WATERTOWN — The primary mission of New Paths Bridging Armenian Women is to build an on-line community where Armenian women can access the level of help they need to achieve their definition of success. New Paths is an informal group of volunteers willing to share information and advice, including career assistance, mentorship, sharing knowledge, inspirational stories, helping to discover their special talents, and having meaningful discussions of daily concerns and challenges. With a safe, commercial free network, located on Facebook, members also have opportunity to access online educational series.
In addition, the group provides quarterly gatherings in the Greater Boston area to share helpful information on topics concerning women. Members have opportunity to expand their social and professional network, and create new and meaningful friendships. Membership and events are provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of corporate sponsors and individual donors.
On May 4, New Paths kicked off their first gathering at the Armenian Museum of America (ALMA) with a forum titled, “Women Walking with Confidence” with keynote speaker Rachel Kaprielian, vice president of the Massachusetts Community and Government Affairs Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Guest Speaker, Kristin Asadourian, professional life coach.
Michelle Kolligian, president of the museum board, welcomed guests with opening remarks and a brief history of the museum. Members were greeted with light jazz music provided by Levon Hovsepian while having refreshments, giving members time to meet guest speakers and network.
The program started with Asadourian’s interactive exercise to help work through fears, vulnerability, and lack of confidence. Members connected immediately with Asadourian’s suggestions. She also provided printed handouts for members to take home with helpful tips to practice daily.
Kaprielian shared her challenges and successful campaigning experiences when running for the state House of Representatives and spoke about the importance of being surrounded with the support from the network of family, friends and the Armenian community. The evening concluded with the drawing of a raffle prize donated by Verdi Studios of Arlington and local artist, Karine Abgaryan donated two hand-painted scarves as a token of appreciation to guest speakers.
