Armenian International Women’s Association Celebrates 35 Years of Empowerment

Women supporting and empowering women remains a powerful and enduring mission — one that transcends political, religious, and educational boundaries. At its heart, the advancement of Armenian women worldwide is not simply inspiring but essential.

Founded in Boston in 1990, the Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing women’s issues and fostering leadership and opportunity. With affiliates in Los Angeles, New England, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and Yerevan, Armenia, AIWA has built a global network committed to uplifting women across various communities.

A significant milestone is marked in 2026 as AIWA celebrates its 35th anniversary, alongside its Los Angeles affiliate’s 30th anniversary. The Pearl Anniversary Gala will take place on Saturday, May 2, at 6:30 p.m. at Reflections Venue in Glendale.

The gala’s master of ceremonies is Jacqueline Sarkissian, KTLA reporter. The keynote speaker is Silva Harapetian, an Emmy-nominated journalist, documentary producer, and Amazon best-selling author with over 20 years of experience reporting for major networks, including CBS, NBC, ABC, and FOX. Musical performances will be by Greg Hosharian and the Armenian Pops Ensemble.

AIWA’s origins are rooted in a time of crisis and resilience following Armenia’s independence and the devastating earthquake on December 7, 1988. Although the journey to recovery was slow, the Armenian diaspora mobilized to provide aid and support. From this spirit of solidarity emerged AIWA’s commitment to supporting women in Armenia as they rebuilt their lives and communities.

Over the years, the organization has evolved through various phases, continually expanding its impact.

Over the past 25 years, AIWA has organized nine international conferences, highlighting the stories of Armenian women around the world. In 2010, AIWA took a decisive step in addressing violence against women by establishing the Women’s Support Center (WSC) in Yerevan — a shelter providing safety and resources for abused women and children.

AIWA International continues to lead several impactful initiatives, including EmpowerPath Armenia, which offers skills development for women from Artsakh, and EmpowerPath Lebanon, created in partnership with the Jinishian Memorial Association. Additional programs include elder care and childcare training, scholarships, and financial support for university students worldwide.

For three decades, the Los Angeles affiliate has been at the forefront of these efforts, cultivating a legacy of service and empowerment. Its work includes supporting women in higher education, promoting equity in STEM fields, and expanding access to vocational training that leads to sustainable careers. The affiliate remains deeply committed to gender equity and social responsibility.

At the annual International Women’s Day luncheon on March 6 in Glendale, AIWA President Silva Katchiguian emphasized the organization’s mission.

“We empower women from Artsakh, Armenia, and Lebanon to gain skills that lead to self-sufficiency,” Katchiguian said. “We have pioneered a women’s entrepreneurship program in collaboration with the American University of Armenia, helping transform vision into viable ventures.”

As AIWA Los Angeles marks this Anniversary milestone, their contributions stand out as the backbone of the organization’s success. The affiliate has raised substantial funds for key initiatives, including funds for The Women’s Support Center and the Women’s Entrepreneurship Program in Armenia, as well as given hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to students at community colleges, the Armenian University of Armenia, and prestigious California universities through the Hasmik Jasmine Mgrdichian Foundation Scholarship Fund. AIWA Los Angeles has also organized numerous mini-conferences featuring expert speakers on topics such as women’s health, business, social justice, and government.

The affiliate has additionally raised funds and organized luncheons to honor prominent Los Angeles women recipients of the prestigious Ellis Island Award. In the past five years, they have also celebrated International Women’s Day in cooperation and association with the Consulate of Armenia in Los Angeles.

As the organization looks to the future, its mission remains steadfast: to empower women, strengthen communities, and inspire the next generation of Armenian leaders.

DEETS

• 2026 AIWA 35th Anniversary “Cultivating a Legacy” and Pearl Anniversary Gala
• Saturday, May 2, at 6:30 p.m.
• Reflections Venue in Glendale, 109 East Harvard Street, Glendale, California.
• Tickets