AWWA Podcast: Armenian Voices

Kristel Kardashian is a fourth-generation Armenian American whose connection to her heritage continues to deepen with every story she uncovers. Born and raised in Southern California, she has embraced writing as a way to honor her ancestors, preserve their legacy, and explore what it means to be Armenian today. Through her poetry, featured in The Armenian Weekly and other publications, Kristel reflects on identity, memory, and the enduring strength of her family's history. In this episode, she shares how faith, family, and the written word have become powerful ways to celebrate her Armenian roots—and why she hopes to one day publish a poetry collection dedicated to her Kardashian ancestors.

Lilian Tahmasian’s connection to her Armenian identity has been shaped through rhythm, movement, and tradition. Raised in Australia, she grew up immersed in Armenian culture through private Armenian schooling, over 23 years of traditional folk dance, and a family of musicians who brought Armenian music to life both at home and on stage. Today, as a creative influencer and co-owner of a social media marketing agency, Lilian carries that heritage into the digital world—sharing Armenian culture with a global audience. In this episode, she reflects on preserving identity across generations and how modern platforms can keep traditions alive, relevant, and deeply rooted no matter where you are in the world.

Born and raised in Glendale, Narine Minasyan grew up in a home that was always full—of family, food, music, and celebration. As a first-generation Armenian-American, her earliest memories are shaped by a house that served as a landing place for relatives from across the diaspora, reflecting the deep-rooted Armenian values of hospitality and community. In this episode, Narine shares how those experiences shaped her identity—from the influence of her grandfather, a Genocide survivor, to the pride she carries in representing Armenian culture in her work as a producer and children’s book author. Through her series The Adventures of Andre and Noemi, she creates space for Armenian stories in modern storytelling, ensuring the next generation sees themselves reflected. Her story is a reminder that being Armenian isn’t just about where you come from—it’s about how you gather, how you give, and how you keep the culture alive.

For Kristel Arabian, being Armenian is deeply connected to hospitality, family, and the flavors of childhood. Born into an Armenian family in Beirut and raised in a culture where food brought people together, those early memories, especially moments in the kitchen with her grandmother, shaped how she understands her heritage today. In this episode, Kristel reflects on how a few simple dishes prepared by her maternal grandmother carry powerful meaning, revealing the warmth, generosity, and cultural pride at the heart of Armenian identity. Through stories of food and family, she shares how traditions passed down through generations continue to shape who we are and how we connect with others.

Jean-Marie Papelian’s path to environmental impact began far from Armenia’s forests. Raised in Milford, Massachusetts, in a close-knit Armenian-American community, his early connection to heritage deepened during a transformative trip to Soviet Armenia in 1987—an experience that changed the course of his life. After building a successful 23-year career as a lawyer in Boston, Jean-Marie felt a growing pull toward service. That calling eventually led him to leave law behind and become the Executive Director of the Armenia Tree Project in 2015. Over the next decade, he helped advance a mission that has planted more than 9 million trees across Armenia, revitalizing communities, creating jobs, and restoring the country’s natural landscape. In this episode, Jean-Marie reflects on his journey—from discovering Armenia during the Cold War to dedicating his career to environmental restoration and community impact. It’s a story about heritage, purpose, and the lasting power of giving back.

Raised in Yeghegnadzor and now studying Game Art at Ringling College of Art and Design, Arsine Mkrtchyan is building new worlds while staying rooted in ancient ones. A UWC East Africa graduate, she weaves Armenian heritage into everything she creates, from 3D modeling and visual storytelling to traditional art inspired by cultural motifs. In this episode, Arsine shares how she bridges tradition and technology, using digital tools to preserve culture and reimagine Armenian identity for new generations. Her journey reflects a growing movement of artists who carry their roots into the future of creative expression.

Born in Sochi, raised in Cherkasy, with family roots in Abkhazia and an Armenian heritage that spans borders, Andrei’s story is one of constant movement and intentional grounding. Now based in Florida after recently immigrating to the U.S. as a permanent resident, he reflects on building a life across countries, cultures, and callings. With two master’s degrees in Law and an MBA, Andrei’s path has evolved from civil and commercial litigation to revenue operations consulting, helping businesses build smarter systems, while also coaching students and young professionals toward balance and excellence. In this episode, he shares what it means to integrate faith, ambition, discipline, and adventure, and how finding your footing can begin even when your life has crossed many borders.

Born in Vanadzor and shaped by years spent in Goris, Yerevan, and Syunik, Anna’s path in medicine is deeply connected to place, purpose, and service. A graduate of Yerevan State Medical University, she has chosen to return to the region where she spent her childhood—working on the front lines of care in Syunik. In this episode, Anna reflects on her commitment to healing at home while training globally, from medical missions with AMAA to advanced studies in heart failure based in London and plans to continue her career in Germany. Her story is one of returning, giving back, and carrying Armenia with her wherever medicine leads.

Krista Marina is an alternative pop/R&B singer, songwriter, and producer whose sound blends jazz, blues, and the Middle Eastern soul she grew up with—creating music that feels both otherworldly and deeply familiar. Recognized by artists like Majid Jordan and Russ as “an artist in the truest sense,” Krista has built a body of work defined by curiosity, consistency, and emotional honesty. In this episode, Krista reflects on her creative evolution—from releasing music in intentional cycles to her Diaspora Dreams collaboration, her first feature film role with original music, and her current journey toward a full-length solo album. At the heart of it all is her belief in music as a space for connection, healing, and being truly heard.

Born and raised in Yerevan, Nare Navasardyan works at the intersection of storytelling, language, and civic thought. As a co-author of the documentary Pasaran , a translator at the Armenian Center for Political Rights (ACPR), and an interviewer at Hairenik Media , her work explores how ideas move through film, dialogue, and public discourse. This episode follows Nare’s evolving creative path, from documentary storytelling to her newest explorations in theater directing and ancient texts like the Avesta, reflecting a generation of Armenians unafraid to question, translate, and reimagine their cultural and intellectual inheritance.

Born in Gyumri and raised in North Carolina, Davit Melikian has spent his life navigating the space between heritage and homeland. A custom home builder, entrepreneur, and devoted Armenian-American advocate, Davit channels his belief in community into action, both locally and nationally. As the North Carolina State Chair for the Armenian Assembly of America, he works tirelessly to elevate Armenian voices in U.S. politics, champion civic engagement, and ensure that issues impacting Armenians are not overlooked. His journey reflects resilience, responsibility, and a deep commitment to justice. In this episode, Davit shares his story of immigration, identity, the power of showing up in the political process, and what it means to build—not just homes, but representation and legacy—for the Armenian-American community.

Born in the village of Sardarapat, Marine Jarchafjian has shaped her life around language, culture, and the enduring heartbeat of Armenian identity. After graduating from Yerevan State University of Languages and Social Studies, she taught English before discovering her love for guiding visitors through Armenia’s landscapes and stories. Marine is deeply devoted to authentic Armenian national dance, joining the “Vahagn’’ ethnic dance group in 2019, a space where she honors her heritage through movement, community, and ancestral memory. Her life changed profoundly when she and her husband, Shunt, moved to Artsakh, where they lived for three years and welcomed their three children, Maral, Hoori, and Aznavour, until the forced displacement of September 2023. Through loss, transition, and unwavering strength, Marine continues to hold onto the threads of homeland and identity that have shaped her life.

Born in Gyumri and trained in Yerevan, Lilit Movsisyan uses storytelling as a way to document and preserve what others often overlook. Her first book, A Mother’s Conversation , shares the intimate story of Edgar Aghababyan, a fallen hero of the 2020 Artsakh War, with all proceeds donated to his family. Lilit then turned to documentary filmmaking, debuting with “And Hovhannes Came,” a tribute to Armenia’s National Hero, Maestro Hovhannes Chekijyan. The film was screened internationally and earned the “Etalon of the Year” award at the Prestige International Media Awards in Dubai. Her latest film, “The Professor Lee,” bridges Armenia and Korea, inspired by a personal spark that led her to the extraordinary story of Professor Kiejin Lee. Across her projects—from Europe to Asia—Lilit remains committed to telling quiet, meaningful stories rooted in memory, heritage, and human truth.

Kyle Kalebdjian Clark is an Amsterdam-based guitarist and composer whose music has been described as an Eastern soul playing a Western instrument. A recent graduate of The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City, Kyle studied under renowned artists including Ara Dinkjian and Oded Tzur—mentors who helped shape his distinctive voice as a musician. In May 2024, he made his breakthrough performance at the BIMHUIS in Amsterdam, presenting a set of original compositions inspired by the musical traditions of his Armenian ancestry. With his debut album now in the works, Kyle continues to explore the space between East and West, blending the improvisational freedom of jazz with the emotional depth of Armenian melody. Follow his journey on Instagram (@kylekalebdjianclark) and YouTube.

Ani Carla offers a heartfelt reflection on life within the Armenian diaspora, shaped by her experiences in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. Her story is one of spiritual grounding, ancestral connection, and cultural preservation through the healing arts. With wisdom drawn from both heritage and personal experience, Ani bridges modern identity with sacred tradition—revealing how spirit and culture intertwine to guide a meaningful life. Her journey invites listeners to reconnect with their roots and embrace the beauty of belonging across generations.

Jessica Damerjian’s journey begins in Gyumri, Armenia, where she was born and adopted as a baby. Now a college student at Drexel University in Philadelphia studying Construction Management, Jessica reflects deeply on themes of identity, belonging, and rediscovering her Armenian roots. Originally from Reading, Massachusetts, her story explores what it means to bridge two worlds—being raised in a different country while finding pride and connection in her Armenian heritage. Through her voice, Jessica reminds us that family and identity are not defined by borders, but by love and the courage to seek one’s roots.

Simone Rizkallah is a Catholic speaker and writer who helps people discover a deeper and more meaningful existence. As a first-generation American of Egyptian-Armenian descent, she calls herself a “cultural gypsy”—Western born and educated, yet raised in an Eastern cultural and ethnic context. This unique background gives her a powerful perspective on the search for belonging and identity. Through her writing and speaking, Simone guides others toward becoming more rooted: in their faith, their heritage, their personal story, and their greater calling. You can learn more about her work at culturalgypsy.com .

Susanna Semerdzhyan is an Armenian-American writer and ESL instructor based in Los Angeles. A proud child of immigrants and a descendant of Armenian Genocide survivors, she is also a first-generation college graduate whose journey has deeply shaped her work and storytelling. Her writing often explores identity, belonging, and the complexities of growing up as a child of immigrants. Susanna contributes to The Armenian Weekly and has been featured in Inside Higher Ed , sharing insights on securing a tenure-track position as a first-generation graduate, and in Business Insider , where she writes about teaching financial literacy and self-compassion to children. Through her newsletter, "You’re a Masterpiece" on Substack, and her Instagram account, @suzyspoet , Susanna continues to uplift voices, reflect on cultural identity, and create spaces where personal narratives and collective history intertwine.

Susan Terzian Aran is a proud Armenian mother, Nutrition Educator, Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Teacher, Entrepreneur, and founder of Radiate Kombucha . Grounded in her heritage and guided by values of gratitude, authenticity, and human connection, Susan lives with intention while inspiring others to do the same. For Susan, Radiate Kombucha is more than a drink—it reflects her belief in wellness, balance, and living fully. Through her work, she hopes to nourish both body and spirit while honoring her roots and empowering others to embrace health, gratitude, and purpose. Connect with Susan @susancartigliaaran Follow Radiate Kombucha @radiatemiami

Lilly Torosyan is an Armenian-American writer and editor whose work centers on celebrating and preserving Armenian culture. As the editor of The Armenian Weekly , she curates and amplifies stories that reflect the depth and breadth of Armenian identity—past, present, and future. Through her editorial leadership, Lilly ensures that the voices, achievements, and experiences of the global Armenian community remain visible and vibrant. She brings to the role a deep sense of responsibility: to honor history, elevate truth, and inspire pride among Armenians worldwide. Whether highlighting cultural traditions, chronicling historical narratives, or showcasing modern accomplishments, Lilly’s mission is clear—to keep the Armenian story alive for generations to come.