NICOLE BABIKIAN
Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, Nicole Babikian Hajjar is a graduate of the American University of Beirut (B.A. in Economics) and the Saint Joseph University of Beirut (Translator Diploma). She worked in advertising and translation before moving to Massachusetts, United States, in 1995.
She started her professional volunteering journey at her children’s school, St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School (SSAES), in Watertown, as Co-Chair of the Parent Teacher Organization.
She went on to chair the YerazArt Foundation and served on the leadership committee of the Worldwide Alumni Association of the American University of Beirut (WAAUB) New England Chapter. Over her years of community engagement, Nicole developed leadership and fundraising skills as she chaired numerous galas to benefit different non-profits in the Boston Armenian community, including the SSAES 35th and 40th Anniversaries and the Armenian Mirror-Spectator’s 85th and 90th Anniversaries.
Nicole currently serves on the boards of the Vahe Fattal Foundation, the Cultural Impact Foundation, and the USJ Foundation, her alma mater’s non-profit in the USA.
She is the President of the Dartmouth Women’s Club of Boston since 2023.
A fundraiser at heart, Nicole welcomes the opportunity to share her skills to further AIWA’s mission.
LUSINE BAGHSARIAN
Lusine Baghsarian is a dedicated Armenian who believes in the mission of nurturing, educating, and empowering Armenian women for success. By enabling the Armenian woman,she is of the mindset that our culture, nation and future can be secured because a woman is the foundation of a strong family.
Born in Yerevan, and living in Massachusetts most of her life, Lusine is a passionate Armenian community member and dedicated leader with knowledge in marketing, event strategy, and operations and a deep commitment to empowering Armenian women and strengthening local and global Armenian communities. With extensive experience in program development, stakeholder engagement, and philanthropy, she is passionate about fostering meaningful connections and driving impactful initiatives.
She brings 15+ years of leadership in higher education, nonprofit, corporate sectors, and Armenian community involvement specializing in developing strategic programs that enhance engagement, visibility, and growth. An active advocate for Armenian cultural and educational initiatives, She has successfully chaired two Armenian community organizations’ anniversary galas- Erebuni Armenian School’s 30th-anniversary celebration and Sayat Nova Dance Company’s 35th-anniversary gala celebration. In her day job, she manages operations at Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Innovation Studio, with a proven track record of executing high-impact events, leading marketing efforts, and building strong community networks.
Lusine serves as an elected member of the WPI Staff Council, advisor to WPI’s Armenian Students Association, and held leadership roles within ACEC and Erebuni Armenian School. A longtime volunteer, mentor, and event chairperson, she is committed to representing the diverse voices of Armenian women, advocating for AIWA’s mission, and leveraging her network to expand its reach and impact. With a strong philanthropic mindset and access to valuable resources, she is eager to contribute to AIWA’s growth and actively participate in board initiatives, monthly meetings, and committee work.
CARMEN BARMAKIAN
Carmen Barmakian is a dedicated entrepreneur and business leader who was born in Beirut, Lebanon and immigrated to the United States in 1978 following the civil war. She attended Watertown High School beforecontinuing her studies in Accounting/Finance at UMass Boston, where she married and started a family, raising a son and a daughter.
With an extensive career as a corporate controller, Carmen eventually founded On-Time Payroll Services, from the ground up, a venture she successfully sold in 2019. Today,she balances her professional endeavors through consulting with a busy personal life—caring for her mother and delighting in the joys of grandmotherhood, with another grandchild on the way.
Additionally, Carmen currently leads AIWA New England, reflecting her deep commitment to empowering women, particularly those of Armenian descent, both within her community and worldwide.
June 12, 2025
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