ANC-Glendale Chapter Announces 2007 Internship Program Participants
October 15, 2007

Glendale, CA – The Armenian National Committee-Glendale Chapter (ANCG) announced this week, its choice of 4 candidates to participate in the newly established internship program. The eight week, part time, leadership program provides participants an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of Armenian-American issues as well as 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 leadership, and specialists from the community. Interns will also partake in joint projects with fellow interns as well as individual sessions.

The Fall 2007 Program participants are Mihran Ashikyan, Arby Eivazian, Shogher Kanverdjian, and Nelli Papazian.

Ashikyan who will be specializing in Community Affairs is currently attending Santa Monica City College and will be transferring to the University of California, Santa Barbara.  He has been involved in various Armenian community organizations since his days in Hollywood High School. His goals is to encourage Armenian-Americans to be more involved in the American government.

“I am pleased to be part of a moving force that will enable me to better understand and be part of the community,” noted Mihran Ashikyan. “I hope to stay involved throughout my career in order to advocate for the well being of the Armenian-American Community,” added Ashikyan.

Eivazian is a Political Science major who also runs an internet based business. He will be attending California State University of Northridge next fall. In addition to his ANC activism he is also a member a student body club which emphasizes on cultural awareness activities.  Eivazian will be specializing in government affairs where he will be able to interact with local leaders.

 “Glendale is a city with the largest concentration of Armenians outside of Armenia, therefore it is very important for the ANC to have a voice in this city representing its residents.  I am privileged in my attempt to give back to the city which has given me so much,” stated Eivazian, an intern specializing in Government Affairs for the ANC-Glendale Chapter.” I hope to help further the interest of the Armenian-American community and I thank the ANC for giving me this opportunity,” he added.

Nelly Papazian is a high school senior who has aspiration of attending law school. She has always had a keen interest in policy making as well as foreign affairs.  Her interest increased after traveling to Armenia last summer, but hopes to gain knowledge and experience on the local level first.  She will be specializing in fund raising and special events.

Kanverdjian, also a high school senior, comes from Homentemen, where she is an assistant Girls Scout leader. She actively helps her community, participates in activism & works with groups in clean up projects in Little Armenia.. Kanverdjian will be specializing in Public relations.

“We’re proud to have created a program, which provides the next generation with an opportunity to get first hand experience in local politics and activism,” stated Elen Asatryan, Executive Director of ANC-Glendale.  “I am confident that this session’s interns will have an invaluable experience that will be beneficial to their personal and professional growth, along with the advancement of the Armenian Cause," added Asatryan.

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 and awareness at the grassroots and public policy levels. It is the voice of this vibrant community, which seeks to advance and enrich Glendale.

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