Vartan was born in Armenia but lived in Moscow for over 25 years. He moved back to Armenia in 2010. Before co-founding Repat Armenia Foundation in 2012, Vartan was the Deputy Minister of Diaspora. He also worked as Economic Advisor to the British Department for International Development. He’s also an international expert on State-Diaspora relations. His private sector experience includes real estate development and banking. Vartan strongly believes that Armenia should be the key element of our identity.

Nelly, a French native with a degree in communications, moved from Paris to Yerevan in March 2020 to join Birthright Armenia and Armenian Volunteer Corps (AVC) as their marketing director. Since March 2022, she has served as the Head of Communications for the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation and its four programs: Birthright Armenia, Armenian Volunteer Corps (AVC), Repat Armenia, and HIKEArmenia. She believes that the best way to understand what Armenia has to offer is to live there, even for a short time.

Sevan has served as the Country Director of Birthright Armenia since his relocation to Armenia from California in 2006. Formerly an aerospace engineer, Sevan brings over 35 years of experience in fostering connections between Armenian youth and their ancestral homeland. Sevan believes that emotional connections to Armenia are not sufficient and that the key to harnessing the diaspora potential is to create practical connections and engagement opportunities.

Arina first came to Armenia in 2002 to volunteer with Armenian Volunteer Corps (AVC), planning to stay for a year. That experience turned into a life-changing journey, and Armenia became home after time in the UK, Iran, US, Canada, and Spain. In 2021, she became AVC's Executive Director, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in education and non-profit management. Arina believes anyone can make a significant impact if they open their hearts and minds, just as AVC did for her.

Marie Lou was raised in Lebanon and moved to Armenia in 2005 from the USA. As TUMO’s founding CEO, Marie Lou Papazian developed the center’s educational program and led the design and construction of its flagship facility. Prior to TUMO, Marie Lou led the Education for Development Foundation linking Armenian students to their global peers through online educational activities. Previously, she was lead construction manager on prominent high-rise buildings in New York City.

Tim is an American who has lived in Armenia for the past 25 years. He came with the Norwegian Refugee Council in 2000, and has stayed on as the honorary consul of both Norway and Finland. In 2013, he founded HDIF in order to create sustainable jobs in Armenia for vulnerable groups - those in poverty, refugees, proximity to the war border as examples. This is done through high quality products, and also innovative projects. Tim states on his Facebook account that he is an eternal believer in Armenia's future.

Tatyana spent her early childhood years in Yerevan, lived most of her life in Moscow, and moved back to Armenia in 2021. She is a medical doctor with a PhD and co-founder and CEO of the VIVA Foundation, established in 2016. Her work is centered on creating a systematic approach to healthcare and promoting philanthropy. Tatyana has made a significant impact by developing regional healthcare and medical institutions in Armenia, especially through improving access to quality care in underserved communities. She is married and has two children.

Elena grew up in Russia, and has lived in Armenia since 2009. Elena is the founder of a PR agency and, since 2022, has been an ambassador and volunteer for the VIVA Foundation. She is also a committed blood donor, believes in the importance of developing intellectual volunteering and active involvement of Armenia's youth in philanthropy and social initiatives. Together with her husband, a native of Artsakh, she is raising four daughters and manages various social initiatives in Armenia.

Talin is a third-generation Armenian Diasporan, born and raised in the U.S. to Syrian-Armenian parents. For the past three years, she has lived in Armenia with her family. Her deep connection to the country grew during her 2015 Birthright Armenia experience. After the 2020 war, she and her husband moved to contribute to Armenia’s future. Currently, Talin serves as Managing Director of Advancement at Teach For Armenia, overseeing marketing, communications, and fundraising. She holds a Master’s in Foreign Service from Georgetown University.

Vasken is an architect, designer, and artist. Originally from Los Angeles, he has been residing in Yerevan since 2013. With a background in art and architecture, he has exhibited his work in various museums and galleries across the U.S. After founding Archi Design Group, he established the Center of Experimental Art and Architecture in 2009, serving as its director and gallery curator. Vasken has taught design principles at TUMO Center for Creative Technologies and leads Ardēan Design, focusing on advancing art and architecture in Armenia.

Hrayr was born into an Armenian family in Lebanon, he followed his heart and relocated to Armenia in 2018. Further to his current role as founder and CEO of Optimize Consulting, he is an Executive MBA instructor. His journey, marked by resilience and entrepreneurial drive, reflects the spirit of repatriation. Hrayr shares insights into his experiences, offering a compelling narrative of reconnecting with his roots and thriving in the Armenian business landscape.

Nanor is an educator, nonprofit director, and vlogger, born in Aleppo, Syria, and raised in Anjar, Lebanon. She moved to the U.S. at 15 and earned a Political Science degree from UC Santa Barbara and an M.A. in Education from Stanford. Nanor taught World History and English Literature in under-resourced communities for nine years. While in college, she founded the Hidden Road Initiative, providing educational opportunities in Armenia and Artsakh. Since 2020, she has focused on her nonprofit work in Armenia and serves as an Adjunct Faculty member at the American University of Armenia.

Gevorg is from Armenia. He co-founded Idram, the first e-payment system in Armenia, TCF in 2016, the world's leading marketing agency in the field of crowdfunding, and Prelaunch.com in 2022. Gevorg was also a founding president of “GlobalAM” foundation, developing the Armenian Startup Ecosystem. He also acted as a business angel and invested in Armenian startups. Since 2021, he has been engaged in social entrepreneurship and is the CEO of ReArmenia platform.

Dr. Sharon Chekijian is an Associate Professor at the Yale School of Medicine in Emergency Medicine, specializing in emergency medical systems and patient experience. Recently awarded a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award, she aims to enhance emergency care in Armenia in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health of Armenia and the Turpanjian School of Public Health. The granddaughter of Armenian Genocide survivors, she is dedicated to humanism in medicine. Dr. Chekijian co-produced the film “The Hidden Map,” addressing Armenian cultural erasure, and is an Advisory Board Member of Traveling Doctors.

Dr. Nishan Odabashian, born in Damascus, Syria, moved to the U.S. in 1977 and later to California. He practices endodontics in Glendale, CA, and has been actively involved in organized dentistry, holding various positions and lecturing internationally. Alongside his wife, Lilith, he promotes Armenian products through Buy Armenian and will join her at Engage Armenian 24 in Dubai, supporting Armenian producers to help their community thrive.

Lilith Dolkarian Odabashian, born in Aleppo, Syria, moved to California in 2002. She is married to Dr. Nishan Odabashian and has three children: Galia, Serge, and Noy. During the 44-day war on October 14, 2020, she founded the Facebook group “Buy Armenian” to promote Armenian-made products. The group quickly gained traction within the global Armenian community, reaching around 100,000 members across various platforms. In 2021, the Buy Armenian apps were launched, and in 2023, the first physical store opened in Glendale, California.

Elena is a passionate travel professional with two decades of expertise in the travel industry. Founder of EleVacation Travel in Australia and Armenia & Beyond Travel in Yerevan, Elena is on a mission to unveil the wonders of Armenia to the world. Having repatriated from Sydney to Armenia in 2022 with her family, Elena has also gained invaluable insights into the nation’s education, healthcare, and business landscapes—knowledge she’s thrilled to share with others eager to discover Armenia’s authentic charm.

Hagop is a communication training specialist, speaker, and personal development coach with over a decade of experience. Born in Aleppo, Syria, he repatriated to Armenia in 2019 and founded Big Mind Academy in 2020, which includes the Big Mind Educational Center and Big Mind Kids Child Development Center. Hagop combines communication expertise with personal development to guide individuals toward success. He also serves as the executive director of the Karo Hovagimian Foundation, believing strongly in Armenia as a land of opportunities.

Dr. Luiza Avetisyan holds a PhD in Engineering and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Luiza possesses over 20 years of extensive professional experience across corporate and entrepreneurial landscapes. She co-founded staff.am, Armenia's premier jobs and career ecosystem, in 2016, and Hirebee, an AI-powered global hiring solution, in 2021. Luiza is a passionate advocate for female empowerment and a proud mother of three.

Nazareth was born to Lebanese-Armenian parents and grew up in India, before moving to Armenia in 1998. He has been working in sustainable business since 2008, including the development of CSR and social entrepreneurship in Armenia. Nazareth joined the board of Impact Hub Yerevan in 2021 and helped establish the VIA Fund, the first impact investment fund for social enterprises in Armenia. Nazareth is married and has three children, and he believes Armenia is the best place to raise kids.

Gayane is a strategic communication specialist with extensive experience across media, publishing, and non-profits. As co-founder and director of National Network Media Platform Foundation and 301 Land of Wisdom Foundation, she manages media initiatives and a community of over 500 members. As CEO of Yerevan Productions, she excels in strategic development and branding. Gayane previously served as Editor in Chief at Sobesednik Publishing House and held TV hosting roles. She holds a journalism degree from Moscow State University and a filmmaking certificate from New York Film Academy.

Armen was born in Vanadzor, Armenia and completed his military service in Artsakh. His career has consistently focused on addressing Armenia's security challenges. He has taught at various institutions, including courses for high-ranking officers, and led numerous research projects, primarily centered on security and demographic issues. Since 2021, Armen has served as the director of the ARAR Foundation, concentrating on security issues and the development of the military-industrial sector.

Astkhik spent the first 25 years of her life in Moscow before relocating to Armenia in January 2018. With over 10 years of experience in managing country development programs, social projects, strategic and operational consulting, and business education, she currently is a Deputy Director at the Keron Development Foundation. Prior to her role at the Keron, Astkhik dedicated six years to strategic territorial development programs at the IDeA Foundation. She is a strong advocate for the idea that not only indifferent attitude towards Armenia can influence its future prosperity.

Victoria is Programs Director at the Keron Development Foundation, where she leads various initiatives aimed at fostering Armenia's development. With over a decade of experience in project management, I have played a pivotal role in designing and implementing programs that emphasize the importance of education, territorial development, and cultural heritage. I hold a master’s degree in economics and am passionate about creating impactful partnerships that contribute to the sustainable growth of Armenia.