The only international organization dedicated to the advancement of Armenian women regardless of their political, religious or educational affiliation.
In 1990, three dynamic women from Boston, Massachusetts, from diverse backgrounds, skills and experiences, shared a common belief: the need for a new Armenian organization made up of women, governed by women, and focused on the interests and needs of women. It was against this background that in 1991, Eva Medzorian, Barbara Merguerian and Olga Proudian came together to formally organize the Armenian International Women’s Association (“AIWA”), a nonprofit organization with members worldwide. Without alignment to any political or religious group, since its inception, AIWA has been successful in bringing together creative women of various generations, diverse in interests and academic backgrounds, to fulfill its mission.
Our Vision and Values
After 27 years remaining the only independent Armenian international organization to be served by and for women, the Armenian International Women’s Association made the decision in 2017 to re-evaluate its strategy and positioning for supporting the personal and professional advancement of Armenian women around the world. The question wasn’t just how best to serve but how best to serve as many as possible. If AIWA wanted to better serve its mission it needed to consider its relevance and its impact; the growth and sustainability of the organization depends upon knowing the difference it is making for the future of all women. The discovery process began with several fundamental questions: How have needs changed for women and girls since 1991? How has technology changed the way we connect and interact as women? How has the composition of our communities changed and what does it tell us about women’s needs? In a post-revolution Armenia, what are the opportunities for strengthening the relationship between women of Armenia and of the Diaspora?
The road map for the organization continues to unfold and includes several phases from visioning and discovery to strategy and execution. While AIWA has inevitably been thrust into a “start-up phase” in its growth, the Mission and Goals established when the organization was founded in 1991 remain significant and fundamental to its future.
To promote and enrich the social, economic and personal advancement of Armenian women worldwide through educational and other community activities that unite Armenian women, promote gender equity, and emphasize our Armenian cultural heritage.
Create a network of Armenian organizations and initiatives;
Provide an interactive forum for connection and dialogue to
support an Armenian women’s success;Strengthen knowledge and understanding of the changing roles
of women in the world;Increase the visibility of Armenian women and
promote their equal role in the community;Ensure the accurate portrayal of Armenian women
to audiences around the world;Document and publish content to encourage the sharing of resources and ideas
that will further the understanding around the
challenges and opportunities for Armenian women;
Instill in young women that they matter;
Break down barriers between Armenian women;
Build trust among Armenian women and girls;
Increase the capacity of Armenian women to independently progress;
Celebrate progress and achievements;
Our Strategy
As AIWA moves from discovery to planning, it has developed 6 initial strategic focus areas to drive its programming for the next two years. Each of these areas will establish goals and be structured to continuously adapt to changing needs in various communities, in Armenia and the Diaspora.
Supporting a woman’s empowerment to be aware and in control of her mental and physical well-being
Increasing Armenian women’s participation in civil society and supporting their success in government and community leadership
Providing Armenian women with greater access to advisors, mentorship and financial resources to help fuel their entrepreneurial aspirations and individual leadership
Ensuring women have the tools and skills necessary to increase their capacity and create opportunities for their advancement
Ensuring that Armenian women are accurately portrayed as well as recognized for their contributions in academia and science
Ensuring that Armenian women are accurately portrayed as well as recognized for their contributions in academia and science
Leadership & Governance
Staff
Rachel Onanian Nadjarian
Executive Director
Rachel comes to AIWA after 24+ years experience designing and executing strategic marketing and fundraising initiatives for non-profits, start-ups, and agencies. Prior to taking on this role, Rachel enjoyed solving strategic challenges as an Independent Consultant, working with numerous clients to design short-term as well as long-range initiatives. Previous clients have included the Armenia Tree Project, the Armenian Prelacy, RVVZ Foundation, IDeA Foundation, The Speyer School, SarkissianMason, Mamus Creative, UC Berkeley Armenian Studies Program, the Armenian Health Alliance, and the Armenian Women’s Welfare Association. Rachel served as Director of Advancement at The Speyer School, where she oversaw the creation of the development and marketing departments, exceeding goals in support of the $13M budget.
Prior to consulting, Rachel held leadership positions in development and marketing at the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Museum of Science, Questrom School of Management at Boston University, and Bernard Hodes Advertising.
Sandra Adourian
Membership and Financial Administrator
Sandra Adourian, Membership and Financial Administrator, has been with AIWA since 2010. In addition to her time at AIWA, she works as a freelance accountant for small businesses and local organizations. Prior to becoming a consultant, she worked in the private sector and most recently at a private equity firm in Boston. She has a BS in Finance from Siena College. She and her husband live near Boston with their two children.
You can reach Sandra at: membership@aiwainternational.org.