Edita Ghazaryan (MPSIA ’15): Building Armenian Tech Ecosystem With UATE

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Edita Ghazaryan received her Master of Political Science and International Affairs (MPSIA) degree from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at the American University of Armenia (AUA). She is currently the deputy CEO of the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE). Studying at AUA has been a life-changing experience for her and now she is building a career around high-impact projects in Armenia. Edita’s ultimate focus in her professional journey remains raising the image of her home country internationally and showcasing Armenia’s human capital on the global stage. 

Choosing AUA: A Decision to Stay and Grow in Armenia

Initially, studying abroad was my plan. However, as my husband — then an MBA student at AUA — and I discussed our future, we recognized a potential challenge. Pursuing education abroad often leads to career opportunities in that country, making it harder to return. Since our goal was to build our lives in Armenia, we decided to study and work here.

With that decision made, AUA became an obvious choice as it offered the best academic and professional opportunities. My husband’s firsthand experience at AUA further reinforced my decision, as he highly recommended the University.

A Transformative and Value-based Journey at AUA

My whole experience at AUA was a memorable one, marked by both excitement and challenges. I initially faced a culture shock as the learning environment was unlike anything I had encountered before. AUA’s unique culture, student-centered approach, and emphasis on critical thinking pushed me beyond my comfort zone. I was eager to grasp everything around me and felt privileged to learn under the guidance of brilliant professors at MPSIA.

One of the most influential interactions I had with my professors was with Dr. Arpie Balian at the start of my first semester. That experience set the tone for my academic journey at AUA. Additionally, the guidance of my capstone supervisor, Dr. Vahram Ter-Matevosyan, Dr. Yevgenya Jenny Paturyan, and other professors profoundly shaped both my personal and professional growth.

Beyond academics, AUA instilled in me values that continue to shape my way of thinking. My time at AUA had a significant impact on my mindset — it changed the way I think, analyze, and approach different situations. What I appreciated at AUA is that it boosted our self-confidence, encouraging us to ask questions, think independently, and reveal our full potential. I am so impressed by this transformative experience that I hope my own children will one day become part of the AUA community.

The PSIA Experience: Developing Crucial Skill Set

Our profession is unique in how it equips students with a diverse skill set, covering politics, history, economics, diplomacy, and more. This broad foundation helps develop a bird’s-eye view when analyzing complex situations — an essential skill in both professional and everyday life. In my career, where business meetings and board activities are based on negotiations and political dynamics, this knowledge has been invaluable.

One key skill I gained at AUA was applying theory to practice. I still remember my first challenge — conducting street surveys in Yerevan to collect primary data. It was an entirely new experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me develop crucial soft skills.

My capstone project was another transformative experience. I explored the recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence by sub-state entities — an unstudied phenomenon. Interviewing key figures, including U.S. congressmen, Artsakh government officials, and international experts, was both challenging and rewarding. In fact, I believe this experience played a key role in securing my job after graduation, as my employer saw it as proof that I could take on challenges and successfully overcome them.

Professional Journey After AUA: Utilizing PSIA Education

My journey began with data analytics at Breavis, where I applied my knowledge in public policy analysis and research design. As a data collection officer, I led a team of 40 interviewers, working on sociological research projects in Armenia. I then transitioned to World Vision, an international NGO, where I focused on research, monitoring, and evaluation — fully utilizing my PSIA background. It was here that I discovered my passion for the NGO sector, where I could contribute to meaningful, high-impact projects.

Over time, I developed an interest in project management, which led me to TUMO. Hearing about a major EU-funded initiative, I applied and was selected to manage the program. I was part of an international team that launched 42 Yerevan and oversaw projects with TUMO Labs — an experience that deepened my engagement with the tech industry.

Later, I joined the UATE as director of Development in Special Projects. As of September 2024, I serve as UATE’s deputy CEO. Throughout my career, my ultimate goal has remained the same — helping Armenia grow and strengthening its global presence through country branding and strategic initiatives.

Driving Armenia’s Tech Sector Forward 

As Deputy CEO, I work closely with our CEO, a tech entrepreneur, to shape our vision, mission, and strategy along with our members. Our goal is clear: to position Armenia as a tech powerhouse by focusing on complex, high-value solutions. The strength of Armenia’s tech industry lies in its talent, and we aim to showcase this globally. Our mission is simple to drive the growth of Armenia’s tech sector and reinforce its role as a key player in the global innovation landscape. 

As the main ecosystem builder of Armenia’s tech sector, UATE has long worked behind the scenes to mobilize the industry and strengthen the private-public dialogue. Today, our role is more visible, serving as a bridge between the government and private sector while driving innovation and strategic growth. Our vision for Armenia’s tech future is built on four key strategic directions: talent generation, international market expansion, business ecosystem development, and the utilization of technology. 

As someone who aims to be part of transformative projects, I am proud to be in the executive of an organization which leads some of our most impactful initiatives in Armenia, such as Armath Engineering Makerspaces, a national program that equips public schools with technology labs; Digitec Expo, the largest tech event in the region;  and InnoIjevan, an educational and innovation hub providing free-of-charge training to uncover tech talent in Armenia’s regions.

Reflecting on Challenges

I thrive on challenges. One of my biggest challenges was doubling UATE’s membership, and I approached it with confidence. In just a year, we doubled UATE’s membership to 230 companies. When you believe in yourself, opportunities and support follow. It’s also crucial to seize the right opportunity at the right time and not be afraid to take risks. Success is about passion and energy — if you are genuinely passionate about what you do, your enthusiasm will inspire others to join and support your vision.

Balancing work and family is challenging, but the rewards make it worthwhile. I draw immense energy from my work, especially from engaging with visionary individuals as a key part of my role. 

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Graduation: The Importance of Giving Back

I am deeply grateful to AUA for the role it has played in my life and career. I look forward to becoming more engaged in the alumni community, whether by leveraging my network, hiring AUA graduates, or supporting initiatives that strengthen our connections. I firmly believe in the value and quality of AUA students and see giving back as an essential responsibility. Working in the NGO sector has shown me firsthand the power of collective efforts in building impactful community projects. I continue to learn from these experiences and would be honored to contribute to the AUA community in any way I can.