings; it’s as simple as embracing your heritage, sharing your story, or being a role model in your own community. Not all of us have the means or time to come to Washington, D.C., and while I implore those who can to do so, I remind you that this is not the only way to make meaningful change.”

Armenian Assembly Immediate Past Co-Chair and Armenia Tree Project Advisory Board Member Anthony Barsamian joined ATP and Team Telecom Armenia to mark a new phase of their partnership, which will plant trees across Armenia. “COP17 is an important occasion to show that the conservation of biodiversity is not only a matter of environmental organizations,” said Barsamian. “Business and every citizen can become a part of real change. This initiative is an example of cooperation when everyday choices turn into a long-term investment for nature.” 📸: @ArmeniaTree

#INTERNSPOTLIGHT: Joseph Barton is from Cinnaminson, New Jersey, and is a rising junior at New York University, majoring in Economics and minoring in Accounting. As part of the Assembly’s summer internship program, Joseph interned at George Mason University’s Center for Peacemaking Practice under the direction of Margarita Tadevosyan, where he conducted research on the economic and entrepreneurial situation along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. He also interned with the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, supporting the work of Co-Chair Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), where he contributed directly to efforts condemning Azerbaijani human rights violations in Artsakh. “Interning in our nation’s capital on behalf of organizations that champion human rights in Armenia and globally was a true privilege. I’m incredibly grateful for my experience working under Dr. Tadevosyan and Mr. Milosch, witnessing their commitment to a more pragmatic and just future. In addition to my internship, the Assembly’s programming complemented my summer with amazing networking and learning opportunities. Overall, I am deeply grateful for the Assembly’s internship program for bringing me closer to my Armenian heritage and to a great group of people.”

Join us for Hye Toast with the Armenian Assembly of America in Orange County, CA. Be part of the conversation at the Armenian-owned Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach, hosted by longtime Assembly member and Southern California Regional Council member Helen Haig. Hear updates on the Assembly's programs, policy agenda, pro-Armenian advocacy in Congress, and ways to get involved, followed by a Q&A. Register 🔗 wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/…

#INTERNSPOTLIGHT: Shushanik Meliksetyan is a recent graduate of the American University of Armenia, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Business from the Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics. Born in California and raised in Yerevan, Armenia, she brings a unique bicultural perspective and a deep commitment to strengthening U.S.-Armenia relations. As part of the Assembly’s summer internship program, Shushanik is interning with the Assembly’s Public Relations and Communications department in Washington, D.C. She is also actively involved in advocacy efforts and policy research, through which she has gained direct exposure to public service and the policymaking process.  “Growing up in Armenia, I only saw one perspective on Armenian politics and community, but spending my summer in D.C. has shown me all the work and advocacy efforts the community does to bring attention to Armenian issues. Being at the heart of it all and seeing how advocacy and lobbying work for the Armenian-American community is an experience I’m deeply grateful for. The program gave me an opportunity to understand the immense amount of work that’s done to ensure our voices are heard on Capitol Hill. Connecting with the diverse Armenian-American community, members of Congress, and congressional staff was a tremendous opportunity as a young Armenian American navigating the early stages of my career. A major highlight was meeting Senator Adam Schiff and learning firsthand about his congressional work for Genocide recognition and his ongoing support for the Armenian people.”

Congratulations to Emmy Award-winning actor and director Joe Manganiello on the release of his new memoir, Bloodlines 📖 Bloodlines traces Manganiello’s years-long health battle and the search for answers that led him back to his roots, including his great-grandmother, Terviz “Rose” Darakjian, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide. Bloodlines is now available from @AvidReaderPress @simonschuster @JoeManganiello

#INTERNSPOTLIGHT: Patil Chloe Vartanian is a rising junior at the University of Southern California, pursuing a B.A. in Philosophy with aspirations of a career in law and public policy. As part of the Assembly’s summer internship program, Patil is interning in Washington, D.C. with both Meduni and the Armenian Assembly of America. At Meduni, a healthcare nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to quality healthcare in Armenia, she supports initiatives that strengthen the country’s healthcare system and foster international medical collaboration. At the Armenian Assembly, she contributes to advocacy efforts that promote Armenian-American interests and advance U.S.-Armenia relations through public policy and civic engagement.  “Being Armenian American means carrying the strength, resilience, and history of my community while embracing the opportunities I’ve been given in the United States. This internship has given me the incredible opportunity to represent both identities on Capitol Hill, where I’ve learned how advocacy and public service can create meaningful change. It’s been an inspiring experience that has strengthened my passion for pursuing a career in law and public policy.”

At the 2026 APRI Forum in Yerevan, the Assembly’s Armenia Country Director Armen V. Sahakyan sat down with Luiza Ayvazyan, Head of Office at the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) in Armenia, for a fireside chat on "Armenia–U.S. Relations 3.0." The conversation focused on the economic and commercial dimensions of the partnership and on the role of the Armenian-American community in advancing it. Our thanks to APRI Armenia for convening this discussion and for inviting us to take part. Watch the full session 🔗 apri.institute/video-gallery…