BOSTON — The Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA) announced this week that Rachel Onanian Nadjarian has been named executive director of the non-profit organization, founded in 1991 and devoted to serving the needs of Armenian women throughout the world.
Nadjarian, who was elected to the AIWA Board in 2017, will assume the role in a full-time capacity, succeeding Jennifer Philips who served part-time as AIWA’s first executive director from 2016 to 2018.
“All of us at AIWA recognize how significant this time period is for our Diaspora and for Armenia,” states Ani Kharajian, chair of the AIWA Board. “We see a tremendous opportunity for us to make a greater impact in our communities and we are confident Rachel has the exact leadership, entrepreneurial capability and know-how to make it happen.”
Nadjarian’s hiring comes at a crucial time for the organization, which is seeking to reach wider audiences around the world and better meet the needs of Armenian women in the 21st century.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to lead AIWA in regenerating itself. I am confident we are ready — across the globe — to work more collaboratively and cooperatively in trying to understand the challenges facing Armenian women and in working to arrive at potential solutions. AIWA is poised to build upon its vision of empowerment and connectivity, and I look forward to driving the organization to its next level of impact,” Nadjarian said.
Nadjarian has more than 25 years of experience as a marketing and fundraising consultant for non-profits, and has held leadership positions in various non-profit organizations. She received her MBA from Boston University with Certification in Public and Non-Profit Management, and a BA in economics and sociology from Wellesley College.
