Bound by shared values of learning and growth, AUA alumni couple Siranush “Siri” Kostanyan (MBA ’18) and Aren Zomorodian (MSCIS ’11) have turned their professional success abroad into a bridge back home. Living in New York City, they found a meaningful way to reconnect with their alma mater — by mentoring AUA students through the AUA Student-Alumni Mentorship Program. Together, they are showing that mentorship is not only about guidance, but also about gratitude, community, and the power of giving back as a team.
Joining the AUA Mentorship Program
For Siranush and Aren, joining the AUA Mentorship Program was more than just an opportunity to guide students — it was a way to reconnect with their roots and give back to the community that shaped them. Education has always been the cornerstone of their own journeys. Through years of working with some of the world’s leading technology companies and international organizations, they have learned firsthand the importance of structure and guidance, especially when it comes from someone who has walked that path before.
“Mentorship was never just about giving advice but also about learning from our mentees,” they shared. “We wanted to stay close to the new generation of AUA students, hear their ideas, and be reminded of the energy that comes with starting out.” They were motivated by the opportunity to support and grow with their mentees throughout the Program. “By mentoring, we hoped to share our international hands-on experiences while also encouraging students to dream bigger and take steady steps toward their goals.”
Mentoring From Abroad
Though they are currently based in New York City, Siranush and Aren never felt distant from their mentees. Technology allowed them to connect regularly, and their mentees’ openness built a bridge across time zones. “Being abroad gave us a unique perspective: we could share lessons from global organizations while also staying deeply connected to our roots. It was a way of giving back, no matter where we are,” they said.
The impact of their mentorship quickly became clear. By introducing structure, setting clear milestones, and encouraging steady action, they helped their mentees gain the confidence and skills to achieve ambitious goals. Over time, they witnessed their efforts come together: more interviews, expanded knowledge, stronger connections, and ultimately, exciting opportunities.
Siranush’s mentee, Anna Hakhnazaryan (BSCS ’26) received a job offer at Picsart and Aren’s mentee, Gevorg Gevorgyan (MSCIS ’26), completed the rigorous internship process at BostonGene. “Each of their achievements felt like a shared moment of pride, not only the big milestones but also the smaller steps. Those moments of growth were just as meaningful as the final achievements,” Siranush remarked.
Mentoring as a Couple
Mentoring together as a couple gave the experience an added layer of significance. As a family of AUA alumni, they saw it as a way of modeling values for their daughter — showing her the importance of supporting others and staying connected through education. Mentoring as a couple also gave them the opportunity to discuss global trends related to the topic, while remaining mindful of confidentiality, as they deeply respected the trust their mentees placed in them. “Mentorship was as much about values as it was about professional guidance,” they noted. “It was about supporting the next generation with the best of our combined experiences and perspectives.”
Professional Development After AUA
Siranush and Aren’s professional journeys after AUA reflect the same commitment to combining impact, innovation, and community. After completing her MBA at AUA, Siranush pursued a second master’s degree at New York University (NYU), where she graduated with distinction and multiple awards. Today, she serves as an adjunct instructor at NYU’s School of Professional Studies, teaches project management, and works at a leading education technology company which supports students with complex learning needs. She also co-organizes the largest engineering leadership community in New York City, uniting technology leaders from top global companies. “The most meaningful part of my journey“is being able to combine teaching, industry impact, and community leadership in a way that connects technology with purpose,” she highlighted.
Aren has built his career around technology consulting, digital strategy, and cybersecurity. As a technology consultant and CTO, he advises leading companies and international organizations on digital transformation, IT governance, and risk management. He also mentors graduate students at Columbia University and supports members of global professional networks such as ISACA. “My focus is on helping organizations innovate responsibly while strengthening their long-term resilience,” he explained, adding, “Mentoring the next generation of professionals is one of the most fulfilling parts of that work.”
The Key to Successful Mentorship
“Based on our experience, we’ve learned that success rarely comes from talent alone; it comes from setting clear goals, breaking them down into achievable steps, and building the resilience to keep moving forward. That became the core of our mentoring approach,” Aren said. Both he and Siranush believe the mentorships were successful because they were built on genuine trust and respect. They didn’t just advise, but they listened, reflected on what they heard, and helped their mentees see new possibilities while holding them accountable to their own goals. “And finally, what made it special was the mutual commitment: their determination to keep going, and our dedication to stand beside them throughout the journey. That combination turned the mentorship into a real partnership, and that’s what we think made the outcomes so meaningful,” they explained.
Looking back, both Aren and Siranush credit AUA with laying the foundation for who they have become. Remembering their own student days — full of uncertainty and questions — makes their role as mentors deeply personal. “We were able to give our mentees what we once needed ourselves: clarity, encouragement, and a sense of direction. It felt like closing a circle, turning our own challenges into something meaningful for someone else,” they reflected.
The Importance of Giving Back
Their advice to other alumni is simple: do not hesitate. Whether in Armenia or abroad, every experience has the potential to inspire and guide a student. “Mentorship is not about having all the answers, but about being present, sincere, and encouraging,” Siranush emphasized. “The gift goes both ways: as much as you give, you also learn, reflect, and grow,” Aren added.
For Siranush and Aren, giving back to AUA is not a one-time effort but a lifelong commitment. They plan to remain engaged as mentors, guest lecturers, and collaborators, creating bridges between Armenia and the global technology community. “We are just at the beginning of this journey of giving back,” they said. “Our goal is to ensure that today’s students feel the same support and confidence in their potential that we once received ourselves.”
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.