Los Angeles, CA – The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR) is pleased to announce the appointment of its Board of Directors for the 2025-2027 term. This newly designated board comprises a dynamic team of returning and new members committed to advancing the Armenian Cause through grassroots mobilization, legislative advocacy, and community engagement.
The 2025 ANCA-WR Board of Directors includes:
- Oshin Harootoonian, Chairman
- Vatche Derderian, Treasurer
- Antranig Kzirian, Secretary
- Kevork Hagopjian, Ph.D., Esq.
- Lenna Hovanessian, Esq.
- Aram Sarkissian
- Matt Senekeremian
- Astine Suleimanyan
- Lara Yeretsian, Esq.
“The new ANCA – Western Region Board of Directors is poised to address the critical challenges facing our community such as the right of return of ethnically cleansed and wrongfully displaced Armenians from Artsakh, safeguarding the sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia, Genocide prevention education among many others, all the while expanding our advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. With a team of dedicated and experienced professionals, our goal is to strengthen our grassroots capabilities, mobilize our local chapters, expand our financial resources, and cultivate future leaders through our youth engagement programs,” stated Oshin Harootoonian, ANCA-WR Board Chair.
In addition to the returning members, the board welcomes two distinguished individuals:
Dr. Kevork Hagopjian, Ph.D., Esq., is an attorney specializing in civil litigation with a focus on mass torts and human rights advocacy. He holds a Ph.D. in Law with a specialization in International Human Rights Law and Minority Rights, complemented by two LL.M. degrees—one in International Law from the University of London (SOAS) and another in U.S. Law from George Mason University (Antonin Scalia Law School).
With over two decades of dedicated advocacy, Kevork has been actively engaged with the Armenian National Committee (ANC) globally, starting in Syria and extending to the United Kingdom, Lebanon, Austria, and the United States. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Armenian Legal Center for Justice and Human Rights and actively supports the Armenian Bar Association’s Pro Bono Legal Clinic. His work is driven by a commitment to genocide prevention, justice for the Armenian cause, peace, human rights, and solidarity with marginalized and vulnerable groups on regional and global platforms.
Kevork’s dedication to civil society and community mobilization spans leadership roles in international, legal, political, youth, scouting, ecumenical, and interreligious organizations. He served as the Senior Programme Manager and Lead Trainer-Facilitator for the KAICIID International Fellows Programme (KIFP), where he trained over 600 global leaders in peacebuilding and dialogue and implemented comprehensive programs on dialogue, peacebuilding, intercultural communication, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
An avid writer and public speaker, Kevork is passionate about fostering peace, cultural and linguistic preservation, and social cohesion on a global scale. Residing in Los Angeles, he is devoted to his children’s upbringing while actively contributing to community empowerment. Fluent in Armenian, English, Arabic, Turkish, and basic German, he leverages his multilingual abilities to bridge diverse communities and amplify underrepresented voices worldwide.
Astine Suleimanyan is a seasoned political strategist and government affairs professional with nearly two decades of experience advocating for workers’ rights, Armenian causes, and progressive policies. She began her career with the ACLU in Washington, D.C., working on the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to advance workplace equity. She later joined SEIU International, leading national campaigns to improve labor standards and protect workers’ rights.
In California, she has played a key role in shaping policies that support healthcare workers, educators, and public employees. As Political Director for SEIU 121RN, she spearheaded the passage of AB 2975 (Secure Hospitals for All), requiring metal detectors in all California hospitals to enhance safety for patients and healthcare workers. She has also worked extensively on legislative initiatives to strengthen workplace protections and labor rights.
Suleimanyan has been a strong advocate for Armenian-American political engagement. In 2012, she helped lead the ANCA-WR’s HyeVotes initiative, the largest Armenian-American voter mobilization and education effort. She played a key role in securing an LAUSD resolution recognizing April 24th as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day and mandating school closures in observance. Her contributions to integrating Armenian history into California’s public education system have been widely recognized, earning her honors from the Armenian National Committee and the Vardivar Festival in Los Angeles.
The ANCA-WR extends its heartfelt gratitude to outgoing board members Ayk Dikijian, Anahid Oshagan, and Arpi Jivalagian for their dedicated service and invaluable contributions in previous years. Their unwavering commitment has significantly advanced the organization’s mission and strengthened the Armenian-American community.
The Board of Directors oversees policy initiatives, strategic direction, and community outreach for the largest and most influential Armenian-American advocacy organization in the Western United States. Their work will focus on advancing Armenian-American interests, strengthening ties with elected officials, and promoting policies that support Armenia, the right of return of displaced Armenians of Artsakh, and the Armenian diaspora.
