NORTHRIDGE—Organized by the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA’s Regional Educational Committee, a one-day seminar with the theme, “Elevate ARS,” was held on Sunday, June 26, 2016 at the Porter Valley Country Club in Northridge, Calif. ARS members, including Central Executive Vice-Chairperson Nyree Derderian and Board member Maral Matossian; Regional Executive Chairperson Rebecca Berberian and Vice-Chairperson Marie Papazian, Board Members Annie Bostanian and Nanik Kupelian; representatives of sister organizations and supporters brought their participation to the event.
The purpose of the seminar was to present the importance of social and group dynamics, as well as the use of social media tools and the internet.
The event commenced with introductory remarks by Arousyak Melkonian, chairperson of the seminar organizing committee. Upon providing information regarding the seminar’s theme and topics to be covered, Melkonian presented concise biographies of the seminar’s panel members, which included Dr. Seta Khajarian, Jenny Mankerian, and Arick Gevorkian. She also expressed the committee’s appreciation to seminar attendees for their participation.
The seminar was moderated by Anna Kachikyan, Founder of the Anna Report, who extended her appreciation for being invited to fulfill the role of moderator at the event.
Presentations began with Dr. Seta Khajarian, Participating Professor at Woodbury University, who spoke on the topic of “Exploring Group Dynamics.” With the use of informative slides and sharing personal experiences, Dr. Khajarian explained the importance of collective and group work, as well as the successful results they yield. Thereafter, Jenny Mankerian, Executive Director and Founder of Mamayin Hokin, presented the group’s Facebook page and stressed the importance of creating a social environment where mothers can offer support to one another.
Aram Deirmenjian, Proprietor of Kiamie Wines Cellars, presented a history of Armenian wine to attendees and offered a lunchtime wine presentation and tasting.
Thereafter, Arick Gevorkian, CEO of Gevorkian Group, Inc., presented on his topic titled “Let’s Write the Next Chapter Together.” He explained the significance of bringing change and innovation into an organization in order for it to continue growing and advancing.
Following the panel presentations, Maral Haroutounian-Boyadjian, author of “As the Poppies Bloomed,” provided a copy of the novel to each of the panel’s speakers and moderator.
The event’s final remarks were delivered by ARS Regional Executive Vice-Chairperson and liaison to the Educational Committee, Marie Papazian. On behalf of the ARS, she expressed gratitude to the panelists for their informative presentations and to the Regional Educational Committee for successfully organizing the event. Papazian informed of a new program the ARS of Western USA is launching, “Friends of ARS,” and affirmed that similar educational events will be held in the near future.
