United AIO to Host Virtual Conference ‘Building Armenia Together: Wiser & Stronger’
BOCA RATON, FL – Florida Armenians would like to invite you to participate in the newly launched United Armenian Inter-Org (United AIO) first virtual conference entitled “Building Armenia Together: Wiser & Stronger” that will take place on June 5, 2021. Diaspora Armenians from around the world are encouraged to participate and submit proposals on the following criteria: Health; Security; Innovation & Education; Business; and PR & Advocacy.
The deadline for submissions is May 15, 2021. FLArmenians.com is a proud partner of United AIO.
Miss Universe Armenia Monika Grigoryan Coming to South Florida
HOLLYWOOD, FL – With fans from across the world watching, the 69th Miss Universe Competition will take place on Sunday, May 16, 2021 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL. Among the contestants present will be 21 year old Monika Grigoryan, Miss Universe Armenia, who will be competing for the world title of Miss Universe.
Ms. Grigoryan departed Armenia and is already in the U.S. She landed in New York City over the weekend and is making her way down to South Florida.
From Vanadzor, Armenia, Grigoryan is currently a senior at the Yerevan Brusov State University of Languages and Social Sciences majoring in linguistics and foreign languages. She works as a communications specialist within public relations at a logistics company and works as a translator for people all across the globe.
She also spends time working at a children’s modeling agency and teaches catwalk lessons to improve the confidence in the aspiring talent. Monika has also had the opportunity to star in 24 Armenian and Indian music videos over the years.
Volunteering plays an important role in Monika’s life. After her father died, she struggled psychologically and emotionally. She’s created a team of volunteers that help bring light to children struggling with disease and poverty to help them with the issues she faced as a kid. She is hopeful for a future without war and spent the year uniting those affected.
You can follow her journey from Armenia to South Florida on Instagram @_monika.99_.
Florida Media Outlets Report on Local Armenian American Community’s Response to Biden’s Genocide Declaration
BOCA RATON, FL – As all eyes were on the White House last month, the Armenian American community was hyper mobilized in pressing the White House to fulfill President Biden’s pledge to recognize the Armenian Genocide as President on April 24.
With all signs pointing in the right direction and anticipation of the President’s genocide declaration building by the day, two Florida media outlets covered the local Armenian American community’s response.
“Florida Armenians here and across the state welcomed President Joe BIden’s recognition of Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day April 24” The Boca Voice posted on their Facebook page.
Later in the day, a headline from the Tampa Bay Times read “Biden’s recognition of genocide brings Florida’s Armenians relief.” Tampa Bay Times‘ breaking news reporter Josh Fiallo’s heartfelt reporting was the first major Florida newspaper to cover the President’s historic statement.
On Sunday, April 25, the Times devoted another story to the local Armenian American community on the west coast of Florida. Reporting “Genocide victims remembered on Red Sunday at Pinellas Armenian Church,” Times reporter Anastasia Dawson went to St. Hagop Armenian Church in Pinellas Park and spoke with Rev. Fr. Hovnan Demerjian and several parishioners.
“Demerjian, pastor at St. Hagop’s, called Biden’s statement ‘the healing of a wound’ that was a ‘long time in the making,'” he told the Tampa Bay Times. =
While no other newspaper or media outlet in Florida covered President Biden’s acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide (reprinting the AP doesn’t count), Armenian Americans in Florida should be pleased to know that the Tampa Bay Times, that state’s largest newspaper, gave them ample coverage and connected with St. Hagop’s parishioners, and that our local reporters and outlets like the The Boca Voice truly listen to their community members and amplify their stories.
Florida Armenians 