GLENDALE—Community Government Affairs Intern Nare Kupelian joins the Armenian National Committee-Western Region’s Internship-Externship Program (ANC-WR IEP) this summer as a graduate of the ANC Glendale Internship Program. Nearly half-way through the summer session, Kupelian is already working on her assigned projects with several local ANCs, including the ANC of San Diego County.
“I applied to the IEP program because it would allow me to work for a cause that I am passionate about,” says Kupelian. “Growing up, I learned about the Armenian Genocide from my grandparents and I developed awareness of the issue from a young age. I could not see a better way to spend my summer than to work to raise awareness about this issue.”
One of her main projects has her teamed up with fellow intern Razmig Khayalian to help local ANCs connect with their elected officials this summer. Working with the ANC of San Diego County, Kupelian is organizing its upcoming community issues briefing. This project has a particular significance for her as she also recently became a member of the ANC San Diego County’s Executive Committee.
During the summer of 2008, Kupelian was an intern with the ANC of Glendale. Although that experience prepared her for the ANC-WR IEP, she also noticed several differences between working in the two offices.
“In Glendale, we focused mainly on issues of importance to the community in the city. We had our eyes and ears open to the happenings of Glendale,” says Kupelian. “In the Western Region office, our work covers a large geographic area consisting of several states and our efforts are geared toward strengthening local ANCs helping them reach out to and better serve their communities.”
At UCSD, Kupelian is studying Political Science with an emphasis on International Relations. She is a member of the Armenian-interest sorority, Alpha Gamma Alpha as well as the Armenian Student Association on campus. After finishing her undergraduate studies, Kupelian plans on attending law school and hopes to stay involved in politics.
“The ANC has taught me to be persistent in my actions in order to achieve something,” she says. “The political sphere is detail-oriented and requires you to match passion with a solid, convincing argument to win over support for issues of concern to you.”
