Vanane Ararktsyan (LL.M. ’11) received her Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at the American University of Armenia (AUA). With extensive experience in diverse fields, she is currently the executive director of the Keron Development Foundation, focusing on social engineering in Armenia. Vanane credits her AUA education with providing her the essential skills for professional growth and is now applying those skills to lead impactful projects aimed at creating a better future for Armenia.
What inspired you to pursue your LL.M. degree at AUA?
Known for its commitment to academic excellence, state-of-the-art facilities, and distinguished faculty, AUA seemed like a natural choice for me to continue my higher education.
But it was not only that — there was a personal connection with the University going back to the early days of Armenia’s independence and the pivotal role my father, Babken Ararktsyan, played in turning the dream of having an American university in Armenia into reality.
In the late 1980s and 1990, a few visionaries came up with the daring idea of establishing a higher education institution based on the Western model to foster educational progress in Armenia. And although the idea had significant support both inside and outside Armenia, the issue of securing university premises remained unresolved, as none of the available options seemed suitable for the project.
After a series of negotiations, Louise Manoogian Simone visited my father, who at the time was the first deputy chairman of the Armenian Parliament, to discuss the stalemate in securing a location for the University. During their conversation in the National Assembly, my father invited her to the window, pointed to the building at 40 Baghramyan Street, and proposed that it be allocated to the University. An agreement was reached immediately. Today, the building is simply known as the AUA building, through which many generations of bright individuals have paved their way toward personal and academic excellence.
Looking back, I can confidently say that I am proud to have studied at and graduated from a university that holds such a special place in both my country’s and my family’s history.
How did the LL.M. program prepare you for your career development?
Joining AUA’s LL.M. program was one of the most insightful experiences of my life. Coming from a non-legal background, the journey was both challenging and rewarding. I gained invaluable skills such as networking and teamwork. While I was previously accustomed to working independently, AUA taught me the importance of collaboration: I discovered that teamwork often makes problem-solving more effective. It has also helped me grow as both a professional and a team player.
Beyond academics, AUA provided me with a lifelong network of friendships and professional connections. The education I received there profoundly shaped my personal and professional development, equipping me with skills and memories for a lifetime.
Please tell us about your professional journey following your graduation.
My career began to develop when I was in my early twenties. It has been a dynamic journey, spanning various industries and roles. I started in the media sector in an international organization, eventually becoming the fashion director of Cosmopolitan. Later, I transitioned to the nonprofit sector, taking on the role of the fundraising coordinator at SOS Children’s Villages Armenia. Although I had no prior experience in fundraising, the networking and communication skills I developed at AUA proved invaluable. They enabled me to build trust with donors and successfully raise funds, contributing to significant social impact. This was a very rewarding experience despite the challenges.
After three years, I stepped into the role of CEO at the American Chamber of Commerce in Armenia (AmCham). While I was working with impactful and visionary people, I realized that I missed the direct social impact of my work. Acknowledging tangible results motivates me the most, so I rejoined the SOS Children’s Villages Armenia team to continue my efforts in making a better future for unprivileged children and families. Later, I embarked on a new chapter in development, becoming the director of Business Development at Green Rock Management Group. During a few months there, I managed several impactful projects.
Each step of my career has been complex, challenging, and rewarding in its own way. The skills and values I gained at AUA have provided a strong foundation for my professional growth and success.
You are currently serving as the executive director of the Keron Development Foundation. What is your vision as a leader?
At Keron, I feel like I’ve truly found my place. This role allows me to bring together everything I’ve learned and experienced throughout my career, including my AUA education. Without that foundation, there would be significant gaps in my knowledge and skills.
Keron’s vision is to foster an environment within Armenian society where passionate and proactive professionals are inspired to live, create, and shape a prosperous future for all. This vision aims to attract hardworking and talented individuals to our country, whose knowledge and experience can bring transformative change to our social landscape. Our mission is to drive meaningful changes in Armenia by focusing on three objectives: engaging global talent, advancing infrastructure development, and enhancing Armenia’s presence on the world stage.
I’ve been part of Keron from the very beginning, contributing to its branding and strategic development. The mission of the Foundation is rooted in social engineering. As a non-profit organization, our only profit lies in advancing society and reshaping mindsets. We aim to create a lasting impact across generations by implementing transformative projects in education, sports, culture, arts, and healthcare. Being part of Keron is more than just a job — it’s a commitment to building a better future for Armenia.
What are some of the Foundation’s most successful projects to date?
At Keron, every project is valuable on its own, regardless of its scale. Each initiative makes a unique impact on Armenia, and to me, every project is equally important. Together, they form the rays of sunlight represented in our logo. Currently, we are in the process of finalizing the Foundation’s strategy. Our primary goal is to attract and engage diverse professionals to live and work in Armenia, and we are already witnessing the tangible results and impact of their contributions.
In parallel, we are actively involved in various development projects across the country. For instance, in collaboration with our partners, we facilitated the temporary exhibition of the bronze statue of Goddess Anahit from the British Museum to the History Museum of Armenia. We also supported Elina Avanesyan, a top 50 WTA-ranked tennis player, in obtaining Armenian citizenship, enabling her to represent our homeland in international tournaments. Additionally, Keron, alongside its partners, is working on the revitalization of the iconic AOKS building located on Abovyan Street, a project that holds significant historical and cultural value.
One initiative I am particularly proud of is our collaboration with Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU). My experience at AUA underscored the critical role libraries play — not just as spaces for study, but as hubs for networking, collaboration, and personal growth. With this vision in mind, we are working with internationally renowned architects to design a state-of-the-art library for YSMU fostering an environment that encourages learning, innovation, and community engagement. Through these initiatives, Keron remains committed to driving lasting change, one project at a time.
What is your opinion on the importance of formal education?
I have a diverse educational background that spans linguistics, international relations, art history, and law. My philosophy has always been simple: if you love doing something, you should strive to master it professionally. This mindset drives me to continually seek opportunities to expand my knowledge. Most recently, I enrolled in a strategy development course at Cambridge to further enrich my expertise.
My father often said, “Without education, people turn into a crowd that is easily controlled and manipulated.” His words resonate deeply with me. Education lays the foundation for developing essential skills and is crucial for achieving lasting success.
As someone who has been involved in the fundraising efforts of different organizations, how do you see the significance of giving back to the community?
It is extremely important to me, and my entire professional experience reflects this commitment. Beyond my daily job, I am actively involved in diverse projects to contribute to the community. For instance, I serve as a board member of the 4090 Charity Foundation, which supports the Defenders of the Homeland in achieving educational excellence and advancing professional development in Armenia. I am also an advisory board member at the City of Smile Foundation. Giving back is a crucial value that I uphold in both my professional and personal life.
How important is it to you to maintain a connection with your alma mater? In what ways do you envision yourself giving back to the AUA community?
I am always eager to give back to AUA in any way I can. I was proud to serve as a mentor in the first batch of AUA’s Student-Alumni Mentorship Program. Through this experience, I formed a lifelong friendship with my mentee, which highlights how my alma mater continues to expand my network even years after graduation.