Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)

#BREAKING: During today's House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) pressed Secretary of State Rubio to permanently end the Section 907 waiver & block U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan. “They haven’t kept their commitments... The waiver should be permanent,” stressed Rep. Costa. Secretary Rubio stated the Administration's current focus is on peace negotiations to prevent an Azerbaijani invasion into Armenia. "We've tried to outline to both sides, especially the Azerbaijani side, the tremendous benefits that would come from signing a peace deal and not engaging in a war that we would find to be destructive, counterproductive, and the last thing we need right now in the region," noted Sec. Rubio.

#BREAKING: “Aliyev is a dictator… release those prisoners. They’re being horribly mistreated.” -- During a powerful exchange in today’s House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) pressed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take immediate action to secure Azerbaijan's release of over Armenian POWs and political prisoners. "It's very clear that after the genocide committed by Aliyev against the Armenians, there are many, many political prisoners and POWs being held. I would just encourage you to do whatever you can to get those men and women released." Secretary of State Rubio stated that the release of Armenian prisoners is a "critical" component of ongoing U.S. diplomatic efforts in the region "to establish a peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. There's a real risk there of a conflict that we're trying to prevent from happening. Our teams have been very engaged in that regard in trying to make something come about and prevent an armed intervention there."

Meet Tamara Nahapetyan, a senior at Innovation Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, dual-enrolled at Kennesaw State University where she’s majoring in Political Science. With aspirations to pursue a career in International Law, Tamara is already advocating for change on a global scale—and now, she’s bringing that energy to the ANCA Rising Leaders Program. “I am excited for the opportunity to learn from the ANCA, and better understand the role I can play in shaping our future,” says Tamara. “I look forward to building lasting relationships with fellow participants and growing as a passionate advocate for the Armenian community—both here in the U.S. and around the world.” Tamara’s résumé is nothing short of remarkable. From interning at Georgetown University on a public health initiative in Nigeria, to leading early childhood education projects, to serving in Model UN, HOSA, and Doctors Without Borders, she’s already making a global impact. She’s also a gifted pianist, using music as a cultural bridge—performing the works of Komitas and Babajanyan, even gracing the stage at Carnegie Hall. Tamara’s passion for advocacy, diplomacy, and her Armenian heritage is paving the way for a future of leadership and service. Join her and learn more about how ANCA’s youth programs empower the next generation of change-makers. Visit anca.org/youth to get involved. Co-sponsored by the AYF Eastern US and AYF Western US, ANCA Rising Leaders and the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Day are made possible through a generous grant by Mr. Dean Shahinian, Esq., and the family and friends of Mrs. Lucine Zadoian Kouchakdjian. #ANCARisingLeaders #CareerEmpowerment #CivicEngagement #YouthAdvocates #ArmenianIdentity #FutureLeaders #InternationalLaw #MusicAndHeritage

Blending academic research with real-world activism, ANCA Rising Leader Sofia Gevorgian is a third-year student at UCLA, double majoring in Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies. From the classroom to Congress, she’s championing Armenian advocacy with purpose and precision. “I’m here at the ANCA Rising Leaders Program to better familiarize myself with lobbying and advocacy, and I’m especially excited to speak with staffers tomorrow at the US Capitol,” says Sofia. On campus, Sofia leads the Armenian Pre-Law Students Association, organizing events and launching a mentorship program to empower aspiring Armenian lawyers. This year, she’s preparing to publish her research on translations of the 2023 Artsakh ceasefire in the UCLA Humanities Research Journal—adding scholarly insight to timely issues. Off campus, she serves as Director of Advocacy for All-ASA and works as a research and writing intern at the Center for Truth and Justice, where she helps document human rights violations affecting Armenians. Sofia’s passion for legal advocacy, education, and justice is shaping the next wave of Armenian-American leadership. Join her and learn how ANCA’s youth empowerment programs are building a future of informed, impactful advocacy. Visit anca.org/youth to get involved. Co-sponsored by the AYF Eastern US and AYF Western US , ANCA Rising Leaders and the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Day are made possible through a generous grant by Mr. Dean Shahinian, Esq., and the family and friends of Mrs. Lucine Zadoian Kouchakdjian. #ANCARisingLeaders #CivicEngagement #YouthAdvocates #ArmenianIdentity #LegalAdvocacy #Artsakh #CampusLeadership #TruthAndJustice

Rooted in resilience and driven by purpose, ANCA Rising Leader Shushanik Hayriyan is a junior at the College of Idaho majoring in Political Science. As a proud Artsakhtsi, her journey from Artsakh to the American Northwest is defined by a deep commitment to preserving Armenian identity and advocating for justice. “I am thrilled to be in Washington, DC, to make connections with fellow Armenian professionals in different fields and to strengthen my advocacy skills,” says Shushanik. In the spring of 2024, she co-founded and now co-leads the Armenian Student Organization at the College of Idaho and serves as the Idaho Chapter President for the Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR). Her advocacy also extends to the national level—having participated in ANCA Advocacy Days on Capitol Hill, where she met with members of Congress to champion the rights of Armenians and raise awareness about Artsakh. Join Shushanik and explore how ANCA’s Rising Leaders Program empowers young Armenians to transform passion into action. Visit anca.org/youth to learn more. Co-sponsored by the AYF Eastern US and AYF Western US, ANCA Rising Leaders and the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Day are made possible through a generous grant by Mr. Dean Shahinian, Esq., and the family and friends of Mrs. Lucine Zadoian Kouchakdjian. #ANCARisingLeaders #CareerEmpowerment #CivicEngagement #ArmenianIdentity #YouthEmpowerment #ArtsakhStrong #DiasporaLeadership #AdvocacyInAction

Driven, dynamic, and deeply connected to her roots, ANCA Rising Leader Yeva Grigoryan is a senior at Oakton High School in Fairfax, VA, with aspirations to study International Affairs and Political Science. As an immigrant from Gyumri, Yeva has transformed her journey into a mission to strengthen the Armenian community and lead with heart. “I am thrilled to return to our nation's capital with the ANCA Rising Leaders program not only to build strong relationships with Armenian youth from across North America but also to continue advocating for justice for Hai Tahd on Capitol Hill,” says Yeva. “I look forward to making a meaningful impact together, fostering unity, and driving positive change for our community.” Yeva serves as the Co-Chair of the Washington DC ACYOA Chapter and Vice President of the Armenian Behavioral Science Student Association—positions that reflect her passion for community-building, leadership, and advocacy from a young age. Join Yeva and discover how ANCA’s youth empowerment programs are shaping the next generation of Armenian advocates and leaders. Visit anca.org/youth to learn more. Co-sponsored by the AYF Eastern US and AYF Western US, ANCA Rising Leaders and the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Day are made possible through a generous grant by Mr. Dean Shahinian, Esq., and the family and friends of Mrs. Lucine Zadoian Kouchakdjian. #ANCARisingLeaders #CareerEmpowerment #CivicEngagement #ArmenianIdentity #YouthEmpowerment #HaiTahd #FutureLeaders #DiasporaYouth

Meet Perla Dertawitian, a second-year Political Science major at Queen’s University, with a minor in Global Development and a French certificate. Originally from Beirut and now living in Cambridge, Ontario, this Canadian of Armenian descent is using her voice to advocate for the Armenian Cause—locally and globally. “My Armenian heritage and the challenges facing Armenia and Artsakh have sparked my passion for diplomacy and political activism, driving me to use my voice to advocate for our Cause,” says Perla. “The Rising Leaders Program offers a valuable opportunity to deepen my understanding of U.S. advocacy and policy-making and apply those insights to strengthen my efforts in Canada.” As Political Chair of the AYF Aram Manoukian Chapter, Perla empowers Armenian youth and helps shape impactful advocacy initiatives. She is also the incoming President of the Armenian Student Association at Queen’s University, where she works to create a welcoming space and raise awareness about Armenian issues on campus. Join Perla and discover how ANCA’s youth empowerment and career development programs are nurturing leaders ready to make a difference worldwide. Visit anca.org/youth to learn more. Co-sponsored by the AYF Eastern US and AYF Western US, ANCA Rising Leaders and the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Day are made possible through a generous grant by Mr. Dean Shahinian, Esq., and the family and friends of Mrs. Lucine Zadoian Kouchakdjian. #ANCARisingLeaders #CareerEmpowerment #CivicEngagement #ArmenianIdentity #YouthEmpowerment #GlobalAdvocacy #DiasporaVoices

With heart, humility, and a drive to serve, ANCA Rising Leader Paul Tatarian is a high school senior from Gaithersburg, Maryland, preparing to study Finance at Montgomery Community College. A proud AYF member of the DC Ani Chapter, Paul has already spent six years strengthening his local Armenian community—and he’s just getting started. “I am genuinely invested in learning from the ANCA to deepen my understanding of our unique Armenian culture and history. I’m also eager to learn how to be the best leader in advancing the Armenian Cause and community, contributing to the greater good of our nation,” says Paul. “I look forward to making new friends through the Rising Leaders program so we can thrive together on our Armenian journey.” Through AYF, Paul has dedicated himself to initiatives that uplift the Armenian homeland and diaspora. His excitement for the Rising Leaders Program reflects a genuine desire to turn passion into impact—learning how to advocate more effectively and become a stronger voice for Armenia and Artsakh. Join Paul and discover how ANCA’s youth programs empower future leaders to take pride in their heritage and action in their communities. Visit anca.org/youth to learn more. Co-sponsored by the AYF Eastern US and AYF Western US, ANCA Rising Leaders and the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Day are made possible through a generous grant by Mr. Dean Shahinian, Esq., and the family and friends of Mrs. Lucine Zadoian Kouchakdjian. #ANCARisingLeaders #YouthEmpowerment #CivicEngagement #ArmenianIdentity #AYFYouth #ArmenianPride #DCtoHayastan #FutureLeaders

With a passion for justice and a drive to lead, ANCA Rising Leader Margarita Simonyan is a first-year student at Stanford University studying International Relations with a focus on international security, peacebuilding, and transitional justice. Originally from Los Angeles, she’s building a future rooted in impact, advocacy, and Armenian pride. “I’m here in the nation’s capital not just to witness Armenian advocacy but to be a force within it — to learn, to contribute, and to make sure our presence isn’t just acknowledged but impossible to ignore,” says Margarita. Margarita is the founder of Armenian Youth Education Aid, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers youth in LA to support education in low-income Armenian communities. At Stanford, she serves as Advocacy Chair of the Armenian Student Association, leading initiatives that amplify Armenian history, culture, and calls for justice on campus. Margarita’s commitment to her community is not just powerful—it’s proactive. Through grassroots action and global awareness, she’s helping build a stronger Armenian voice in every space she enters. Join Margarita and explore how ANCA’s youth programs are equipping the next generation of advocates to lead with clarity, courage, and conviction. Visit anca.org/youth to learn more. Co-sponsored by the AYF Eastern US and AYF Western US, ANCA Rising Leaders and the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Day are made possible through a generous grant by Mr. Dean Shahinian, Esq., and the family and friends of Mrs. Lucine Zadoian Kouchakdjian. #ANCARisingLeaders #YouthEmpowerment #CivicEngagement #ArmenianIdentity #AdvocacyInAction #StanfordToDC #FutureOfArmenia #DiasporaLeadership

Blending STEM with service, ANCA Rising Leader Isabel Ohanissian is a freshman at Penn State majoring in Industrial Engineering with minors in Information Science & Technology for Industrial Engineers and Leadership Development. Hailing from Connecticut, Isabel brings a passion for innovation and advocacy to every space she enters. “Even though I am pursuing a career in STEM, I am eager to observe and learn how Washington, DC, works and how best to contribute to the groundwork that the ANCA does for Armenian advocacy,” says Isabel. Her commitment to community is clear—whether teaching at St. Gregory Armenian Church’s Armenian School for two years or serving as an envoy for SCOPE (a committee within Penn State’s Women in Engineering Program). Isabel also serves on the board of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers, continuing to lead by example in academic and cultural spaces alike. Join Isabel and see how the Rising Leaders Program empowers Armenian youth from all disciplines to connect their passions with real-world impact. Visit anca.org/youth to get involved. Co-sponsored by the AYF Eastern US and Western US, ANCA Rising Leaders and the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Day are made possible through a generous grant by Mr. Dean Shahinian, Esq., and the family and friends of Mrs. Lucine Zadoian Kouchakdjian. #ANCARisingLeaders #CareerEmpowerment #CivicEngagement #ArmenianIdentity #YouthEmpowerment #WomenInSTEM #EngineeringAdvocacy