For the seventh consecutive year, the Nerouj committee of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America proudly hosted its signature New Connect event on June 4, 2025 — an inspiring evening dedicated to career mentorship, networking, and community building among young Armenian professionals.

Since its founding in 2017, New Connect has become a cornerstone of the Nerouj mission, welcoming nearly 100 guest panelists to date from a wide array of fields including law, media, public service, technology, education, and entrepreneurship. Each year, the event draws a diverse and dynamic crowd of students, early-career professionals, and industry leaders for meaningful conversation and connection.

This year’s panel featured an exceptional group of Armenian-American changemakers:

Armine Galstyan, Principal at SmartGateVC and Managing Director at Hero House Glendale

Zaven Keuroghlian, Co-Founder & CEO of Zartonk Media

Sona Movsesian, Executive Assistant to Conan O'Brien, author, and media personality

Nareg Mouradian, President & CEO of Maestro Development, LLC

The conversation was skillfully moderated by Silva Harapetian, veteran journalist and active Nerouj committee member, who guided a powerful discussion on identity, resilience, and leadership in today’s professional world. Silva masterfully balanced the dialogue between overcoming the challenges of being Armenian in today’s landscape, and the power of trusting in God — encouraging attendees to root their professional journeys in both perseverance and faith.

Led by Chairlady Silvana Vartanian, the Nerouj committee once again demonstrated its commitment to creating high-impact opportunities for Armenian youth. From start to finish, the evening reflected a shared dedication to lifting one another up through faith, heritage, and collective ambition.

In his closing message, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian praised the Nerouj initiative for preparing a new generation of professionals to boldly pursue their callings while remaining grounded in their cultural and spiritual values. He emphasized the Diocese’s unwavering support for empowering Armenian youth in all facets of life.

The event concluded with a vibrant networking reception, offering attendees a chance to connect with peers and mentors across various industries — sparking not only conversations, but future collaborations.

As the Nerouj vision continues to expand, New Connect remains a shining example of what happens when purpose-driven mentorship meets cultural pride.

For more information about upcoming Nerouj events or to get involved, we invite you to visit www.nerouj.com and follow us on social media at @nerouj_wd on Instagram and facebook.com/nerouj on Facebook.