BY ARA KHACHATOURIAN
This week we say goodbye to Asbarez English Assistant Editor Allen Yekikian, who is ending his more than three-year tenure at Asbarez. Allen will be moving on to become the social media director at Operation HOPE, the nation’s leading nonprofit social investment banking and financial literacy empowerment organization with a mission to eradicate poverty.
Allen joined Asbarez as an intern and soon was brought on as a full-time member of the English Section at a time when that department was on the cusp of changing the way we look at the Armenian press.
Soon, in addition to his daily editorial duties, Allen took on the responsibility to upgrade and enhance our online presence and to take advantage of emerging technologies and social media to promote Armenian news not just to an audience in Southern California, but also throughout the world.
After all, Asbarez was the first Armenian publication to become a presence online by introducing its Web site in 1997. Ten years later when Allen joined the staff, Asbarez had a lot of catching up to do and he was ready for the task.
Through hard work, dedication, trial and error, but most important an unwavering commitment, Allen helped transform our online assets into a coveted destination for Armenian news, views and opinion on the Web. During this time and despite often insurmountable obstacles in lack of resources—human, financial and technological—we launched our Asbarez Post newsletter, which now reaches thousands of readers on a daily basis with up-to-the-minute news and fresh perspectives on events shaping our history. Our revamped Web site also engages our readers to become part of the process. This effort also brought Asbarez into the world of social media, where regular updates on sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube connected our readers to the world of Armenian news. In the coming weeks, Asbarez will unveil its mobile application, “app,” providing yet another avenue through which readers can stay connected to Asbarez.
Allen’s role in these advancements is unmistakable and it comes from his personal vision and understanding of Asbarez’s 102-year-old legacy of continuously reinventing itself to cater to its most important facet—the readers.
Allen’s parting words were encouraging. He said that his experience at Asbarez and his activism within the Armenian Youth Federation have shaped him as a person and provided him a stepping stone for professional advancement and success. His message to young Armenian-Americans is that working within our Armenian institutions is truly an unmatched experience that prepares one for the challenges of the world.
On a personal note, Allen has challenged me to stay informed about the constantly-evolving world of technology and social media and to perform better, as an editor, who is tasked with shaping opinion and informing readers as we shepherd our newspaper into the future and forefront of Armenian history.
We wish him good luck in his future endeavors and are confident that his ties with Asbarez will continue to enhance our publication. Goodbye and Good Luck!
Allen was a wonderful asset for Asbarez while he was there. His contributions are recognized and I trust that Asbarez will continue to progress with the same spirit that Allen approached his work. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
Shouldn’t this be internal memo?!
Good Luck, Allen! You did a great job at Asbarez!
Allen, Asbarez as we know and see it online wouldn’t be what it is without you. Thank you! Good luck in your new career.
Vartskt gadar, and good luck.
There are very few people in Armenian-American journalism, who have made a real, long-lasting difference. Allen is one of those people.
If we had hundreds of 20-somethings and 30-somethings, in the Armenian-American community, with the same intelligence, work ethic, vision and commitment as Allen Yekikian, the future would not be in doubt.
Thanks Allen. Stay active. Although, I know you will.
Peter Musurlian
Globalist Films
Thank you Allen for your support.
Thank you Allen and much luck for your future endeavors.
Good Job Allen, Hopefully you will have more time for meetings with SHANT now. 😉
Best of luck to you in your new endeavor, Allen. If you do half the job you did at Asbarez, you’ll be successful.