GLENDALE – The Armenian Professional Society of Los Angeles will be honoring its 2017 Professional of the Year, venture capitalist Noubar Afeyan, on November 12th at Vertigo Banquet Hall in Glendale. Tickets for the event, sponsorship opportunities, and more information are available at www.apsla.org.
Afeyan was selected based on his incredibly successful business career and remarkable contributions to the Armenian community. He is the Founder and CEO of Flagship Pioneering, a venture capital firm that has backed over 75 ventures and created more than $19 billion of aggregate value since the firm’s founding.
Additionally, Afeyan is a co-founder of the 100 Lives Initiative and the Aurora Prize award. The Aurora Prize is granted annually on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide to an individual whose actions have advanced humanitarian causes. The winner receives $100,000 and is allowed to select an organization to receive $1 million. Actor George Clooney and the late Nobel Peace Prize Winner Elie Wiesel have served on the Selection Committee for the award.
During the evening, APS will also honor Sylvia Minassian with its Achievement Award – dedicated to an APS member who has positively impacted the community. She was selected for her work leading the Arpa International Film Festival for over 20 years. The annual event is the signature gathering for the Arpa Foundation for Film, Music, and Art founded by Minassian.
During the gala, APS will also fulfill its mission of supporting Armenians continuing their graduate studies by awarding scholarships to deserving candidates.
APS is led by a six member executive board – Alex Martinian, Serli Polatoglu, Olivia Jamgotchian, Armen Haroutunian, Nerses Aposhian, and Patrick Tanahan. The organization was founded in 1958 for the advancement of education and fellowship among Armenians.
