Los Angeles: July 21, 2023– In an unprecedented initiative coinciding with International Women’s Month, the Armenian Women’s Bar Association (ArmenianWBA) officially launched. The ArmenianWBA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the professional advancement of Armenian women in law while leveraging their collective expertise for the benefit of future generations.
Recognizing the distinctive challenges faced by Armenian women in the legal community, co-chairperson Lara K. Zohrabian emphasized that “the ArmenianWBA is uniquely positioned to focus solely on the specific needs of its members and to address issues that Armenian women encounter in their personal and legal communities. We plan to elevate and inspire each other through a powerful collective.”
At the center of the ArmenianWBA’s logo is the prominently featured Mayr Hayastan (Mother Armenia) statue, located in Yerevan. Chosen as a symbol of strength, resilience, and empowerment, the ArmenianWBA logo’s Mayr Hayastanstatue wields a gavel in place of a sword.
The ArmenianWBA dedicates itself to providing practical, targeted, and substantive programs for its members’ professional development. Moreover, it fosters mentorship opportunities by bringing together women in all walks of their legal careers. Membership is open to legal professionals worldwide, irrespective of their country of practice.
Following its successful launch at an intimate event during International Women’s Month, the ArmenianWBA continued its offerings. In April, it organized a virtual discussion exploring the Armenian-American experience featuring award-winning actress Angela Sarafyan and best-selling author Chris Bohjalian, through the lens of his novel, “The Sandcastle Girls.” In May, the ArmenianWBA held an event titled, “Competency and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome” at Goodwin Procter, a distinguished Global 50 law firm.
The organization came to fruition when co-chairperson Gayane Khechoomian identified the need for a bar association tailored specifically to the interests of Armenian women. The idea resonated with many of her peers, both within the local community and on an international stage. Motivated by a shared vision, a group of women lawyers set out to shape the organization, assuming roles within its Executive Committee and Board of Directors. This team includes Lara K. Zohrabian, Shahane Martirosyan, Gayane Khechoomian, Sheila Paylan, Elina Avakian, Deena Dulgerian, Alina Ananian, Ramela Ohanian, and Susan Mavian.
To stay updated on the ArmenianWBA’s activities, please follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
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For media inquiries please contact info@ArmenianWBA.org or (844) AWBA – LAW.
