A Member of AUA’s Inaugural Undergraduate Class
As a member of the American University of Armenia’s (AUA) inaugural undergraduate class, Anzhela Khachatryan (BAB ’17) reflects on earning her Bachelor of Arts in Business degree from the Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics with immense pride and gratitude.
She remembers those four years as intense, demanding, and profoundly formative. It was during this period that Anzhela truly fell in love with learning, embraced the sleepless nights, long hours of studying, group projects, and constant collaboration. Over time, her classmates became more than just peers. They evolved into a close-knit community bonded by shared challenges and shared successes. Professors, classmates, and the collective academic journey created an environment that felt like a family. “That sense of belonging and intellectual curiosity remains one of my most cherished memories of AUA,” Anzhela shared.
This experience shaped not only her academic path but the way she thinks, analyzes, and makes decisions. AUA provided her with a strong intellectual foundation and taught her how to approach problems with structure, discipline, and critical thinking. “The American education model stood out for its breadth,” Anzhela noted. “Rather than limiting us to a single narrow path, it offered a wider perspective across disciplines, helping us understand how economic, social, ethical, and organizational spheres are deeply interconnected.”
Beyond the classroom, these years cultivated her leadership skills, teamwork abilities, resilience, and sense of responsibility. As Anzhela emphasized, “AUA did not simply prepare me for a profession; it shaped me as an individual.”
The Impact of AUA Education
Looking back, Anzhela recognizes how deeply each of her professors at AUA influenced her growth. She especially cherished her courses in economics, business, communications, and ethics — classes that challenged her to think critically while remaining deeply aware of the human and societal aspects behind every decision. Each course added a new layer to her understanding of the world, shaping her into a thoughtful, well-rounded individual with a strong sense of responsibility and perspective.
The skills she gained at AUA proved essential as her career unfolded. Alongside building a solid base in economics, finance, quantitative analysis, and organizational systems, she developed equally important soft skills. Group work taught her collaboration, accountability, and leadership, while the program’s academic rigor fostered discipline and dedication. The intensity of the AUA experience prepared her to remain focused and effective under pressure — skills that would later prove invaluable in navigating complex, high-stress business environments and making confident, informed decisions.
Starting Her Post-Graduation Journey
Following her undergraduate studies, Anzhela chose to continue her education at Glion Institute of Higher Education, pursuing a master’s degree in international hospitality business. The reason behind this decision is personal. “My passion for cooking and creating experiences has always been a central part of my life,” she said. “Those who know me well know how much I enjoy being in the kitchen and sharing food with people I care about.” As her desire to build a business in the food and beverage industry became clearer, Anzhela also recognized the need for a deeper, more structured understanding of hospitality as a profession through formal education. “It was the natural next step to transform my passion into a structured, sustainable business vision,” she highlighted.
Turning Her Business Vision Into a Reality
That vision eventually came to fruition. For Anzhela, cooking had always been personal, rooted in a desire to bring the comforting tastes she grew up with into a brand of her own. However, the true inspiration for Prepa struck during her travels abroad. There, she encountered thoughtfully designed concepts offering healthy, balanced, fresh, ready-to-eat meals — something that was largely missing in the local market at the time. The idea felt timely and meaningful. Even the name “Prepa,” derived from “prepared” and “prepackaged” fresh food, reflects this core mission.
Turning her idea into reality was not an easy path. From developing a clear brand identity and mission to building the right team and staying committed to the original concept, each step demanded resilience and clarity. Yet, these challenges only strengthened her understanding of the brand’s purpose and reinforced the importance of remaining true to the vision, even in the face of obstacles.
Key to Success
When asked about the key to her success as an entrepreneur, Anzhela’s answer is clear: vision. “Many people can open a business, but not everyone has a clear understanding of where they want to take it,” she explained.
Staying true to the original mission and the deeper purpose behind the brand has guided every decision she has made. Consistency, clarity, and commitment to a long-term vision, especially during difficult periods, have been essential. “Above all, genuine love for what I do, for the brand I have created, and for the work itself has been the strongest driving force behind my journey,” Anzhela shared.
Looking ahead, Anzhela aims to build a strong international brand that represents quality, balance, and innovation, expanding into new markets while remaining faithful to core principles. Beyond growth, she hopes to create spaces that feel like home — warm, cozy environments with fresh ingredients and thoughtfully prepared food. Her goal is for the brand to offer comfort, reliability, and a sense of belonging, while making a lasting impact both locally and globally.
Giving Back to Alma Mater
“I strongly believe that what we give to others ultimately comes back to us through energy, opportunities, and growth,” Anzhela remarked. Inspired by this belief, she established a named scholarship at AUA. She believes that education has always been the foundation of her personal and professional life, therefore, giving back to her alma mater felt like a natural and meaningful way to contribute to the institution that shaped her journey.
Through this scholarship, Anzhela hopes to support students who deeply value education, are eager to learn, and have the passion to grow but face financial challenges. Her wish is that the scholarship helps them focus on their studies, believe in their potential, and pursue their goals with confidence, while also reinforcing a broader culture of support, opportunity, and shared responsibility within the AUA community.
For Anzhela, giving back to AUA is both emotional and deeply fulfilling. Walking into the University today feels like looking at a younger version of herself — full of ambition, dreams, and uncertainty. “If I can play even a small role in supporting someone’s education and future success, I believe that impact is truly priceless.”
To AUA students and young alumni aspiring to make their mark in business or philanthropy, Anzhela urges them to never stop learning, as education is the strongest foundation one can build and a guiding force through every challenge. She also emphasizes the importance of staying true to one’s vision and remaining consistent. Finally, she encourages giving back whenever possible, because “success becomes far more meaningful when it creates opportunities for others as well.”
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.