ANCA – WR Launches Its Summer Internship with 12 Interns And A Research Associate
July 6, 2025Glendale, CA – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) proudly announces the launch of its 2025 Summer Internship Program welcoming twelve dynamic and motivated students who will embark on a transformative journey of advocacy, education, and leadership development.
“The ANCA-WR Summer Internship is a cornerstone of our youth empowerment mission,” said ANCA-WR Chair Oshin Harootoonian. “We are excited to welcome this exceptional group of young leaders and look forward to supporting their growth as the next generation of Armenian-American advocates.”
Rooted in the ANCA-WR’s guiding motto–Educate, Motivate, Activate– the internship program equips young Armenian-Americans with the tools to become effective advocates and leaders within their communities. Through workshops, lectures, hands-on projects, and community engagement, interns develop a nuanced understanding of government affairs, public policy, media relations, and grassroots organizing –all through an Armenian Lens.
Meet the Interns
Davit Abrahamian
Aspiring to become a criminal attorney is enrolled in his first year in college for Political Science as the first step in making that dream come true. In parallel to his professional career, Davit is very keen on becoming an inspirational figure for his community, and to proudly represent their culture in the court of law.
“Upon discovery of the ANCA-WR Summer Internship Program, I came to the realization that participating would not only aid toward my goals, but also help to contribute towards the betterment of my community, which I believe to be a part of my identity,” said Davit. “By participating in this program, I hope to build a strong connection with other determined Armenians, and challenge myself as much as I can.”
Roberta Arevyan
A proud Armenian-American who found her purpose in the mix of advocacy, identity and justice. From organizing marches for the community, to honoring the memory of our ancestors, and fighting to make sure their stories weren’t erased. From managing local campaigns to writing and passing a resolution in the George Mason Student Senate, recognizing April 24th as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, she has levaraged every opportunity to make her voice heard, and actions seen.
“My goal is to become a human rights lawyer, someone who can help lift the voices that have been silenced and ignored,” said Roberta. “I cannot wait to network, learn, and grow with you all this summer.”
Amaras Badasian
In addition to her studies in Psychology at UCLA, she now serves as the Community Outreach chair on the Executive board of All-ASA and is actively involved with the ANCA through the Rising Leaders program and Advocacy Days. Deeply passionate about advancing Armenian interests and speaking out for Armenia, Artsakh, and Armenians worldwide, her goal is to become a psychologist and use her expertise to serve the Armenian community and contribute to the betterment of our homeland.
“I plan to, one day, live and work in Armenia, strengthening mental health support systems on the ground,” stated Amaras. “Throughout my career, I will remain committed to advocacy because I believe that grassroots efforts and collective dedication are essential to our survival and progress as Armenians.”
Serine Bedros
A rising junior at Occidental College majoring in Comparative Studies in Language and Culture and History, serves on the Board of her college ASA, is consistently rising in ranks. Education is her biggest passion, and plans to continue pursuing her passion.
“As someone who has gone through the immigration process, I would like to provide support to immigrant communities, possibly through work in immigration law.” mentions Serine. “I’m very excited for the opportunity to work with and learn from the members of the ANCA, and my fellow interns throughout the summer.”
Ara Gyuloglyan
Studying both Political Science and Accounting, at the University of California, Davis Ara is the treasurer of an organization called Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) that provides opportunities for networking, leadership development, and career advancement through local, regional, and national events. In tandem with his academic prowess, Ara is a D1 Rugby player at the university, and helps run the club as well. Ara is very dedicated to his Armenian roots, and culture, and now strives to become a business lawyer, and prevent major corporations to take advantage of consumers for their own profit.
“Throughout all these aspirations, I still want to remain humble and advocate for the Armenian people, and the communities that have shaped me into the person I am today, and am willing to become,” said Ara. “I am super excited to get started with the ANCA Western Region and make a real impact with my fellow interns.”
Lailah Karagyulleyan
Currently a senior at California State University Northridge where she majors in Political Science and minors in Armenian Studies, plans on attending law school upon the completion of her undergraduate degree. Her goal is to practice immigration law in Los Angeles and assist the immigrant Armenian community with their legal needs. She is also very active with CSUN’s Armenian Student Association which has helped rekindle her love of the Armenian community time and time again.
“I am very passionate about public policy, law, and am honored to contribute to the invaluable work of the ANCA-WR in these fields,” said Lailah. “I am so excited to be an intern here at the ANCA-WR this summer, and I cannot wait to work with this incredible organization to support the Armenians in my community and abroad.”
Hermine Kocharyan
In her second year studying interior design at the College of the Canyons, she serves as the Vice President of Marketing for the Armenian Association Club, where she helps promote Armenian cultural awareness and community engagement.
“Being part of the AYF Camp was a powerful experience that deepened my understanding of the importance of staying active in the Armenian community and inspired me to get involved with the ANCA,” stated Hermine. “In the future, I hope to continue working with the ANCA and take on a larger role in advocating for my country, sharing our cultural traditions, and raising awareness about the challenges that the Armenian community continues to face.”
Andrew Krekorian
A sophomore at Loyola Marymount University, majoring in political sciences and an aspiring lawyer, Andrew has always been passionate about helping the Armenian community, and has thrived in educating and empowering other Armenian-Americans. With extensive background in organizing Armenian cultural events, and memorials for the Armenian Genocide Victims, assuming leadership positions in weekly AYF Juniors meetings, his goal has always been to educate the non-Armenian students about the intricacies history of the Armenians filled with injustices.
“Now, as a proud member of the ANCA-WR, I will continue to work with and support other driven, ambitious Armenians to keep up the fight against injustice, oppression, and tyranny of the Turkish and Azerbaijani governments,” said Andrew.
Karen Mikayelyan
A spring-admit freshman at Pasadena City College, majoring in Business Administration with focus in Finance and Marketing. Karen had studied abroad at the University of Oxford with the American Foreign Institute of Study, where he conducted an independent study of the global trail of Armenian Genocide Assets.
“While in the United Kingdom, I discovered my passion for the practice of Law, and now intend on obtaining a Juris Doctor degree, and build a career at the intersection of law, policy, and advocacy.” stated Karen. “I am excited to bring my experience and commitment to the ANCA Western Region Internship this summer.”
Lidia Muradyan
As a graduate in both Accounting and Information Systems at the California State University of Northridge, she has invested in the community with volunteering at the on-campus tax clinics, in order to assist students that are facing difficulties. She has also held several leadership roles including the director of activities for the CSUN Business Club, “Meet the Firms” director, and Director of Development for MISA. She now aspires to get her law degree, and become a practicing attorney.
“Growing up in an Armenian school and being actively involved in the Armenian Church has helped me stay deeply connected to my roots. I’ve always taken pride in giving back to my community,” said Lidia. “I am very passionate about continuing that service by supporting the Armenian community through advocacy and active involvement with organizations such as the ANCA.”
Jade Nowak
With initial aspirations to become an engineer, the political climate in the world shifted her perspective and led her to a double major in Government and Economics in the Wesleyan University in Connecticut.
“It feels more consequential than ever to get involved and support all efforts in advancing systemic change, and – for me – it should start from our community. I grew up listening to incredible stories by my grandfather about Armenia and the Armenian community, and made me aware of the powerful sense of shared identity,” said Jade. “ANCA’s vital and inspiring work aligns with my passion for social justice and public service, as well as my heritage and identity. In the future, I hope to continue my work in advocacy and public policy.”
Ellena Shahbandarian
With her third year in UC San Diego juggling both Political Sciences and Psychology majors, she is in the process of declaring a double minor in Philosophy and Russian, East European and Eurasian studies. With the ultimate goal of becoming a lawyer, she has always been heavily involved in Armenian Advocacy. As the founder of Armenia’s War Heroes organization, she has coordinated efforts to fundraise and raise awareness for the victims of the 2020 Artsakh war, in parallel with her responsibilities as events manager for the Hidden Road Initiative to support education for children in Armenian villages.
“I have also been previously involved with the ANCA through the Rising Leaders Program and look forward to contributing to the organization’s efforts through the Western Region Summer Internship,” said Ellena.
Mane Tatulyan
Writer, philosopher, and descendant of a long line of Armenian professors, Mane is concluding her Ph.D. in philosophy in the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona in Spain. In addition to her work to publish her third book, she has put tremendous effort in designing and implementing educational initiatives built upon new models of philosophical education working both as an independent educator as well as collaborating with diverse local and international institutions. With her special project to research and interpret Garegin Nzhdeh’s philosophy, her work with the ANCA-WR would be instrumental in finding new ways to teach the Armenian Cause to the Armenian-American youth.
“I very much look forward to exploring, developing, and putting into practice multiform educational initiatives along with ANCA-WR, making a meaningful contribution to education for Armenia,” stated Mane.
This outstanding group of interns represents the future of Armenian-American advocacy. We are thrilled to work alongside these emerging leaders and witness their growth and contributions throughout the summer. Their passion, dedication, and potential inspire all of us at the ANCA-WR.
To learn more about the ANCA-WR Internship Program, please visit ancawr.org/intern.
