Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)

Thank you to all who joined the ANCA team on Friday, June 13, for dinner at the Armenian Food Festival hosted by Soorp Khatch Armenian Church and the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) DC “Satenig” Chapter! As always, great food and wonderful conversations were had by all - while while supporting our DC-MD-VA community. Good news! The Armenian Food festival is continuing today (Saturday June 14th) until 9:00pm! Enjoy the food and stock up on the desserts. WHAT: Armenian Food Festival hosted by Soorp Khatch Armenian Church & ARS DC WHERE: Soorp Khatch Armenian Church – 4906 Flint Drive, Bethesda WHEN: Saturday, June 14th until 9:00pm EST Encourage friends and family to join you! https://lnkd.in/eW5j6qdA

“The U.S. must use its sanctions authority.” At its June 5th USCIRF hearing, Commissioner Vicky Hartzler called for targeted sanctions against Azerbaijani officials, international monitoring of Armenian religious sites, and conditional U.S. aid based on concrete religious freedom reforms. It’s time to hold Azerbaijan accountable. -- Watch and share the full clip here. -- Read full coverage of the USCIRF hearing on Azerbaijan at: https://lnkd.in/eUFXp4g5 #ReligiousFreedom #SanctionAzerbaijan #Artsakh #USCIRF #ArmenianHeritage

#WATCHLIVE: Thursday, June 5, 2025 | 10:30AM – 12:00PM EST Register: https://lnkd.in/dPVNKb8V U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Hearing Religious Freedom Conditions in Azerbaijan USCIRF Reports: Religious freedom conditions in Azerbaijan remain concerning. The country’s religion law imposes onerous registration requirements on religious communities to engage in religious activities legally. In recent years, following a deterioration of relations with Iran, the Azerbaijani government has arrested and imprisoned a record number of Shi’a Muslims, presumably on the basis of religion. Many of those imprisoned have accused law enforcement of physical violence and other forms of mistreatment. Religious sites in Nagorno-Karabakh remain threatened as Azerbaijani authorities develop the region and eliminate Armenian cultural heritage. In February, USCIRF traveled to Azerbaijan to survey the country’s religious freedom conditions and meet with religious communities, human rights activists, and government officials. In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State designate Azerbaijan to the Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom. Witnesses will discuss religious freedom conditions in Azerbaijan. They will also share recommendations for the U.S. government to support religious freedom in Azerbaijan. Opening Remarks Stephen Schneck, USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler, USCIRF Commissioner Panel Audrey L. Altstadt, Professor of History, University of Massachusetts Amherst Felix Corley, Editor, Forum 18 News Service Arzu Geybulla, Independent Journalist and Co-founder of Free Voices Collective Husik Ghulyan, Lead Researcher, Caucasus Heritage Watch Missed it? Follow ANCA coverage of the hearing . The recording will be posted on the Commission website - uscirf.gov.

LOCATION ANNOUNCED! We are excited to invite Armenian professionals and supporters in the DMV to our upcoming "Summer Solstice" networking event, taking place at Hive Hotel's Rooftop Bar. Date: Friday, June 20th When: 6:00 - 9:00 pm Where: Hive Bar (The Rooftop), 2224 F St NW, Washington, DC 20037 More info: networking@anca.org Strengthen your network and immerse yourself within the DC-MD-VA-Armenian professional community and supporters. And a bonus for this networking event - help us welcome the ANCA 2025 Leo Sarkisian / Maral Melkonian Avetisyan summer interns, who have gathered from cities across the US and Canada to gain hands-on experience in advocacy and contribute meaningfully to the Armenian Cause. Enjoy an evening of great food, drinks, and company, and connect with professionals from numerous industries. Whether you're an established professional or just starting your career, this event provides a unique opportunity to expand your network, share experiences, and learn from one another. Invite your colleagues, friends, and fellow Armenian-Americans to catch up and make many new connections. The ANCA "Summer Solstice" networking event is part of our Friday HyeLights networking series, generally held on the third Friday of each month at different locations, each offering new opportunities and themes. It builds on our current youth programs and professional development opportunities, including the ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program (CGP), which has helped hundreds of qualified Armenian American recent graduates and professionals to secure positions in Congressional offices, federal agencies, think tanks, and other political and policy-making arenas throughout Washington, D.C. #ANCAFridayHyeLights#ANCA#NetworkingEvent

#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