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Armenian Assembly Interns Discuss Rep. Sensenbrenner’s Upcoming Trip to Armenia

By Mateos Hayes, Armenian Assembly of America Intern

Last week, the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) interns met with Armenian Caucus Member Representative Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI), where he discussed observations from his first trip to Armenia in 1991 and plans for his upcoming visit in the fall with other Members of Congress. The delegation will be in Armenia during its Independence Day on September 21st. The Congressman told the interns that he looks forward to seeing the progress that has been made in the past 25 years since his initial visit. 

During his first visit, Rep. Sensenbrenner had the opportunity to observe the Armenian referendum, during which 95% of the population voted unanimously for independence from the Soviet Union. He witnessed the country during a crucial transition period as it took its first steps towards democracy. Rep. Sensenbrenner fondly recounted his time in Yerevan and the Armenian countryside, remarking how every town mayor claimed to have been the first one to tear down the Lenin statues. Rep. Sensenbrenner commented on the toughness of the Armenian people and their capacity to overcome difficulty, citing the challenges faced in a post-Soviet Armenia.

“Visiting Armenia is a great way to know more about the Armenian culture and the causes for which the Armenian Assembly advocates. It allows one to witness the situation on the ground and to form a much deeper connection with the land and its welcoming people. This allows Armenia to be seen as more than just another nation in need. Unfortunately, few Congressmen get the opportunity to visit.” stated Milena Davtyan, a sophomore at Brigham Young University who is interning at the Armenian National Institute (ANI). “Luckily, there are plans for more Members of Congress to travel to Armenia in September with Rep. Sensenbrenner,” she continued.   

Later on in the discussion, Rep. Sensenbrenner noted that Turkey has dealt itself a “well deserved political black eye” due to recent events, referring to the unjust beatings at the Turkish Ambassador’s residence in D.C. Outrage arose when visiting President Erdogan’s security personnel attacked peaceful protestors without provocation. The attack was condemned as an assault on free speech. He concluded that this event may help towards the reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide, but also pointed out that the strategic ties the U.S. has with Turkey will always be an obstacle.

Photo Caption: Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and Armenian National Institute (ANI) Director Dr. Rouben Adalian with Armenian Assembly Terjenian-Thomas interns.

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Our interns in D.C. enjoyed their tour of the U.S. Capitol.

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Congresswoman Jackie Speier Hosts Meeting with Armenian Assembly Interns

By Lidia Nalbandyan, Armenian Assembly of America Intern

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) Terjenian-Thomas interns met with Congressional Caucus on Armenian issues Co-Chair Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA), an Armenian American who is a champion on strengthening U.S.-Armenia relations. Her devotion to her roots led to numerous resolutions in support of Armenian Genocide reaffirmation in the U.S., as well as other initiatives.

During the meeting, Congresswoman Speier shared a photo of her mom, the first one in her family to be born in the U.S. after the Genocide. The Congresswoman described the importance of genocide education, which she considers as one of her primary objectives. She also encouraged the interns to work in the same direction and spread the history of our ancestors at every opportunity.

Congresswoman Jackie Speier spoke about her trip to Armenia in 2015 for the centennial commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, and encouraged her fellow Members of Congress to visit Armenia as well. This year, she is planning to revisit Armenia with a few of her Congressional colleagues in the fall.

The Assembly interns left the Congresswoman’s office with awe-inspiring impressions.  “Jackie Speier is an incredible woman. It is astonishing to me how she was able to succeed in her career in spite of all the hardships she had to go through in her life. She sets a good example for not only young Armenian American women, but also for women throughout the world,” said Lara Avsharian, a senior at California Polytechnic University, Pomona, currently interning for the Armenian American Cultural Association (AACA).

 The Assembly interns were joined by Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) interns.

 Photo Caption 1: Armenian Assembly of America summer interns with Congresswoman Jackie Speier.

Photo Caption 2: Congresswoman Jackie Speier in her office with the Assembly and ANCA interns.

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Armenian Assembly interns in D.C. meet with Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the legate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) in Washington.

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The Assembly’s summer interns in D.C. met with Aram Gavoor, a Board Member and former 2003 intern of the Terjenian-Thomas Internship Program. During the meeting, Mr. Gavoor emphasized the importance of networking and encouraged the interns to take advantage of this internship by making connections with different people from various industries. He also shared his experience while in the Assembly’s internship program, and how it shaped his career today.

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This Tuesday our interns in D.C. met with Congressman Jim Sensebrenner (R-WI). The Congressman shared his memories about his previous trip to Armenia in 1991, adding that he is excited to visit it again this September.

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Earlier this week, the Assembly’s summer interns took a tour of the Library of Congress led by Dr. Levon Avdoyan.

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The Assembly interns met with Noris Balabanyan from the Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Balabanian shared his life story and the countless life lessons he gained on the way. He gave the interns advice for kick starting their careers, especially if they were interested in the federal government.