Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)

Thank you to Deloitte's incredible Bagrat Bayburtian, Jacqueline Hahamyan Bowling, PMP, Lina Abisoghomyan, Tadeh Issakhanian, and Sipan Ohannesian for hosting the ANCA Leo Sarkisian and Maral Melkonian Avetisyan interns at their headquarters last week. Your insights into the world of consulting, career journeys, and practical advice for success truly inspired – empowering our young changemakers to lead with confidence and pursue academic and career excellence. To learn more about the ANCA's youth programs, please visit anca.org/youth #LSI25 #ANCASummer #ANCAYouthEmpowerment #CareerMentorship

Thank you to the Armenian American professionals and community allies who joined us this past Friday for the ANCA’s “Cheers & Careers” networking mixer at Dacha Beer Garden! We had an incredible evening connecting Armenian professionals and supporters from across the DMV — sharing stories, career insights, and lots of laughs. A special thanks to our 2025 Leo Sarkisian and Maral Melkonian Avetisyan interns, who bring great energy wherever they go. This event is part of the ANCA's Friday HyeLights series, held monthly to strengthen professional networks and support Armenian youth through programs like the ANCA's Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program (CGP), which helps Armenian American students and recent graduates launch careers in public service, politics, and media. Attention recent graduates! We are currently accepting applications for the Fall 2025 CGP session. To learn more or apply, visit anca.org/gateway or email gateway@anca.org. SAVE THE DATE: Our next Friday Night HyeLights is on August 15th—we hope to see you there. #ANCAPN #FridayHyeLights #YouthEmpowerment #ArmenianNetworking #LSI25 #ANCASummer #DCArmenians

Swiss Lawmakers Lead Delegation to Washington to Advance Peace Initiative for Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and Advocate Return of Displaced Artsakh Armenians =================== Last week, Swiss parliamentarians Erich Vontobel (Federal Democratic Union) and Lukas Reimann (Swiss People’s Party) led an international delegation to Washington, D.C., for a series of high-level meetings promoting the Swiss Peace Initiative for Nagorno-Karabakh—a diplomatic effort focused on securing a just and lasting peace in the South Caucasus, including the collective, protected return of Artsakh’s forcibly displaced Armenian Christians to their homes, as reported by the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). Swiss MPs Vontobel and Reimann, joined by Christian Solidarity International (CSI) President Dr. John Eibner and former Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian—who currently serves as coordinator of the Committee for the Defense of the Fundamental Rights of the People of Nagorno-Karabakh, a body established by the Artsakh Parliament in exile—met earlier last week with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretaries of State Jake McGee and Monica Ager Jacobsen to discuss the rights of displaced Armenians and recent developments in the South Caucasus and the wider region. “We commend Switzerland’s leadership as a neutral platform for peace—an impartial advocate for international law—and welcome this opportunity to work with U.S. policymakers and international partners to realize the universally recognized right of Artsakh’s indigenous Armenian population to return to their ancient homeland,” stated Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. “The Swiss Peace Initiative charts a diplomatic path toward return, restoration, and eventually reconciliation—grounded upon justice, humanitarian values, and international law—core requirements for any true and enduring peace.”

TODAY! The ANCA is excited to invite Armenian professionals and supporters in the DMV to our upcoming "Cheers & Careers" networking event! Date: Friday, July 18th When: 6:00 - 9:00 pm Where: Dacha Beer Garden (Shaw), 1600 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 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 - get to know 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 "Cheers & Careers" 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

TOMORROW! The ANCA is excited to invite Armenian professionals and supporters in the DMV to our upcoming "Cheers & Careers" networking event! Date: Friday, July 18th When: 6:00 - 9:00 pm Where: Dacha Beer Garden (Shaw), 1600 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 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 - get to know 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 "Cheers & Careers" 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

TWO DAYS LEFT! The ANCA is excited to invite Armenian professionals and supporters in the DMV to our upcoming "Cheers & Careers" networking event! Date: Friday, July 18th When: 6:00 - 9:00 pm Where: Dacha Beer Garden (Shaw), 1600 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 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 - get to know 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 "Cheers & Careers" 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

The Swiss Peace Initiative delegation continued building bipartisan U.S. support for the protected, collective return of Artsakh Armenians to their homeland. High-level meetings with Vice President Vance’s national security team, the Speaker's office, and Senate leaders reflect growing international backing for the right of return. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eKSW5MBb #Artsakh #RightOfReturn #SwissPeaceInitiative

Just graduated? Feeling the pressure of a tough job market? Working to launch a meaningful career in Washington, DC? The Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program is here to help you turn ambition into action. The program is specifically designed to help you find a job and kickstart a successful career. Through the program, you will get: Three Months of Free Housing Career Workshops Mentorship & Networking Access to a Large Network of Successful Professionals A launchpad for careers in policy, politics, law, media, consulting, and beyond The Fall 2025 session begins on September 8th, 2025. Apply by July 15 at anca.org/gateway. For more information, contact gateway@anca.org

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the ANCA’s Red, White & Armenian Fourth of July celebration at the Aramian House! It was a wonderful gathering of Armenian American professionals and community members from across the DC-MD-VA area, joined by our inspiring ANCA Leo Sarkisian and Maral Melkonian Avetisyan interns, who are spending their summer advancing the Armenian Cause through advocacy and public service. From the delicious khorovats - prepared by our very own Chef Alex - to the great conversations between friends old and new, this annual event brought together incredible energy and connection. Once again, we were joined by Armenian Assembly Terjenian-Thomas internship participants, strengthening the bonds of Armenian American youth advocacy. The evening ended with the ANCA interns enjoying a stunning view of the Fourth of July fireworks over the National Mall—a perfect close to a memorable day in the heart of our nation’s capital. To learn more about our youth programs, please visit anca.org/youth #LSI25 #ANCASummer #ANCAPN #YouthEmpowerment #ArmenianNetworking

The ANCA is excited to invite Armenian professionals and supporters in the DMV to our upcoming "Cheers & Careers" networking event! Date: Friday, July 18th When: 6:00 - 9:00 pm Where: Dacha Beer Garden (Shaw), 1600 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 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 - get to know 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 "Cheers & Careers" 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