Supervisor Barger Honors Local Armenian Community Leaders as Armenian History Month Wraps Up

As Armenian History Month draws to a close, County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents Pasadena, bestowed honors on three exemplary individuals of Armenian heritage, commemorating their resilience, compassion, and commitment to service. 

In a ceremony held during the LA County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, Barger said the three Armenian Americans have made an indelible mark on the vibrant Armenian community in Los Angeles County and beyond.

“Just as we commemorated the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide this month, we must also take time to recognize the vibrant culture and contributions of our fellow Armenian neighbors, community members and leaders,” Barger said in a statement. “We are fortunate to have the Armenian spirit alive and thriving in Los Angeles County.”  

Nyree Derderian, a stalwart figure in humanitarian efforts, has dedicated nearly three decades of her life to important roles on the Central Executive Board of the Armenian Relief Society.  She has led critical initiatives, from providing aid to victims of war in Artsakh to delivering assistance to those affected by the devastating Lebanon blast. Derderian’s commitment includes educating and empowering Armenian youth through lectures and leadership roles “in order to reach and have an impact on the next generation,” the statement said. 

In response, Derderian said the recognition holds immense significance for her and signifies the acknowledgment and appreciation of the contributions made by American Armenians in Los Angeles. 

“This recognition validates our efforts and achievements being recognized beyond our community,” Derderian said. “It serves as a pivotal moment that reaffirms the value of work and motivates volunteers to continue our commitment to advancing the Armenian cause with hope and resilience within the Armenian community.”

Dr. Vartan Tachjdian, founder of the Byblos Babies Center and co-founder of the Armenian Medical World Congress, has shown a dedication to compassionate service. Born to Armenian genocide survivors in a Beirut refugee camp, Dr. Tachjdian’s journey led him to Los Angeles, where he tirelessly tends to the needs of the homeless as medical director of homeless programs. Now 90 years old, Dr. Tachjdian pursues poetry and writing, apart from his humanitarian endeavors. 

“It’s also a delight to be recognized by the County of Los Angeles where many of my hours have been spent on the streets treating the homeless and refugees,” Dr. Tachjdian said. “As a child of Armenian Genocide orphans, life has come full circle with my contributions to the Armenian as well as the general population. We can all improve our society’s well being with some work and simple kindness.”

Talin Yacoubian has a background in law and economics and is a prominent advocate for Armenian causes. Her leadership extends to teaching Legal Writing and Advocacy at USC Gould School of Law, where she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to education and community empowerment. In 2015, she organized the historic peaceful march of an estimated 160,000 people in Los Angeles on the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. 

“I am driven by a sense of duty not an expectation of thanks or accolades,” Yacoubian said in response to the recognition by Supervisor Barger. “However, when recognition is so generously and sincerely given, it truly warms my heart and motivates me even more. This recognition has certainly raised the bar and reinforced my commitment to serving our community with dedication and sincerity.”

Barger and fellow Supervisor Janice Hahn earlier filed a resolution in the Board of Supervisors declaring April as Armenian History Month in recognition of the “resilience, contributions, and struggles of the Armenian people.”