About Us
Building the future of Armenian education, one student at a time.
Our Mission
A country's future is not measured only in land or history, but in who is given the chance to learn and grow within it. In today's Armenia, repeated crises have made access to education uneven, leaving many children in low-income communities without resources that should never be considered a privilege.
The Armenian Youth Education Aid (AYEA) was founded on a simple belief: that Armenian children deserve the opportunity and tools to shape their own futures. As members of the diaspora, we see education not as a charity but as a responsibility — a responsibility of Armenians the same age as Armenians living in Armenia to help provide the same quality of education to our brothers and sisters in the homeland. Based in Los Angeles, AYEA works to expand access to educational resources, technology, and global learning opportunities for youth in Armenia's long-term stability, creativity, and self-determination. We invite young people who care deeply about Armenia's future to actively participate in building it thoughtfully, deliberately, and together.
Our Values
At AYEA, we believe that education is the key to a brighter future. We are committed to improving access to quality education in underserved communities, with a special focus on Armenia. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential, regardless of their circumstances or background.
Education as a Right and Responsibility
Belief that every child deserves access to education and that diaspora Armenians have a duty to help provide it.
Equity and Access
Ensuring that children in low-income communities have the same opportunities as those in more urban communities.
Sustainability and Long-Term Impact
Supporting initiatives that contribute to Armenia's long-term stability, advancement, and self-determination.
Youth Engagement
Encouraging young people to actively participate in creating meaningful change.
Our Story
AYEA was founded by Margarita Simonyan and Diana Arakelian on August 26, 2021 — when Margarita was 15 and Diana was 16. In the aftermath of the 2020 Artsakh War, Margarita felt helpless and wanted to create something with lasting impact. The answer she found was education.
Having known Diana only loosely, Margarita was deeply inspired by her advocacy and passion for Armenia. She sent Diana a DM with her idea. Diana didn't hesitate — she didn't ask how, or even what. She simply asked, “Where do we start?”
Over the past four years, the two of them — alongside their executive board — have accomplished more than their high school selves could have imagined. Through it all, their passion for Armenia and commitment to education have never wavered.
Our Board
Margarita Simonyan
Founder and President
Margarita Simonyan
Founder and President
Margarita Simonyan founded AYEA in 2021 to support the long-term development of Armenia by expanding equal access to quality education and empowering the nation’s future leaders. Visiting villages across Armenia each year, she has seen firsthand both the challenges students face and their deep desire to learn and grow. She studies International Relations and Russian at Stanford University.
Diana Arakelian
Co-Founder and Vice-President
Diana Arakelian
Co-Founder and Vice-President
Diana Arakelian co-founded AYEA in 2021 and plays an active role in leading its program development and advocacy initiatives that support students across Armenia and the diaspora. Motivated by her background as an Armenian-American and child of immigrants, she believes education is fundamental to both social mobility and national progress. She studies Political Science at the University of California, San Diego, with an interest in law and public policy.
Emily Tarverdyan
Secretary
Emily Tarverdyan
Secretary
Emily Tarverdyan serves as the Secretary of AYEA and has been a member of the organization since 2025. She helps coordinate AYEA’s operations, communications, and student outreach, and is committed to strengthening educational opportunities for young people across Armenia and the diaspora. Drawing on her studies in Information (Computer) Science and International Politics at Columbia University, she is passionate about building data-driven systems that expand access, opportunity, and long-term educational development.
Maria Muradyan
Treasurer
Maria Muradyan
Treasurer
Maria Muradyan serves as the Treasurer of AYEA and has been a member of the organization since 2022. In her role, she oversees the organization’s financial planning, budgeting, and overall management of funds, tracks grants and donations, and ensures that AYEA’s resources are used effectively to support its educational programs and development initiatives. She believes that investing in Armenia’s youth is vital for the country’s future and is currently completing her degree in Political Science at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Rubina Mnatsakanyan
Fundraising Chairperson
Rubina Mnatsakanyan
Fundraising Chairperson
Rubina Mnatsakanyan serves as the Fundraising Chairperson of AYEA and has been a member of the organization since 2024. In her role, she coordinates and develops fundraising initiatives that support educational projects in Armenia, giving her firsthand insight into the issues surrounding educational disparities and the importance of advocacy. She is currently studying International Relations and History at Glendale Community College.
Jacqueline Khdrlaryan
Social Media Manager
Jacqueline Khdrlaryan
Social Media Manager
Jacqueline Khdrlaryan serves as the Social Media Manager of AYEA and has been a member of the organization since 2024. She deeply cherishes supporting the next generation of Armenia’s youth and values the meaningful work her team does to advance equal and accessible education, connect with students through social media by highlighting AYEA’s journey and projects, and promote learning initiatives. She is currently studying Political Science at Glendale Community College.
Ellen Meroyan
Historian
Ellen Meroyan
Historian
Ellen Meroyan serves as the Historian of AYEA and has been a member of the organization since 2024. Joining to support underprivileged children in Armenia led her to recognize the undeniable need for educational reform and the importance of AYEA’s mission for the future of Armenian youth. Currently, she studies Business Administration at Los Angeles Pierce College.
Join Our Mission
Whether you're a student seeking support, a professional willing to mentor, or a donor wanting to make a difference, there's a place for you in our community.