Armenian International Women’s Association Holds Successful 6th International Conference in San Francisco

San Francisco, CA – The Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA) brought together approximately 200 women from throughout the world to attend its 6th International Conference held in San Francisco, California, October 6 to 10, 2011, at the internationally famous Palace Hotel. The three-day program featured thirty-five guest speakers and panelists, and was filled with inspiration and energy both on and off the stage.

Diane Cabraloff, Conference Chair and Los Angeles Affiliate President, reported that the theme of the conference, “Armenian Women: Advancing, Inspiring, Innovating, Strengthening” accurately reflected the presentations of the speakers. “We heard from women who had vision, the courage to take risks, and confidence to brave the unknown. They are truly entrepreneurs and explorers of the modern era.”

At the Opening Session guests were greeted by Chair Diane Cabraloff and Hermine Janoyan, one of the founders of the Los Angeles Affiliate. Attendees viewed welcoming video messages from Hranoush Hakopyan, Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Republic of Armenia and the Honorable Melanne Verveer, appointed by President Barack Obama as Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, spoke at the Opening Session, extolling the accomplishments of women in literature, entertainment and the arts, education and government service. The Keynote Speaker, California Congresswoman, Jackie Kanchelian Speier, held the audience’s rapt attention as she spoke of the adversities and tragedies she endured which led to her decision and commitment to dedicate her life to public service. She has served in the California Legislature as an Assemblywoman and Senator and is currently serving in the House of Representatives.

The first presentation was “A Perspective from AIWA Armenia,” with remarks by Narine Aghasaryan on Women’s Rights; Haigoush Gevorkyan, who introduced the challenges of the Armenian educational system in terms of adaptation with international standard requirements; Karine Davtyan and Suzanna Mkrtchyan who discussed the importance of preserving and identifying culture through the performing arts.