Armenian Assembly Interns

The official account of the Assembly's Summer Internship Programs in Washington, DC and Yerevan, Armenia. Application deadlines are December and January 10th

[Armenian Assembly @ARAMAC_DC]

#INTERNSPOTLIGHT: Areen Krikorian is a rising senior at Loyola University Chicago, majoring in Forensic Science. As part of the Armenian Assembly of America’s Summer Internship Program, she analyzed the applications of Forensic Anthropology for identifying Armenian Genocide victims. Through her efforts, she aspires to utilize her forensic background to shed light on the atrocities committed against Armenians and to help attain justice for victims of the Armenian Genocide.

“Being part of this year’s Terjenian-Thomas Program has made me more well-versed in how political advocacy and lobbying work, especially in bringing important issues to the attention of members of Congress. It’s an experience that I believe has pushed me to be more informed about the promotion of Armenian issues. From my perspective, being an Armenian American is a badge of honor, but also a responsibility. Armenians are a tight-knit group, so you usually have a large community in your corner. You’re the most recent part of a legacy of resilience in the face of immense hardship, which is both inspiring and humbling. I grew up learning about my family history and understanding the injustices we as a people had to endure, which became a major motivation for studying forensic science. That knowledge colors every aspect of my life, especially the way I view the world.”

[Armenian Assembly @ARAMAC_DC]

#INTERNSPOTLIGHT: Raised in Fresno, California, Erik Barsegian recently graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Law and Society. This summer, he is in Washington, D.C., participating in the Armenian Assembly of America’s Terjenian-Thomas Internship Program while interning with a technology startup, where he is gaining firsthand experience in innovation and entrepreneurship. Beyond his academic pursuits, Erik is passionate about giving back to the Armenian community through leadership, mentorship, and supporting the next generation of Armenian youth. While he plans to apply to law school this fall, he remains open to wherever his career may lead and hopes to pursue opportunities that create meaningful impact through service, advocacy, and innovation.

“Growing up as an Armenian-American has meant learning to appreciate two identities that have shaped who I am. While my Armenian heritage has given me a strong sense of community, history, and responsibility, being raised in America has taught me to dream big and pursue opportunities that can create meaningful change. Spending this summer in Washington, D.C., through the Armenian Assembly of America’s Terjenian-Thomas Internship Program has shown me that those two parts of my identity strengthen one another. Growing up, I believed being Armenian meant preserving our history and traditions. This summer has shown me that it also means helping shape the future. This experience has strengthened my pride in being Armenian-American and reminded me that every generation has a responsibility not only to preserve our heritage, but to build upon it.”

[Armenian Assembly @ARAMAC_DC]

#INTERNSPOTLIGHT: Ellen Bagramyan is a rising sophomore at Glendale Community College, majoring in political science. As part of the Armenian Assembly of America’s Summer Internship Program, Ellen is interning with an Armenian tech startup where she assists with marketing and outreach.

“Being in D.C, I’ve realized that there are different Armenian American experiences. It’s easy for me when I come from a strong Armenian community and have support from local leaders on Armenian issues. But coming here, I’ve learned about all the work and advocacy it’s taken to get this far, and Armenians all across the nation need to let their voice be heard because we still have a long way ahead of us.”

[Armenian Assembly @ARAMAC_DC]

#INTERNSPOTLIGHT: Kyle Pidedjian is a rising junior at Tufts University majoring in International Relations and History and is also pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Business from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. Originally from Scarsdale, New York, Kyle is interning at the Center for Peacemaking Practice at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University. At George Mason, Kyle is researching mass missing persons cases to better understand forensic weaknesses and opportunities for Track II Diplomacy Peacemaking.

“The Terjenian-Thomas Internship Program has given me a firsthand understanding of how our democracy functions. From being able to meet with a variety of professionals ranging from members of Congress to prominent figures in the private sector, I am walking away with a much better understanding of how Washington works–and how to make your voice heard. I would recommend this program to any Armenian-American interested in public service or eager to learn more about how our government operates.”

[Armenian Assembly @ARAMAC_DC]

#INTERNSPOTLIGHT: Mariam Nersesyan is a rising sophomore at American University in Washington, D.C., where she is majoring in legal studies. She’s originally from Yerevan, Armenia. As part of the Armenian Assembly of America’s Summer Internship Program, Mariam is working with the Armenian National Institute, where she has primarily been archiving and conducting research.

“Participating in the Terjenian-Thomas Internship Program has helped me strengthen my connection to my Armenian heritage while giving me a deeper understanding of the issues affecting Armenia today. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities the program has provided, especially the chance to meet with members of Congress on Capitol Hill and advocate for issues important to the Armenian community. Those experiences opened my eyes to how advocacy and public policy can make a real difference. My favorite moment was meeting Representative Jim McGovern and hearing his strong support for Armenian issues, which was both inspiring and encouraging."

[Armenian Assembly @ARAMAC_DC]

#INTERNSPOTLIGHT: Clodine Karabulut, from Irvine, California, is a recent graduate of the University of California, Irvine, where she earned degrees in Political Science and Criminology, Law & Society. As a part of the Assembly’s summer internship program, she works closely with the Armenian National Institute, helping digitally archive historical physical media from the 1980s and beyond. Her internship also involves Armenian-American advocacy and policy research, where she has gained valuable insight into public service, advocacy, and the importance of representing the Armenian community within the U.S.

“Interning in D.C. with the Terjenian-Thomas Internship Program has been nothing short of a dream. Every morning I wake up with endless possibilities ahead of me—maybe I’ll meet my representative, maybe I’ll connect with an incredibly influential person, or maybe I’ll meet my lifelong friends. The opportunity to represent the Armenian-American community has been one I don’t take for granted. It has been an incredible honor, and I’m grateful to be surrounded by so many passionate, driven individuals who share a commitment to making a difference. Every day pushes me outside of my comfort zone, introduces me to inspiring people, and reminds me that even small conversations can have a lasting impact.”

[Armenian Assembly @ARAMAC_DC]

#INTERNSPOTLIGHT: Lea Atabekyan is a student at Lake Forest College, where she is pursuing a double major in Economics and Political Science. As a part of the Assembly’s summer internship program, she is interning with the Armenian National Institute (ANI) in Washington, D.C. Through her work in historical research and documentation, Lea is dedicated to ensuring that the stories and truths of the Armenian legacy are preserved with dignity.

"Working with the Armenian National Institute this summer has been an incredibly grounding and deeply personal journey. Navigating Washington, D.C. as a young Armenian-American woman, I’ve realized that advocacy isn’t just about politics—it’s about keeping our history alive and honoring the resilience of those who came before us. Diving into this research has brought me so much closer to my roots and shown me the quiet power of truth and preservation. It has given me the confidence to carry my heritage forward with pride, speaking with genuine purpose and ensuring our community's voice and history are always remembered."

[Armenian Assembly @ARAMAC_DC]

#INTERNSPOTLIGHT: Originally from Armenia, Ren Mikayelyan moved to the United States four years ago and is now a second-year Political Economy student. As part of the Assembly's summer internship program, he has been supporting our multimedia communications efforts and conducting independent research.

"Moving to the US and studying abroad has been a broadening experience that transformed the way I see my Armenian identity. It reinforced and heightened my connection to my homeland rather than diminishing it. Living abroad made me realize how deeply I appreciate Armenian communities and culture, and how strongly I want to contribute to our nation's future. Immersing myself in Washington, D.C. for the summer has provided profound insight into how meaningful change happens with people who are willing to build relationships, ask thoughtful questions, and turn conviction into action. Working within the Armenian Assembly has provided both an exceptional hands-on learning experience and a sense of home and belonging, even far from Armenia. This program opened my eyes to the diverse fabric of the Armenian diaspora and introduced me to individuals and initiatives I had never known existed."

[Armenian Assembly @ARAMAC_DC]

#INTERNSPOTLIGHT: Maria Khachatryan is from Yerevan, Armenia, and is a rising junior at the American University of Armenia, where she is also pursuing a degree at the Yerevan Institute of Forensic Science. She studies Politics and Governance alongside Jurisprudence, combining her interests in international law and public policy. As part of the Assembly's summer internship program, Maria is conducting research with the Armenian Assembly of America.

"Being Armenian in America has been an incredible honor for me, as I represent not only myself but also millions of Armenians around the world. Through this program, I have had the opportunity to walk the halls of Capitol Hill, meet with representatives and congressional staff, and gain a deeper understanding of how public policy and advocacy shape important decisions. For me, being Armenian means sharing our history, traditions, and values while building connections with people across the world. It is a privilege to speak for issues that matter to the Armenian community and to contribute, in my own way, to ensuring that our voices continue to be heard."

[Armenian Assembly @ARAMAC_DC]

#INTERNSPOTLIGHT: Tamar Chavdarian, from Glendale, California, is a rising senior at the University of California, Los Angeles, majoring in Political Science with hopes of attending law school and becoming an attorney. As part of the Assembly's summer internship program, Tamar is interning with both the Armenian Assembly and the Armenian National Institute (ANI), where she has been cultivating the ANI archive and advocating on Capitol Hill.

"It has been an honor participating in the Terjenian-Thomas Internship Program this summer in Washington, D.C.! Working in the office and advocating for Armenian-American issues on Capitol Hill with our representatives have been amazing learning opportunities for me. I aspire to be an advocate in the legal field, and connecting with lawmakers whose decisions affect not only our small community but the entire United States has been incredible — I don't believe I could have experienced this anywhere else. Our lecture series has also been a highlight of this internship, as we were introduced to many leaders in the Armenian-American community who demonstrated how their Armenian identities have inspired them to succeed in their professional lives, so that we may do the same."

[Armenian Assembly @ARAMAC_DC]

#INTERNSPOLIGHT: Mclain Arslanian is a pre-law and finance graduate of the University of Southern California, currently taking a gap year before beginning his J.D. studies in the fall of 2027. As part of the Assembly's summer internship program, he has been supporting our multimedia communications efforts.

"Being a part of the Terjenian-Thomas Internship Program has given me the opportunity to advocate on behalf of Armenian Americans on issues affecting the Armenian community worldwide. Educating members of the United States Congress on Armenian issues and asking for their support has been a privilege afforded to me by the Assembly. The Assembly has made a great effort to educate us on current Armenian issues via its lecture series. I consider it an honor to be an Armenian American, as I am part of a small, ambitious community that takes every opportunity to make its voice heard."

[Armenian Assembly @ARAMAC_DC]

#INTERNSPOTLIGHT: Emma Armeghanian is an English major at UCLA, and an aspiring attorney. She is passionate about serving her community through leadership, advocacy, and public service. Through her involvement in Armenian organizations, volunteer work, and academic pursuits, she strives to make a meaningful impact and use her education to create positive change. As part of the Assembly’s summer internship program, Emma interns at Meduni, a nonprofit organization dedicated to modernizing healthcare in Armenia, and at the Armenian Assembly of America, where she contributes to advancing Armenian-American advocacy and strengthening U.S.-Armenia relations through public policy and civic engagement.

“To me, being part of the Armenian American community means carrying forward the resilience, culture, and values of my ancestors while building a future rooted in opportunity and service. It means honoring our history, preserving our language and traditions, and supporting one another across generations. I am proud to be part of programs that both preserve our heritage and work toward a stronger future for Armenians around the world. I hope to continue giving back to my community through advocacy, service, and leadership while inspiring others to do the same.”

[Armenian Assembly @ARAMAC_DC]

#INTERNSPOTLIGHT: Mary Manukyan is a rising junior at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, pursuing a double major in International Affairs and International Business with a concentration in security policy. Originally from Rockville, Maryland, Mary spent this summer interning in the office of Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD) through the Armenian Assembly of America’s Terjenian-Thomas Internship Program, handling constituent casework and working directly with federal agencies to resolve issues facing her own community.

“For me, being Armenian was never the hyphenated half of Armenian American; it was the foundation everything else was built on. Language, food, the history we inherited before we understood it, that came first, and it shaped how I move through every institution I’ve since entered, including this one. This internship gave that identity a place it rarely occupies, the halls of Capitol Hill. Sitting in on hearings and meeting with representatives who’ve spent years championing Armenian issues, from genocide recognition to continued support for Armenia’s sovereignty, I found myself less concerned with proving I belonged in American politics and more concerned with what I owed to those who came before me.”

[Armenian Assembly Interns @armenianinterns]

“I really enjoyed my experience at the History Museum of Armenia, gaining skills in museology & translation. Overall, being in Armenia was truly lovely, & words cannot describe how special the feeling one has in Armenia, especially since it was my first time there.”

[Armenian Assembly Interns @armenianinterns]

Joseph Tertzakian-Harris is a student from Edmonton, Canada, & studies Ancient Middle Eastern Languages & Cultures & Ancient Greek & Latin at the University of California, Berkeley. This summer, Joseph worked at the History Museum of Armenia providing guided tours & translation.

[Armenian Assembly Interns @armenianinterns]

“Being in Armenia this summer was an incredibly meaningful experience. The connections I made, the friends I gained, & the warm hospitality I experienced showed me that Armenia is not just a place I can visit — it confirmed my desire to return & build a life here in the future.”

[Armenian Assembly Interns @armenianinterns]

From Seattle, Hovik Apinyan is studying Economics at the University of Washington. This summer, Hovik interned at the Central Bank of Armenia. There, he worked on developing a “Financial Soundness Indicators” heatmap designed to monitor Armenia’s financial conditions.

[Armenian Assembly Interns @armenianinterns]

"My favorite activity was visiting Goris, & it was as breathtaking as I imagined. Armenia’s mix of diplomacy, culture, & resilience made the summer unforgettable & inspiring. As an Armenian, interning in the motherland made the experience more meaningful & filled me with pride."

[Armenian Assembly Interns @armenianinterns]

Anna Shakhbazyan studies international affairs as a junior at James Madison University. This summer, Anna interned at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Yerevan, doing research and writing reports about various topics regarding foreign policy and international relations.

[Armenian Assembly Interns @armenianinterns]

"I highly enjoyed my time in Armenia, exploring the country, including outside of Yerevan. I also highly appreciated the opportunity to join the Armenian Assembly and the Fuller Center for Housing in Armenia to help construct a home for a family in need.”

[Armenian Assembly Interns @armenianinterns]

Edward Khatchatrian currently lives in Boston, Massachusetts and studies at Boston University where he double majors in international relations & political science. This summer, he interned at the Office of the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia.