LOS ANGELES, California — American University of Armenia (AUA) alumna Anna Bakunts (MBA ’11) has made it a point to stay connected with her alma mater over the course of many years. Since her graduation from the Master of Business Administration program in 2011, she has participated in numerous events organized by the AUA Office of Development.
Most recently, in May 2024, Bakunts, along with fellow alumnus Hayk Mamajanyan (LL.M. ’12), co-emceed A Night to Ignite Change: Honoring the Akian Family, a fundraiser gala in Los Angeles hosted by AUA ChangeMakers Vahe and Ruzan Kuzoyan. At the end of the evening, following a dazzling display onstage by AUA ChangeMakers and a call to the audience for others to join, Bakunts and Mamajanyan committed to joining the exclusive group themselves. “I was inspired to become an AUA ChangeMaker because I saw firsthand how the University nurtures talent and drives positive change, and I wanted to contribute to continuing this legacy,” Bakunts explained. “The level of support and the unwavering dedication of AUA’s faculty have been inspiring. It has had a profound impact on my personal and professional growth, and it motivated me to give back to the community that had provided me with so many opportunities.”
Indeed, this act truly symbolized a full-circle moment for Bakunts: a celebration of her journey from student, to alumna, and now, to a supporter herself. “Becoming an AUA ChangeMaker is my way of honoring the transformative influence the University had on my life. I am driven to help create similar experiences for current and future students, supporting them in their own journeys of growth and impact. By working to build platforms that offer practical learning experiences and foster student engagement, I hope to contribute to the ongoing success and development of AUA and its students,” she said.
As an AUA ChangeMaker, Bakunts is working to create opportunities for AUA’s youth in a practical manner. HR Lab Los Angeles, a consulting and advisory firm she founded in 2020, recently announced its collaboration with AUA’s undergraduate business program to provide valuable internship opportunities for students. This partnership allows AUA’s aspiring business professionals to gain hands-on experience in the human resources consulting industry, working alongside HR Lab’s team of experts on real-world projects. Through this initiative, Bakunts is committed to nurturing the next generation of Armenian business leaders by equipping them with practical skills and insights that complement their academic knowledge, ultimately helping them transition seamlessly into successful careers.
Looking forward to the future, Bakunts believes that the emerging generation in Armenia represents one that will usher in innovative solutions and fresh perspectives on technology, entrepreneurship, public policy, and social impact, all while adapting to new challenges and leveraging global trends, which she believes are essential for Armenia’s progress. More importantly, she added, “in order for this generation to stay relevant, they need to focus on continuous improvement and learning to stay competitive. This is where AUA comes in. The University supports this by offering a comprehensive education that blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience.”
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values. AUA’s Office of Development stewards the University’s philanthropic efforts exclusively for educational purposes.