andrea montalbano

Author of Soccer Sisters book series and Board Chair, Girls of Armenia Leadership Soccer

[Ruben Vardanyan @RubenVardanyan_]

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, its co-founder, philanthropist and humanitarian Ruben Vardanyan – who is currently being held illegally in Baku – has shared a message with the Leadership and Friends of Aurora through his wife, Veronika Zonabend. His message is presented below.

Dear friends, supporters, and colleagues,

First and foremost – thank you. Your faith, generosity and trust  have made possible what once seemed impossible.

On the eve of Aurora’s 10th anniversary, I would like to express my personal gratitude to all the friends and benefactors who believed in the vision – born in Armenia – of creating a global humanitarian initiative and who during all that period supported it through their generosity. It was their dedication that ignited the spark that grew into the Aurora movement.

When our family first envisioned the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity in 2014, we saw it as an eight-year journey – until 2023 – with the hope that Aurora would become an international movement with the mission of gratitude in action and would be carried forward by others. Due to the pandemic, this phase was extended through 2024, culminating in the unveiling of the Memorial to Aurora Mardiganian and the Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide in Yerevan – as a symbol of gratitude and hope, and a milestone marking the completion of my active participation in Aurora.

I am deeply grateful to Noubar and Vartan, who supported the initiative as co-founders from the very beginning. I am especially thankful to Noubar and his family for taking the lead of Aurora after 2023 and guiding it into its next stage. I hope that, even as it is now based in the States, it will continue to preserve its Armenian roots. My sincere thanks go to all Board Members and Selection Committee Members for your commitment, hard work, and dedication to Aurora’s mission – and for helping to make it truly unique.

Gratitude – the founding notion of Aurora – is a fundamental human value. Interpreting the thoughts of St. Francis, I would like to emphasize that “the truest joy grows from gratitude”. Indeed, gratitude in action remains at the core of a healthy and compassionate world community.

Being here in Baku, I am more inspired than ever by the Aurora Laureates and the broader Aurora community, whose tireless efforts to serve others – without seeking recognition or the limelight – embody the very spirit of Aurora. You are true heroes, and just as Aurora’s founders always hoped, many would follow your example.

I wish Aurora continued success as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, with the deep belief that gratitude in action will endure.

With gratitude and hope,
Ruben Vardanyan

[Danil Makarov @dannymak76]

@NYPDTransport waiting over 90 minutes to park for @usopen — misdirected twice by NYPD officers.

Absolute chaos down here. Unacceptable

[Brian Madigan @bmadigan_36]

What a mess, Mets play later so entire Citi Field parking is off limits for US Open parking? This is a logistics nightmare and causing massive backups!

[andrea montalbano @soccersisters]

@alecko11 @GOALSarmenia @UEFAcom Thank you @alecko11 !!!!!!!

[andrea montalbano @soccersisters]

See this Instagram post by @uefa_official https://t.co/QiEBYIe2j1

[Wesleyan Athletics @wes_athletics]

Support came from several sources, many of which are Wes alums and parents, including lead donors Peter ‘72 and Jeff Hicks ‘67. Upon completion, the AstroTurf surface will be named Hicks Field in recognition of their leadership gifts made in support of women’s athletics at Wes ❤️

[Noubar Afeyan @NoubarAfeyan]

Thank you senators. Cassidy, Markey Urge State Department to Help Secure Release of Political Prisoners Held by Azerbaijan | U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy https://t.co/9ASBVDhC5V

[andrea montalbano @soccersisters]

Portero! Great save and undefeated run for my son and his team @micfootballcup Congrats WillJ #2025

[andrea montalbano @soccersisters]

@GothamFC The worst. You are the best you will be back. Reach out if we can help. Sadly know all about it …

[andrea montalbano @soccersisters]

@NoubarAfeyan @FlagshipPioneer Congrats!

[Noubar Afeyan @NoubarAfeyan]

The human rights abuses witnessed in the wake of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict demand urgent attention and action. Proud to raise my voice in concert with this esteemed group of leaders. Please raise yours.

https://t.co/ATFIP4LV5C

[Gotham FC @GothamFC]

🥹🖤

[Wesleyan Athletics @wes_athletics]

⚽️ | Cardinals earn at-large bid to make third straight NCAA Tournament appearance https://t.co/PGEMRpqneT

[Football Federation of Armenia @OfficialArmFF]

🇦🇲👏
Lusine Kostanyan's long-range free kick secures 1:0 win over Luxembourg U-19 team.
This is Armenian Women's U-19 team’s first win in an official match in 14 years.

[andrea montalbano @soccersisters]

@Ian_Gay_briel someone else needs to explain that "get the fuck out of here with that shit," doesn't actually mean leave the deli. just order better.

[andrea montalbano @soccersisters]

Thanks, John! any football (soccer lovers) will understand how much sport can unify! Please check it out.

[John Heffern @AmbHeffern]

https://t.co/4nsZWbECR0 -- check this out -- super group doing great work in Armenia.

[John Heffern @AmbHeffern]

GOALS fundraising campaign on @re_armenia platform. reArmenia connects Armenians globally. projects receive vital support: knowledge, experience, connections+funds. Click here to visit our campaign.

[John Heffern @AmbHeffern]

https://t.co/4nsZWbECR0 -- check this out -- super group doing great work in Armenia.

[Sam Brownback @SamuelBrownback]

Now is not the time for ambiguity in America's foreign policy. @POTUS must make clear that aggression by #Azerbaijan against #Armenia will NOT be tolerated. Enforcing sanctions on military aid is only a start. @SecDef needs to visit Armenia immediately.

https://t.co/9J6bbHshIo