GLENDALE—The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region announced that Sacramento native Anahit Sargsyan has been selected as the first ever Walter & Laurel Karabian fellow. Sargsyan is a graduate of UC Davis, a former Congressional intern and an active member of the ANCA – Sacramento Chapter Board.
During the presentation of the Legacy Award, the highest honor awarded by the ANCA-WR, to Walter Karabian at the 2015 ANCA-WR Annual Gala Banquet, it was announced that he was making a generous donation to the ANCA-WR for the purpose of establishing a Sacramento-based fellowship in his name, and that of his late wife, Laurel (Dickranian) Karabian. Given his professional accomplishments and contributions to the Armenian American community, Walter Karabian, a prominent Los Angeles attorney and influential State Assembly Member, had been similarly honored in 1997.
The fellowship is a nine-month experience in California that offers young Armenian-Americans the opportunity to enhance their leadership and professional skills. The purpose of this fellowship will be to produce professionals in the public policy and political arena.
Sargsyan recently began the first phase of the fellowship, working on the political campaign of a state legislative race in Southern California. Following the November 2016 general election, Sargsyan will return to Sacramento for the second phase of the fellowship, where she will be placed in the office of a legislator at the State Capitol.
“We are grateful to Walter Karabian for his generosity, and his vision in helping to prepare young Armenian-Americans for careers in politics and public policy,” said ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan. “Given her background, and particularly her experience in Washington, Anahit Sargsyan is exceptionally qualified, and the perfect person to be our fellow in the inaugural year of the program.”
Photo: (L-R) Walter Karabian, ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan, Karabian Fellow Anahit Sargsyan and ANCA-WR Board Member Nareg Kitsinian