Making Herstory: Armenian-American Women & Elected Office
Glendale City Council Member Elen Asatryan, Glendale City Clerk Suzie Abajian, and Former MI State Representative Mari Manoogian
April 17, 2023 at 6:00 PT

A panel discussion on Armenian-American women in elected leadership, the triumphs and the trials of breaking barriers, and why uplifting Armenian women means uplifting the whole community.

In honor of Armenian-American Heritage & History Month 2023, join Armenian-American Action Network for a panel of barrier-breakers, Armenian-American women who have organized their communities and secured elected office in the United States. Glendale City Council Member Elen Asatryan, Glendale City Clerk Suzie Abajian, and Former MI State Representative Mari Manoogian will speak on the triumphs and trials of running a campaign, being in elected office, and fighting for their community as Armenian-American women. Hear about their experiences and their calls for a more inclusive, just and equitable future for all.

Councilmember Elen Asatryan is an award winning human rights and social justice advocate, political consultant, and businesswoman. She is the city’s first immigrant woman and the first Armenian-American woman to be elected to the Glendale City Council. She brings to the council over 24 years of service to the Glendale community and beyond, and her professional background in policy, advocacy, and public affairs.

Dr. Suzie Abajian is the City Clerk of Glendale, California. Prior to this position, she was elected to the South Pasadena School Board and served as its president. She concurrently had a career in K-12 and higher education. Dr. Abajian was named Congressional Woman of the Year by Rep. Judy Chu. She is a Syrian Armenian immigrant, daughter of refugees and the granddaughter of Genocide Survivors.

served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, serving most recently as Deputy Whip, Vice Chair of the Committee on Energy and treasurer of the Progressive Women’s Caucus. Prior, Manoogian worked in several capacities at the U.S. Department of State, and began her career interning for Congressman John D. Dingell and Ambassador Samantha Power. She is a great-granddaughter of Genocide Survivors, and is proud to continue engaging in political advocacy on behalf of Armenian-Americans and the Armenian people.

Moderated by Sophia Armen

For more information visit ArmenianAmericanActionNetwork.org