2019 Review Final.Indd

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA | 2019 ANNUAL REVIEW

CAPITOL HILL RESULTS ADVOCACY CONFERENCE GRASSROOTS INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS A Message from the Co-Chairmen

2019 will be remembered as one of the most historic years in Armenian American advocacy in the United States with the overwhelming and bipartisan passage of the Armenian Genocide resolutions in the House and Senate. This is truly remarkable and it would not have been possible without your support and encouragement. Together, we never gave up and never gave in, even when it looked impossible.

In addition to the decisive victory in Congress affirming the Armenian Genocide, together we have also:

• Expanded the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues to 124 members

• Increased U.S. support for Armenia’s democracy Van Krikorian & Anthony Barsamian • Ensured continued U.S. funding for de-mining in Artsakh • Trained the next generation of leaders through our internship programs • Convened another successful National Advocacy Conference with over 150 meetings on Capitol Hill • Helped secure the passage of California’s Divestment from Turkish Bonds Act • Advocated for the establishment of the State of California Trade Desk in the Republic of Armenia

We all can take great pride in what has been achieved.

With your support, we will continue our work to ensure Artsakh’s safety and security, further the cause of Genocide education, foster democracy, and help strengthen Armenia’s economy.

Thank you for a great 2019. Let’s make more history together in 2020.

With warm regards,

Anthony Barsamian, Co-Chairman Van Krikorian, Co-Chairman Carolyn Mugar

board of trustees Anthony Barsamian, Co-Chair Van Krikorian, Co-Chair Carolyn Mugar, President Robert A. Kaloosdian, Counselor Bianka Kadian-Dodov, Treasurer Oscar Tatosian, Secretary Lisa Kalustian, Assistant Secretary Aram Gavoor Alex Karapetian Lu Ann Ohanian Toros Sahakian Joyce Stein Annie Simonian Totah Talin Yacoubian Mark Momjian, Solicitor Intern Alumni

SPOTLIGHTS DR. MARY PAPAZIAN

California Assemblymember Evan Low’s Nominee for Aram Gavoor Woman of the Year President at San Jose State Armenian Bar Association’s University “20 Rising Stars Under 40” Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Member of the Board of Trustees Internship Program Alumna Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program Alumnus, Class of 2003

Talin Yacoubian

California State Senator Anthony Portantino’s LILLIAN AVEDIAN 2019 Women in Business “Outstanding Volunteer Award” NAASR’S 65th Anniversary Gala Essay Contest Winner on Member of the Board of Trustees Educators who Transformed their Lives Student at University of California, Berkeley (UCB) David & Margaret Armenia Internship Program Alumna, Class of 2018 Mgrublian Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program Alumna, Los Angeles Supervisor Kathryn Class of 2019 Barger’s “Certificate of Recognition” for their impactful philanthropic and volunteer work

Member of the Southern California Regional Council

Al & Diane Cabraloff GURGEN TADEVOSYAN Certificates of Recognition from Congresswoman NAASR’S 65th Anniversary Gala Essay Contest Winner on Judy Chu, California Educators who Transformed State Senator Anthony their Lives Portantino, California State Student at New York University Assemblymember Adrin (NYU) Nazarian, and Los Angeles Terjenian-Thomas Assembly County Supervisor Kathryn Internship Program Alumnus, Barger Class of 2018 UNT ENDEIT ET QUATIO Member of the Southern RE NU LABO RADASA California Regional Council Awarded at the 2019 Assembly Western Region Annual New Year’s Gathering CAPITOL HILL RESULTS

HISTORIC ADOPTION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTIONS IN THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES & SENATE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The Armenian Genocide resolution, H.Res.296, was Statements in support of the resolution were given by adopted on October 29, 2019 by an overwhelmingly House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA); House Majority Leader favorable bipartisan vote of 405 to 11 in the U.S. House of Steny Hoyer (D-MD); House Rules Committee Chairman Representatives. James McGovern (D-MA); House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel (D-NY); The watershed vote for “The passage of H.Res. 296 by the House Intelligence Committee human rights represents Chairman Adam Schiff (D- the culmination of decades House of Representatives reflects the CA); Democratic Caucus Vice of tireless work by Members best of America. It honors a proud Chair Katherine Clark (D-MA); of Congress, the Armenian chapter in U.S. history of humanitarian Congressional Caucus on Assembly of America and intervention. It recalls the extraordinary Armenian Issues leaders Frank the Armenian American contributions of America’s front-line Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Jackie Speier community from across the diplomats, philanthropic leaders and (D-CA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and country. The purpose of this Peter King (R-NY); House Foreign resolution is crystal clear. relief workers in helping save a people Affairs Committee Subcommittee It formally acknowledges from annihilation.” Ranking Member Brad Sherman the Armenian Genocide. It (D-CA), Senior Member Chris condemns genocide denial in Armenian Assembly of America Smith (R-NJ); Member David any form. It encourages human Executive Director Bryan Ardouny Cicilline (D-RI), Member Ted Lieu rights education to help (D-CA), and Member Jim Costa prevent future genocides. (D-CA); Armenian-Assyrian Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA); Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR); Rep. Rep. The Armenian Assembly of America has worked vigorously Judy Chu (D-CA); Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI); Rep. Sheila since the 1970s to combat the dangers of genocide denial Jackson Lee (D-TX); Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY); Rep. Linda and fully supports affirmation of the U.S. record on the Sanchez (D-CA); Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD); and Rep. Donna Armenian Genocide. Shalala (D-FL). U.S. SENATE The Armenia Assembly of America “Adoption of this bill is especially CO-SPONSORS hailed adoption of S.Res. 150, the fitting today given that this week H.Res.296 Armenian Genocide resolution in marks the anniversary of the the U.S. Senate spearheaded by signing of the United Nations Introduced by Rep. Adam Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Convention for the Prevention Schiff (D-CA), with141 Ted Cruz (R-TX). and Punishment of the Crime bipartisan cosponsors. of Genocide, as well as Human “The Armenian Assembly of Rights Day. To paraphrase Eleanor S.Res.190 America commends Senator Bob Roosevelt, universal human rights Introduced by Sen. Bob Menendez and Senator Ted Cruz starts close to home and unless Menendez (D-NJ), with 28 who continued to press forward they have meaning there, they have bipartisan cosponsors. undaunted and undeterred in little meaning anywhere. Today’s securing unanimous consent to Senate action unequivocally gives adopt S.Res. 150 that squarely meaning to U.S. affirmation of the affirms the U.S. record on the Armenian Genocide and sends BIPARTISAN Armenian Genocide, promotes a strong message to the world genocide education and combats that the U.S. stands on the side of SUPPORT denial,” stated Executive Director human rights,” Ardouny continued. Bryan Ardouny. The passage of the Armenian Genocide resolutions in a nearly “Through their tenacity, they have unanimous manner engendered taken a page from their esteemed support from Republicans and former colleagues Senators Bob Democrats a like. Dole and William Proxmire,” Ardouny added. “With this action, the Senate joins the House and its Voted for H.Res.296 94% overwhelming vote upholding the proud American record of recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Supported S.Res.150 100% Genocide. The Congress of the United States of America has spoken.” Armenian Assembly of America in the News

Armenian Assembly of America Board Members and staff were also interviewed on ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC), Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, CivilNet, Public TV Company of Armenia Channel 1 (Lurer), and Al-Arabiya. Resolutions

H.Res.296 H.Res.452 H.Res.190 S.Res.150

States that it is U.S. policy Expressing the sense of the Expressing the sense of the States that it is U.S. policy to (1) commemorate the House of Representatives House of Representatives to (1) commemorate Armenian Genocide, regarding the recent free and supporting visits and the Armenian Genocide, fair parliamentary elections the killing of 1.5 million and transfer of power in communication between the killing of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Armenia, reaffirming the the United States and the Armenians by the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923; critical importance of the Republic of Artsakh at all Empire from 1915 to 1923; (2) reject efforts to associate United States-Armenia levels of civil society and (2) reject efforts to associate the U.S. government with partnership, and for other government. the U.S. government with purposes. efforts to deny the existence efforts to deny the existence of the Armenian Genocide of the Armenian Genocide or any genocide; and (3) or any genocide; and (3) encourage education and encourage education and public understanding about public understanding about the Armenian Genocide. the Armenian Genocide.

H.Res.296 passed with a S.Res. 150 passed by vote of 405-11. Unanimous Consent.

Van Krikorian testifying before the House Appropriations Committee Assembly calls for $100 million in democracy and economic aid to Armenia New Members on the Congressional Congressional Caucus on Letters Armenian Caucus leaders signed a Armenian Issues letter to the U.S. Secretaries of State and Defense, raising grave concerns Rep. Nanette Barragan (D-CA) Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV) about “the recent dramatic increase in Department of Defense assistance Rep. Anthony Brindisi (D-NY) Rep. Andy Levin (D-MI) for the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Rep. TJ Cox (D-CA) Rep. Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ) clear lack of parity in financial aid to the Republic of Armenia,” which is an Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) additional $100 million in military aid. Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-CA) Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) Members of Congress signed a Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) Rep. Donna Shalala (D-FL) letter to USAID supporting The 89 HALO Trust’s demining efforts Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) in Artsakh. Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA) Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) Senators signed a letter to USAID 22 supporting The HALO Trust’s Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA) demining efforts in Artsakh. Rep. David Joyce (R-OH) Rep. Juan Vargas (D-CA) Members of Congress signed a letter to President Donald Trump to revoke Turkish President Recep 16 Tayyip Erdogan’s invitation to the White House. Members of Congress signed a letter to President Donald Trump expressing their dissapointment in his April 24th statement 28 commemorating the Armenian Genocide. Rep. Nanette Barragan (D-CA) Rep. David Schwiekert (R-AZ) Amendments to Fiscal Year 2020

#83 to H.R.2740 #103 to H.R.2740 #321 to H.R.2500 #21 to H.R.2500 Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) requested Rep. TJ Cox’s (D-CA) amendment Rep. Judy Chu’s (D-CA) amendment Rep. Brad Sherman’s (D-CA) $40 million to Armenia for to H.R.2740 ensures continued to H.R.2500 supports measures amendment to H.R.2500, the democracy assistance in H.R.2740 funding for de-mining projects in to ensure a peaceful ceasefire National Defense Authorization - the Labor, Health and Human Nagorno-Karabakh, and support in Nagorno Karabakh, including Act (NDAA) for Fical Year 2020, Services, Education, Legislative for regional rehabilitation services the removal of snipers, heavy prohibits funds from being used Branch, Defense, State, Foreign for infants, children, and adults arms, and new weaponry. It also to transfer defense articles or Operations, and Energy and Water with physical and cognitive encourages the deployment of services to Azerbaijan unless the Development Appropriations Act disabilities. gun-fire locator systems and an President certifies to Congress of 2020. increase in OSCE observers along that the articles or services do Rep. Cox’s amendment was the line-of-contact. not threaten civil aviation. Rep. Speier’s amendment passed included in H.R.2740 as part of 268 to 152. an en bloc measure, and passed. Rep. Chu’s amendment was In his remarks, Rep. Sherman included in H.R.2500 as part of referred to civilian aircraft from an en bloc measure, and passed. Artsakh threatened to be shot down by Azerbaijan.

Rep. Sherman’s amendment passed 234 to 195. California Turkish Divestment Bill

On October 3, California Governor retirement systems – CalPERS and and California State University Gavin Newsom signed into law AB CalSTRS – which have invested systems, and all of the other college 1320, the Divestment from Turkish hundreds of millions of dollars in campuses for helping advocate for Bonds Act. Turkish government-controlled and AB 1320,” added Assemblymember issued debt securities and bonds. Nazarian. “California stands on the side of justice and remembers the “California, the 5th largest economy Mihran Toumajan, Assembly Western 1.5 million souls lost during the in the world, just told Turkey to end Region Director, and Helen Haig, Armenian Genocide,” stated Governor its deceitful campaign of genocide Assembly Southern California Newsom. “Today and every day, let denial,” stated Assemblymember Regional Council member and senior us recommit ourselves to making Nazarian. “I want to thank my policy advisor to the late California certain that we never forget and that colleagues, Governor Newsom, and Governor George Deukmejian, joined we always speak out against hatred all those who have fought with me Assemblymember Nazarian on several and atrocities anywhere they occur. on this long path to recognizing the occasions over the past two years in I am proud to stand with friends and 1.5 million Armenian souls lost to Sacramento to testify before California sign AB 1320 into law.” genocide.” State Assembly and State Senate standing committees on the moral and California State Assemblymember “I especially wish to thank the economic merits of AB 1320. Adrin Nazarian (D-46) authored Armenian Assembly of America, the bill and spearheaded it to the Armenian National Committee Helen Haig attended the Governor’s near unanimous passage in both of America – Western Region, the signing ceremony in Sacramento. chambers of the California State Armenian Youth Federation, and Legislature despite heavy opposition Armenian Student Associations from California’s public employee throughout the University of California

Congressional Recognition On May 24, Congresswoman Judy Chu presented the Armenian Assembly of America with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for its high standards of excellence and outstanding achievements.

The certificate states: “Your unwavering commitment and devotion to the preservation of Armenian culture and heritage is truly commendable and greatly appreciated. Congratulations on all your accomplishments and best wishes in your future endeavors.” District Meetings

Rep. David Schwiekert (R-AZ) NATIONAL ADVOCACY CONFERENCE & GALA

Thanks to members, supporters, sponsors, and friends of the Armenian Assembly of America, the 2019 National Advocacy Conference & Gala, which took place on September 15-16, was a resounding success, with guests in attendence from throughout the United States. To start off the Conference, the first panel was on “U.S.-Armenia Relations: Democratic Reforms & U.S. Assistance” with former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Marshall Evans, former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John A. Heffern, former Armenian Ambassador to the U.S. Rouben Shougarian, and current Armenian Ambassador to the U.S. Varuzhan Nersesyan, with Armenian Assembly of America Co-Chair Van Krikorian as the moderator. The second panel was on “Religious Freedom in Turkey & the Middle East” with speeches by U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Commissioner Kristina Arriaga de Bucholz, National Council of Churches President & General Secretary Jim Winkler, and former U.S. Ambassador to Qatar and current Apointed Representative of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem in the U.S. Patrick Theros, with Armenian Apostolic Church of America (Eastern) Diocesan Legate Archbishop Vicken Aykazian as the moderator. The keynote speaker was Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) Acting President & CEO David Bohigian, who discussed “Economic Developments & Investments in Armenia” based on his own experience working in the Trump Administration. Welcoming remarks were given by Armenian Assembly of America Co-Chair Anthony Barsamian and introductions were given by Zarema Jaramillo, a Partner at Lowenstein Sandler LLP. The final panel was on “The Importance of Advocacy” with California State Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, Michigan State Representative Mari Manoogian, and President Donald Trump’s Transition Team Senior Member Keith Nahigian, with former Congressional Chief of Staff Elise Kenderian Aronson as the moderator. Before the day concluded, Armenian Assembly of America staff provided an advocacy briefing to prepare attendees for congressional meetings the following day on Capitol Hill. NationalOver 150 Congressional Advocacy MeetingsConference on Capitol Hill... On Capitol Hill, Armenian Americans raised serious concerns regarding the $100 million military aid disparity between Armenia and Azerbaijan, pushed for passage of the Armenian Genocide resolution, and advocated for robust assistance to Armenia and Artsakh, including important life-saving efforts of demining through HALO Trust’s humanitarian project in Artsakh since 2000.

Gala During the National Advocacy Confrence Gala, the Armenian Assembly of America honored Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA) with the Deukmejian Award for Public Service for her exemplary work as a United States Representative, as well as her dedication, commitment, and passionate support of United States-Armenia relations. The 2019 National Advocacy Conference and Gala was widely attended by Armenian American leaders and activists from throughout the United States. The Armenian Assembly of America received letters from (D-CA); Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA); Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME); former Vice President Joe Biden; Speaker of the U.S. House Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI); Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD); and of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA); Senate Minority Rep. TJ Cox (D-CA) emphasizing the importance of reaffirming Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY); Senate Foreign Relations the United States’ record on the Armenian Genocide and Committee Ranking Member Robert Menendez (D-NJ); congratulating Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) for receiving the California Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Kamala Assembly’s Deukmejian Award for Public Service. Harris (D-CA); Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT); Massachusetts Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ed Markey (D-MA); the In addition to elected officials in the House and Senate, the leadership of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues – President of the Republic of Armenia, Dr. Armen Sarkissian, Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Adam and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Schiff (D-CA), and Peter King (R-NY); House Natural Resources Pashinyan, extended their written compliments to Rep. Committee Chairman Raul Grijalva (D-AZ); Rep. Zoe Lofgren Speier on this auspicious occasion. ACTIVISTS GRASSROOTS

The Armenian Assembly of America visited various communiites around the United States to brief members, supporters, and friends on the latest developents on Capitol Hill. States visited include: Arizona, California (San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, Fresno, SCOTTSDALE, AZ Pasadena, Glendale, La Canada and Newport Beach), Washington, Utah, Nevada, Michigan, Massachussetts, and Florida.

The Armenian Assembly of America’s Los Angeles County Regional Committee was formed this past year, and new members joined the Orange County Regional Committee. LAS VEGAS, NV Los Angeles County Regional Committee Volunteer Members: Ed Constantian Delilah Shahbazian Anush Gharibyan O’Connor Lily Sofiani Rafi Halajian Nareeneh Sohbatian SALT LAKE CITY, UT Ara Kachadourian Frida Valijan Arthur Kokozian Zaruhi Varpetyan Arteen Mnayan, Esq. Aram Zohrabian Virginia Sarkissian Zhelbert Zohrabian

WASHINGTON, D.C.

PHILADELPHIA, PA

Orange County Regional Committee Volunteer Members: Sosy Hachigian, Co-chair Kristy Khachigian Diane Barsam, Co-chair Christine Kotchian BOCA RATON, FL Anahid Arakelian Nicole Nishanian Bianka Asik Robert Petrosyan James Boyajian Tanya Hovanesian

CLEVELAND, OH

CONCORD, MA NEW STATE CHAIRS This year we welcomed two new ACTIVISTS State Chairs representing New Jersey, Samantha and Nicholas Testa. Samantha Testa graduated Magna Cum Laude from Villanova University, with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Accountancy and Finance. She currently works at Ernst & Young LLP in a senior position in Wealth and Asset Management within its Financial Services advisory. SEATTLE, WA Nicholas Testa graduated from Villanova School of Business with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Nicholas works at Ernst & Young LLP as an associate in Transaction Advisory Services and Transaction Real Estate. STATE CHAIRS HIGHLIGHTS LOS ANGELES, CA Delilah Shahbazian Lily Sofiani Nareeneh Sohbatian Frida Valijan Zaruhi Varpetyan Aram Zohrabian OAKLAND, CA Zhelbert Zohrabian Ara Baghdasarian Herman Purutyan Ohio State Chair Massachussetts State Chair - Hosted a presentation with Smithsonian - Helped organize the Armenian Folklife Festival Curator Halle Butvin Genocide Commemoration at Heritage Park in Boston - Organized talks with featured speaker John Evans, former U.S. Ambassador - Met with congressional offices as part of to Armenia the Armenian Assembly’s April Advocacy Fly-In Day FRESNO, CA - Encouraged Rep. David Joyce (R-OH) to join the Armenian Caucus - Attended the Armenian Genocide Commemoration on Capitol Hill - Participated in the 2019 National Advocacy Conference & Gala - Participated in the 2019 National Advocacy Conference & Gala

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Valina Agbabian Armineh Ghazarian California State Chair Maryland State Chair DUARTE, CA - Active Member of the Armenian - Helped organize Young Professionals Genocide Commemorative Committee Happy Hours in Washington, D.C. of Northern California - Met with congressional offices as - Attended a special event at Los Angeles part of the Armenian Assembly’s April City Hall welcoming Anna Hakobyan, the Advocacy Fly-In Day wife of the Prime Minister of Armenia - Attended the Armenian Genocide - Participated in the 2019 National Commemoration on Capitol Hill Advocacy Conference & Gala - Participated in the 2019 National SACRAMENTO, CA Advocacy Conference & Gala INVESTING IN THE

Armenian Assembly of America spoke with students from across the country to teach them about the importance of advocacy, and share information on our pilot summer internship programs. Universities visited included the George Washington University; Boston University; University of California, Santa Barbara; University of California, Irvine; University of California, Riverside; Pasadena City College; Glendale Community College; Woodbury University; and a special presentation to the All-Armenian Student Association Executive Board.

All-Armenian Student Association University of California, Woodbury University Executive Board Santa Barbara

University of California, Irvine Pasadena City College Glendale Community College Education for AGBU Students When meeting with young students, the Armenian Assembly of America teaches about:

How to educate yourself on important issues to strengthen 1 United States-Armenia Relations

How to contact your Member of Congress; it is as easy as using 2 your mobile phone!

How to stay informed and involved in advocacy efforts in 3 your community

For resources on advocacy and Armenian Genocide education, visit these websites online and available for everyone: www.aaainc.org | www.armenian-genocide.org | www.armeniangenocidemuseum.org | www.armenia360.com NEXT GENERATION

Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy Tufts University Tavitian Scholars Program

The Assembly hosted students from The Fletcher School at Tufts University at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. where they discussed the United States-Armenia relations. They explained the Assembly’s priorities to strengthen these relations on Capitol Hill and called for increased democracy assistance and other foreign aid to Armenia and Artsakh, as well as the importance of security in the region.

“These bright graduates are the future of Ar- menia. They will lead Armenia into the future and continue this path of transparency and prosperity in a more democratic Armenia.” - Assembly Co-Chair Anthony Barsamian University Parternships The Armenian Assembly of America, in parntership with the Armenian National Institute, works with universities and schools and is a major resource for students and educators. For the second year in a row, the Assembly was a co-sponsor of Scottsdale Community College’s (SCC) Genocide Awareness Week and St. Apkar Armenian Church’s 2019 Genocide Awareness Program. During this year’s Genocide Awareness Week, academic presentations on the University Exhibit “The Lifesavers” Exhibit at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) Armenian Genocide were delivered by Taner Akçam, Ph.D. (Professor of History and the Robert Aram, Marianne Teaching Teaching Kaloosdian, and Stephen & Marian Mugar Chair in Armenian Genocide Studies at Clark University) and by Barlow Der Students Educators Mugrdechian (the Berberian Coordinator The 10th grade class of the AGBU The Armenian Assembly of America of the Armenian Studies Program and Manoogian-Demirdjian School in teamed up with the University of Director of the Center for Armenian Studies Canoga Park, CA, as well as students Southern California’s (USC) Shoah at Fresno State University). from the 7th and 8th grade classes Foundation to co-sponsor an Armenian of the Armenian Sisters Academy Genocide educational workshop in in Montrose, CA, visited ANI’s “The Glendale, CA for grade school teachers Lifesavers” exhibition at CSUN’s West to explore multimedia resources Gallery. available on the foundation’s IWitness platform. Such resources enhance the The Armenian Assembly of America teaching of the film, The Promise, with and the CSUN Armenian Student audiovisual testimony from survivors Association were pleased to facilitate and witnesses of the Armenian the visit to CSUN for the Armenian Genocide. ARMENIAN Sisters Academy students. GENOCIDE ABC 7 Los Angeles (KABC) interviewed students from AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School to AWARENESS share their thoughts about the Armenian Genocide during “The Lifesavers” exhibition at CSUN. CLASS OF 2019 INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS

TERJENIAN-THOMAS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

High School Interns: • Tioné Hoeckner | Salt Lake City, UT | Internship: Armenian Assembly of America • Elena Martinez | Boynton Beach, FL | Internship: Armenian Assembly of America PROGRAMS CLASS OF 2019

TERJENIAN-THOMAS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IN WASHINGTON, D.C. INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS

ARMENIA SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IN YEREVAN, ARMENIA • Emily Ekshian | Pasadena, CA | University of California, Berkeley | Internship: Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute and Path of Law NGO, with former Artsakh Ombudsman Ruben Melikyan and former Commission on Ethics of High-Ranking Officials of Armenia Chairperson Siranush Sahakyan • Megan Jakob | Lexington, MA | University of Virginia | Internship: Aurora Humanitarian Intiative and the City of Smile Foundation • Adrian Kromelian | Washington, D.C. | Marymount University in Virginia | Internship: Institute of Molecular Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia and the Pirouzyan Medical Center • Adriana Maljanian | Altadena, CA | Hillsdale College | Internship: AMAP Human Development NGO and the Matenadaran, The Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts • Michelle Ohanian | North Hollywood, CA | University of California, Los Angeles | Internship: Permanent Representation of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (Artsakh) in Armenia • Christopher Tusan | Laguna Niguel, CA | California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obisopo: Internship: YerevanRide • Hagop Zakaryan | Anaheim, CA | California State University, Fullerton | Internship: Path of Law NGO, with former Artsakh Ombudsman Ruben Melikyan and former Commission on Ethics of High-Ranking Officials of Armenia Chairperson Siranush Sahakyan PROGRAMS

ARMENIA SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IN YEREVAN, ARMENIA NEW ARMENIAN NATIONAL INSTITUTE (ANI) EXHIBIT Founded in 1997, ANI is an educational charity based in Washington, D.C., and is dedicated to the study, research, and affirmation of the Armenian Genocide. ANI In April 2019. ANI launched the is a sister organization of the Armenian Assembly of America. groundbreaking new exhibit: “The United States Military in the First WISCONSIN PENNSYLVANIA Republic of Armenia 1919-1920.” ANI Director Dr. Rouben Adalian presented Dr. Adalian was the featured guest on the “The Decisive Role of the YMCA and speaker at the Armenian Inter-Communal American Relief in Armenia a Century Ago” Committee of Philadelphia’s Genocide at St. John the Baptist Armenian Orthodox Commemoration where he presented on Church in Milwaukee, WI. the YMCA Exhibit. In attendance was Mr. Ara Churchian who Executive Director of Greater Philadelphia identified himself as a former student of YMCA Dave Mullin, Director of Information John Elder when decades ago he attended Technology of Greater Philadelphia the American Presbyterian Missionary YMCA Jean Scutt, and retired Director School in Tehran, Iran. General of the Jerusalem International YMCA Leonard Wilson with his wife Joyce attended the presentation.

The 27-panel exhibit documents the extent of U.S. humanitarian intervention during the most difficult years in the life of the newly-formed Armenian state. Based upon the photographic collection of an American medical officer, Dr. Walter P. Davenport, the exhibit reveals the depth and breadth of measures taken by U.S. military personnel to stabilize the humanitarian crisis in Armenia, and especially the caretaking of ANI Exhibit Featuring YMCA Achievements to Save Victims the most vulnerable part of the of the Armenian Genocide Shared Across California population through hospitals, The ANI exhibit highlighting the accomplishments of a pair of YMCA volunteers who orphanages, food distribution were in Armenia in 1918, continues to receive wide attention. Marking its Western points, and other facilities. U.S. premiere, the exhibit was on display at California State University Northridge (CSUN), and then was featured on the premises of the YMCA of Glendale. The Assembly Western region office was instrumental in facilitating the display of the exhibition in Southern California. Participating in the opening ceremonies on October 26 were representatives of the co-sponsoring organizations, including Ms. Jane Stanton and Mr. Lionnel Zaragoza of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, CSUN Office of Government & Community Relations and its Interim Director Mr. Rafael De La Rosa, the CSUN Armenian Studies Program and its Director Dr. Vahram Shemmassian, the CSUN Armenian Student Association (ASA), as well as special guests Ambassador Dr. Armen Baibourtian, the Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles, Ms. Mary Chakerian who serves as a Field Representative for Congressman Brad Sherman, and Ms. Nikki Perez who serves as a Field Representative for California State Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-45). Subtitled “The American Relief Administration and Walter Davenport of the U.S. Army Medical Corps,” the exhibit reveals how in 1919, U.S. military personnel and civilian aid workers cared for thousands upon thousands of children.

In 2019, the ANI website (www.armenian-genocide.org) earned 7.2 million hits, and was widely cited in academic papers and articles. ARMENIA TREE PROJECT (ATP)

EDUCATION Armenian Assembly of America Summer Internship Program Class of 2019 at ATP’s first nursery in Karin Village.

Armenia Tree Project (ATP) was founded in 1994 by philanthropist Carolyn Mugar who, during the winter of 1992, witnessed thousands of trees being cut down by families desperate to heat their homes. With the future of Armenia in mind, ATP was born as a project of the Armenian Assembly of America.

Inaugural Forest Summit Deemed 6 MILLION TREES ATP has planted its six millionth tree this past fall in Lori, Armenia. Overwhelming Success Carolyn Mugar Carolyn Mugar was honored with the official Gold Medal issued by the On October 23, 2019, the inaugural For- Recognized Ministry of Environment at the “Forest est Summit: Global Action and Armenia for Decades of Summit: Global Action and Armenia” in concluded three days of insights and shared Environmental and recognition of her decades of devotion learnings from some of the world’s leading to Armenia and its forests. climatologists, forestry professionals, and Charitable Initiatives political leaders in Yerevan. Armenian Assembly of America Board The Summit has been heralded by Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan political leadership and forestry profession- of Trustees President and Armenia Tree Project Founder Carolyn Mugar addressed attendees at the inaugural als worldwide as a necessary assembly of forestry conference, and in praising thought-leaders at an important time. was recognized by Armenia’s Prime Minister and Minister of Environment Mugar announced that part of a forest More than 350 attendees from 12 countries on her dedication to the betterment will forever bear her family’s name. enjoyed presentations by a host of speakers of Armenia, its people, and its with expertise from five continents. environment. LOOKING AHEAD TO 2020

Your confidence in the Armenian Assembly of America allows us to continue our critically important non-partisan advocacy membership for the betterment of the Armenian people and the issues that touch all of us. levels Affiliate: $100-$249 We will continue our efforts to support democracy in Armenia, and to defend the security of Artsakh in the face of Azerbaijan’s Supporting Affiliate: $250-$499 continued aggression and cease-fire violations. We will also Contributing Affiliate: $500-$999 continue to press forward on genocide education and prevention. Fellow Trustee: $1,000-$4,999 How can you help? Associate Trustee: $5,000-$19,999

Renew your membership, become a new member, or gift a Trustee: $20,000-$199,999 membership to a friend by visiting our website at: Life Trustee: $200,000+ www.aaainc.org/membership.

Where will the money go? staff Thanks to your membership, funds will go towards the Armenian Assembly of America’s programs, advocacy efforts, WASHINGTON, D.C. and education. Bryan Ardouny, Executive Director Some examples include: Mary Garabadian, Archivist Ellen Gordon, Finance Director • Investing in the next generation with our summer internship Mariam Khaloyan, Congressional programs in Washington, D.C. and Armenia Relations Director • Supporting U.S. assistance to Artsakh and Armenia Joseph Piatt, Programs Director • Strengthening United States-Armenia relations • Promoting genocide prevention and education LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA • Advancing democracy-building assistance for Armenia • Providing a comprehensive source of news and information, Mihran Toumajan, and weekly circulation of www.Armenia360.com Western Region Director

YEREVAN, ARMENIA Arpi Vartanian, Regional Director 734 15th St. NW Suite 500 Ani Arshamian, Finance & Human about us Washington, DC 20005 Resources Director Anna Avagyan, Receptionist, Established in 1972, the Armenian Translator & Summer Internship Assembly of America is the largest 1 (202) 393-3434 Program Coordinator Washington-based nationwide Aline Ozinian, Regional Analyst organization promoting public Armen Simonyan, Administrative understanding and awareness of [email protected] Director www.aaainc.org Armenian issues. The Armenian Assembly of America is a non-partisan, /armenianassembly 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership @aramac_dc organization. @armenianassembly

The Armenian Assembly of America is independently audited and practices good governance principles.