Armenian American Forum 2025

Sona Movsesian

Sona Movsesian is an accomplished entertainer best known as the long-time assistant and sidekick to comedian and television host Conan O’Brien. After starting her career as an NBC page, she joined O’Brien’s team in 2009, quickly becoming a beloved presence on Conan, his podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, and other projects. Sona authored The World’s Worst Assistant, a humorous memoir that shares stories from her career in the entertainment industry.

Sona has participated in initiatives that support Armenia and Armenians globally, emphasizing cultural preservation and humanitarian efforts. Alongside her professional achievements, Sona is a dedicated wife and mother, balancing her career with raising her twin sons.

Garo Armen

Garo Armen is the Chairman and CEO of Agenus, a pioneering biotech company advancing cancer treatment. He is founder of the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF), an organization dedicated to revitalizing rural Armenia by building modern schools, healthcare facilities, and community programs, significantly enhancing the quality of life and opportunities for local children and families.

Emma Arakelyan

Emma Arakelyan is a global management consulting executive, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. She is a former Partner at EY and Managing Director at Accenture. Emma founded Orion Worldwide Innovations and co-founded BAJ Accelerator, empowering Armenian entrepreneurs with IP management, funding, and growth resources for global success.

Gevorg Poghosyan

CEO of reArmenia.com. Gevorg is the Founder of the very first and the biggest Armenian e-payment system – Idram and has started and serial entrepreneur.

Nora Lessersohn

Historian of Armenian history at Georgetown University, focusing on Armenian American experiences and figures like Christopher Oscanyan.

Gev Iskajyan

National Grassroots Director of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), supporting Armenian American communities.

Jeanmarie Papelian

Executive Director of Armenia Tree Project since 2015, led its growth from 200,000 to 1,000,000 trees planted annually.

Sara Cohan

Education Coordinator at the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR).

Harut Sassounian

Publisher of The California Courier and founder of HyeID, a global Armenian digital identity initiative.

Mark Chenian

Investment banker at UBS, economic consultant to Republic of Armenia, founder of Komitas digital brain initiative, planning to produce an Armenian opera.

Aram Arkun

Managing editor of the Armenian Mirror-Spectator, executive director of the Tekeyan Cultural Association, and modern Armenian historian.

Tamar Boyadjian

Western Armenian & English Author, Editor, Translator and advocate of endangered language preservation and women’s voices.

Mariam Khaloyan

Congressional Relations Director at the Armenian Assembly of America, where she advocates for Armenian American interests on Capitol Hill.

Charlie Apigian

Data scientist with over 25 years of experience, leading Data & AI Strategy at LBMC and serving as a professor at Belmont University in Nashville.

Charlene Apigian

Former radio host of the Heritage of Armenian Culture (HARC) program and co-author of the “Remarkable Armenians” blog.

Ani Petrosyan

Associate Attorney at Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, specializing in M&A, venture capital, and startups. Co-President of the Armenian Professional Society.

Berge Ayvazian

Telecom Industry expert. Co-founder of ArmTech, Board Advisor for EQWEFY, and member of Angel Investor Club of Armenia.

Karen Tonoyan

Founder of Tono Law Group, Board of Armenian Engineers and Scientists Association, Co-Chair of IP/IT Committee of the Armenian Bar Association.

Gloria Korkoian

Former national chairwoman of the Daughters of Vartan. Retired Project Manager at AGBU, AT&T and Hughes Network Systems.

Stephen Haroian

Angel investor, co-founder of security focused non-profit Little Bird Armenian Development and the Association of Sales Professionals of Armenia.

Silva Katchiguian

President of the Armenian International Women’s Association, dedicated to empowering Armenian women through education, advocacy, and leadership initiatives.

Lilly Torosyan

Editor of the Armenian Weekly, spotlighting Armenian culture, history, and politics in the diaspora.

Khajag Geukjian

Managing Consultant and Head of Enterprise Market Risk Management at Murex. Former President of the Lebanese Armenian Heritage Club at AUB.

Naira Ayvazyan

Co-founder of the Hyeland Project and a real estate developer, she shares her work on her YouTube channel, Nairaville.

Lusine Stepanyan

Soulful Entrepreneur Podcast Host, Climate change Consultant for CGAP/World Bank Group.

Garinè B. Isassi

Communications strategist and award-winning author exploring the Armenian American experience. She is part of the International Armenian Literary Alliance (IALA).

Seda Papoyan

Founder of FEMINNO – the largest female innovation platform in Armenia. Leads the AGBU Innovation Studios in Pasadena, Los Angeles.

Alena Mikhaelyan

MA in International Relations candidate at Johns Hopkins, President of the Student Gov. Assoc., and Public Service Fellow. Former international recruiter.

Sevan Chorluyan

Co-founder of the Hyeland Project and Haykakan Crypto Dprots. Network-state researcher.