AIWA-SF Thrive: Aleen Laura Khanjian

THRIVE is an AIWA-SF April project dedicated to highlighting Armenians who are doing amazing things in their personal and professional lives to better themselves and those around them.  These individuals are inspiring, dynamic, innovative and interesting. Today we feature Aleen Laura Khanjian.

Name: Aleen Laura Khanjian || Attorney, Khanjian Law (in Glendale, CA; www.khanjianlaw.com)

Aleen L. Khanjian graduated with honors from the University of Southern California (USC) in 2001, where she majored in Political Science. She received her law degree, in 2004, from Loyola Law School—Los Angeles and was admitted to the California State Bar in November of that same year.

Ms. Khanjian has more than 15 years of broad civil litigation experience she acquired as a Law Clerk and Associate at Los Angeles boutique firms, and later as a State and Local Tax Associate in the Corporate Tax Department of a national law firm. She has worked both as a Family Lawyer, representing parties in child custody, child support, and spousal support hearings. She has worked in Probate law, dealing with inheritance matters, guardianships and conservatorships in highly contentious family situations. She has also represented and defended parties in Domestic Violence hearings. Through her work in Corporate Tax, she also represented large corporations, against the State of California, at the administrative level, as well as in Court.

Ms. Khanjian is a dedicated professional and a fierce advocate.  Her multi-faceted experience allows her to utilize her talent for writing, speaking, research, analysis and organization, not just in the legal realm but in the non-profit sector, as well.

Ms. Khanjian was born and raised in Pasadena, California. She is a creative, analytical and dedicated attorney with exceptional communication skills. She enjoys writing, fitness, travel and theater.

Here is what Aleen had to say about the following:

Philosophy in life — I strive to make my faith in God the center of my life. In doing so, I hope to embrace the tenets of humility, gratefulness, simplicity, and authenticity in the face of adversity.  I make every effort to bring comfort to my clients, so we can stand strong—together—in the face of the conflict they experience in their lives.

Your hope for the future — First and foremost, I hope attorneys, especially Armenian attorneys, continue to work together and put passion over profit, to make sustained contributions to the lives of those who are less fortunate. Secondly, I hope all young Armenians believe that they can thrive and succeed in whatever career they pave for themselves. This is why I served an Armenian non-profit so passionately for so many years.  I mentored youth and even allowed them to intern with me, at the office. Growing up, no one ever held me back from accomplishing the goals I set for myself. I want to ensure that other young Armenians experience that same encouragement. Finally, I hope that Armenians, blur the lines as to where they are from, what political party they represent, what church they go to, and work in unity, to empower men, women, and youth to achieve recognition and make an impact around the world.

Why are you passionate about your professional activities? — In my career, I deliberately chose a field that went beyond simply fighting over a dollar amount. I wanted to deal with real life and human relationships—relationships between spouses, siblings, parents and children. I adore the subject matter I work with. I want to feel my days in Court matter—that they are going to change a person’s life profoundly.

What does being an Armenian professional mean to you? — Whenever I explain to someone who is not Armenian– the importance of our culture and language–they do not completely understand the concept. As Armenians, we were transplanted from place to place, involuntarily, and it’s a big deal for us to keep our culture alive. We are a relatively tiny ethnic group and it is so easy to get lost among the masses. Almost scarily easy.  At least as far as my lineage goes, we were not able to maintain a geographic continuity.  But the fact that we do maintain our language, culture, faith, and heritage—that’s huge!  And so, as an Armenian professional, I consciously try to be a positive representative of my career, as well as my culture, to everyone I meet.

~

About AIWA-SF:

The Armenian International Women’s Association is a dynamic global 501(c)3 dedicated to empowerment, education and enrichment. Through many projects and initiatives,  AIWA is dedicated to inspiring, empowering and connecting Armenian women worldwide.

AIWA-SF is an affiliate chapter of the Armenian International Women’s Association,  the EIN #: 04-3113182. Donations marked for AIWA-SF are routed to the affiliate chapter.

To get involved with the AIWA-SF affiliate, please visit http://www.aiwasanfrancisco.com or send an email to aiwasanfrancisco@gmail.com. We are grateful for all donations. To help us promote progress, contributions can be mailed to: AIWA-SF 15559 Union Ave #227 Los Gatos CA 95032