This story is part of the “Scholarship Stories: Where Are They Now?” series, highlighting the journeys of AUA alumni whose education was made possible through donor-supported scholarships. This story features an AUA graduate who received support from the Alumni Scholarship Endowment Fund, which played a key role in their academic and professional development.
When it came time to choose a graduate school, Anna Zohrabyan’s (MBA ’17) decision was clear. “At the time I was applying, AUA was the top educational institution in Armenia,” Anna recalls. With an established marketing career underway, pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the American University of Armenia (AUA) offered the academic excellence she sought.
The initial thrill of receiving the news of her admission, however, was quickly accompanied by financial concern. “Although I was extremely excited, I was also worried about affording it without burdening my family too much,” she says. Receiving a scholarship eased that burden significantly, opening the door to a transformative experience.
While balancing graduate studies with a corporate role at Philip Morris International, Anna found that AUA’s curriculum, particularly the strategy and management courses, deepened her understanding of how businesses operate and sharpened her career focus. The impact of that education would soon ripple far beyond the classroom.
After graduation, Anna joined the Marketing team at Coca-Cola Hellenic Armenia, where she spent five years rising through the ranks, including a two-year expatriate assignment in Kyiv, Ukraine. There, she led off-premises channel marketing and later took on shopper marketing management for Coca-Cola™.
In 2021, Anna’s journey brought her to the United States, where she now works at Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, leading commercial and marketing activities for the on-premises channel across 10 US states. Her education at AUA, she says, was foundational to her growth: “AUA was a mindset shift for me. It opened the door to an international perspective — something essential for succeeding in the corporate world and working with global companies.”
Beyond skills and perspective, the experience also planted the seeds of generosity. “Receiving the scholarship not only eased my path, but also shaped my perspective on the importance of creating educational opportunities for future generations,” she said. “In Armenia, AUA’s tuition can be a real challenge, but what I appreciate most is that AUA always finds a way to support those eager to learn and grow.”
To the donor who made her education possible, Anna’s message is simple: “Thank you. You truly made a difference in many lives, including mine. Your generosity set an example for what we, as alumni, should strive to emulate.”
Now based in California, Anna has recently reconnected with AUA and is committed to giving back by mentoring students, guiding them through global marketing careers, and remaining active in alumni initiatives. “This past month has been a meaningful reconnection — back to the roots, as we say. I’m committed to giving back in ways that truly make a difference,” she says.
To support the Alumni Scholarship Endowment Fund, please visit www.alumni.aua.am/alumni-endowment-fund/.