GLENDALE—As the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region office starts its 2011 summer Internship Program, Sebouh Kouyoumjian, an ambitious young intern is ready for new challenges that will help promote awareness of various issues to Armenians on a regional level. He wants to make a significant impact within the Armenian community at home and abroad.
“This amazing opportunity offered by the ANCA-WR gives me the chance to work within specialized fields such as, Armenian community relations and California state affairs ,will fulfill the knowledge I am seeking for a stronger Armenian identity and will give me the proper tools to make a greater impact within the Armenian community,” said Kouyoumjian.
Kouyoumjian is attending his last semester at Glendale Community College, which he has attended for the last three years. He is transferring to the University of California, Riverside, in the fall of 2011. As a political science major with an emphasis in international relations, Kouyoumjian believes that this internship offered by the ANCA-WR will help him build a stronger understanding of his Armenian roots by giving him the tools to tackle issues that are important to the Armenian community through civic engagement and advocacy.
“We are happy to have Sebouh join us here at the ANCA-WR office this summer,” said Haig Hovsepian, ANCA-WR Government Affairs Director. “His interest in helping serve and ambition to raise awareness on issues of importance to the Armenian community make him a perfect fit for our program.”
Kouyoumjian has already made a name for himself within his local Armenian community. He has been an active member of the Pasadena Armenian Church Youth Organization for the six years and has been on the on the Executive Youth board for the last two years; Kouyoumjian is currently serving as the chapter chairman. He has organized fundraisers, volunteered at homeless shelters, and donated to multiple charitable foundations. He believes that humanitarianism and civic engagement are quintessential to promoting a healthier community. Kouyoumjian plans on remaining actively involved in the Armenian community after the completion of this internship by continuing his work with his local ANCA Pasadena chapter with issues like redistricting, voter registration, and recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.
Would you be kind enough to give us more background about Sebouh Kouyoumdjian – where was he born, and where from is his root family originally?