AWWA Podcast: Armenian Voices

AWWA Podcast: Armenian Voices

di Armenian Women’s Welfare Association
No-Profit
Stagione 1
Dancing Across Generations: Lilian Tahmasian’s Armenian Story from Australia
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.
S1 · E26
21 apr 2026
4:51
Open Doors, Open Hearts: Narine Minasyan on Armenian Hospitality and Identity
Esplicito
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.
S1 · E25
6 apr 2026
8:48
The Taste of Being Armenian: Kristel Arabian on Food, Memory, and Identity
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.
S1 · E24
23 mar 2026
5:24
From Law Offices to Forests: Jean-Marie Papelian’s Journey with Armenia Tree Project
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.
S1 · E23
9 mar 2026
9:40
From Yeghegnadzor to Game Worlds: Arsine Mkrtchyan’s Digital Heritage
Esplicito
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.
S1 · E22
24 feb 2026
4:37
From Abkhazia to America: Building Roots, Systems, and Self
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.
S1 · E21
9 feb 2026
19:17
Coming Home to Heal: Anna’s Medical Journey from Syunik to the World
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.
S1 · E20
26 gen 2026
9:14
Diaspora Dreams in Sound: Krista Marina’s Musical Language
Esplicito
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.
S1 · E19
12 gen 2026
14:23
Between Language, Lens, and Stage: Nare Navasardyan’s Creative Inquiry
Esplicito
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.
S1 · E18
29 dic 2025
14:23
Building Homes, Building Power: The Armenian-American Journey of Davit Melikian
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.
S1 · E17
15 dic 2025
14:23
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