Dalir, Mahseredjian, Oganasyan Gear Up for Fall 2009 Internship Program
November 2, 2009

Glendale, CA – The Armenian National Committee Glendale Chapter welcomed community activists Erik Dalir, Sanan Mahseredjian, and Hagop Oganasyan into its fall 2009 Internship Program. The three high school and college students will have the opportunity to partake in activities, workshops and meetings, in order to gain experience and knowledge about activism in their community.

 “The ANCG internship program displays our pledge to the next generation of leaders in our community,” stated Elen Asatryan, Executive Director of ANCG. “We look forward to providing our interns with the essential tools and guidance that will ultimately prepare them to become dynamic and engaged public servants,” added Asatryan.

Erik Dalir, a student at California State University, of Northridge, majoring in political science, has been both a campus and community activist since an early age. During high school, Dalir was part of the Clark Magnet’s Associated Student Body and associated sub-committees. Dalir organized and founded the first-ever Auto Club at Clark Magnet High, and in partnership of the 2004 class committee, started the annual Clark Car Show.

 “The ANC Glendale Chapter Internship program will allow me to better understand the issues and the political processes in the City of Glendale and ultimately lead me to be more involved with the day to day initiatives of our government,” stated Erik.  He went on to say,  “I am excited to be given the opportunity to meet and interact with community leaders and members who work relentlessly for the betterment of our city.”

As a senior at Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, Sanan Mahseredjian has taken an active role in the community as Booster Club vice president, Student Council class representative, Armenian Club Vice President, volunteering on Garen Yegparian’s Burbank City Council campaign, and making her yearly contributions to the Armenian Bone Marrow Registry, Walk for Life. In addition, Mahserejdian is a member of her high school varsity basketball team and the Armenian Youth Federation, La Crescenta Chapter (AYF).

“I am confident that this experience will open up many doors for me through which I will be able to gain the knowledge and expertise in order to better serve my community” stated current intern,  Sanan Mahseredjian. “I truly believe in the saying, be the change you want to see in this world,  and I feel as though working with the ANCG will set a strong foundation for me to be that change,” added Mahseredjian.

Hakop Oganasyan, a junior at Glendale High School, is a commissioner for the Associate Student Body, a member of the school’s symphonic orchestra, and Junior Philharmonic of California. Oganasyan has also volunteered on political campaigns such as Greg Kerkorian for City Council and School Board, as well as Paul Krikorian’s current bid for Los Angeles City Council.

“I look forward to making my mark on the community through my involvement with the ANCG,” stated Hakop Oganasyan.  “I hope to increase my involvement in Glendale by using the knowledge I gain from the ANCG, and try to become the model Glendale citizen,” he added.

Established in fall of 2007, the ANC-Glendale IP is a part time leadership training program geared towards high school and college students, as well as recent college graduates who are interested in gaining an in-depth understanding of Armenian-American issues and advocacy efforts on the local level. In addition to networking with community leaders, candidates will participate in workshops featuring a variety of guest speakers, including public officials, ANC leaders, and specialists from the community. The program hosts spring, summer, and autumn sessions.

The Armenian National Committee-Glendale Chapter advocates for the social, economic, cultural, and political rights of the city's Armenian American community and promotes increased civic participation at the grassroots and public policy levels

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Photo Caption:  ANC Glendale Fall Interns from left Hakop Oganasyan, Sana Mahseredjian, Erik Dalir.