Los Angeles County bestowed honors upon two prominent Armenian American community leaders on Tuesday, during the celebration of Armenian Heritage Month. Supervisor Janice Hahn, paid tribute to the vibrant local Armenian American population and the notable achievements of Albert Tchoukadarian and Dr. Armond Aghakhanian, saying their contributions were essential to the county's diverse tapestry, according to an official statement.
"LA County's Armenian heritage runs deep. This is a community that found refuge here, and today is such a treasured part of our cultural, economic, and social fabric. And Albert and Armond are exceptional representatives for their community. Their contributions to business, education, opportunity, innovation, and so many other fields have changed lives and we are so fortunate to have them here," Hahn reportedly said.
Albert Tchoukadarian, recognized for his work with the American Armenian Businessmen Coalition, has been influential both in and out of Los Angeles County. With projects that include job placement programs for recent immigrants, rental assistance, and fostering safe business environments, Tchoukadarian is also known for extending his charitable efforts to Armenia and Lebanon, reflected in his annual trips providing financial and medical aid. "I'm humbled and honored and privileged," Tchoukadarian told the Board of Supervisors.
Dr. Aghakhanian, the other honoree, serves as Director of the East Los Angeles College (ELAC) Foundation and is the force behind ELAC’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Incubator, a regional first aimed at supporting diverse business owners. "Who would have thought that an 18-year-old who came from Germany as a refugee ... would be standing here today not only being honored by five fearless, determined and loving and caring women ... but also to be an elected official in the city of Burbank," said Aghakhanian, who is also the Vice President of the Burbank Board of Education, during his recognition ceremony.
The honors come as a part of Armenian History Month, which was established by Supervisor Kathryn Barger and the Board of Supervisors. The month celebrates the profound influence of the Armenian community in Los Angeles County, a relationship that has provided mutual cultural enrichment and growth. Both Tchoukadarian and Aghakhanian embody the resilient spirit of this relationship, blending their personal successes into the broader American narrative while contributing to the prosperity and diversity of the community they now call home.
