AIWA-LA Representatives Have Special Gathering with Scholarship Recipients at AUA
2 min readYEREVAN– Over the past three years, the Armenian International Women’s Association – Los Angeles Affiliate (AIWA-LA) has awarded a total of 17 scholarships to female undergraduate students at the American University of Armenia (AUA). On June 20th, these students had the opportunity to meet with AIWA-LA President Silva Katchiguian and Board Member Hermine Janoyan in Yerevan.
The intimate gathering allowed scholarship donors and recipients to discuss challenges faced by women in Armenia and ways to overcome them. Students also shared personal stories shedding light on how receiving a higher education at AUA is paving the way for a brighter future. The main topic of discussion centered on what students envision for Armenia’s future and what their role is in that process.
Although responses from individual students varied, most agreed that striving for gender equality through higher education will positively impact Armenia’s various job sectors. Many students also mentioned their desire to help future generations of Armenian women who want to pursue a higher education at AUA. This would be their way of thanking AIWA-LA for their support and generosity, as well as continuing a legacy of giving back.
AIWA-LA President Silva Katchiguian said the time spent with the students was by far the highlight of her visit to Yerevan. In her words, “the caliber of knowledge that speaks their minds, the sparkle of enthusiasm in their eyes, the goals they have, and the pride of country they demonstrate can only be a reflection of the education and guidance that they are receiving through AUA. It was truly an honor to be among them and the rest of the staff we met.”
The mission of AIWA-LA is to promote and enrich the social, economic and personal advancement of Armenian woman worldwide through educational and other community activities that unite Armenian women, enhance gender equality, and emphasize the Armenian cultural heritage. The 17 AIWA-LA scholarships created 3 years ago are as follows: 3 AIWA-LA Scholarships, 3 AIWA-LA Jessica Vartoughian Scholarships, 3 AIWA-LA Argine J. Kelegian Scholarships, and 8 AIWA – LA Elizabeth Agbabian Scholarships.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia and affiliated with the University of California. AUA provides a global education in Armenia and the region, offering high-quality, graduate and undergraduate studies, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting public service and democratic values.
