In November of 2020, Christine Soussa, the 2nd President of the Armenian International Women’s Association – San Francisco (AIWA-SF) affiliate, was nominated and appointed to the AIWA Global Board of Directors. As such, Laura Dirtadian has been elected President and Lilit Yenokyan as Vice President of the dynamic affiliate.
Laura, along with Gaiane Khachatrian, who served as the affiliate’s first President, and Lusine Yeghiazaryan re-established the SF affiliate in 2012 after AIWA’s Global 20th anniversary celebration. Laura was inspired by the multiple Armenian women who spoke on a variety of issues impacting Armenian women globally. She has been on the Executive Committee since its inception and has served as Vice President and Treasurer alongside Christine Soussa.
Lilit Yenokyan first met the AIWA-SF team at the Armenian Women in Leadership and Technology event in 2015, where she got motivated to take a more active role in the community. Lilit has since been involved with AIWA-SF affiliate, has spoken at multiple events, and has served on the SF Executive Committee since 2018.
Ms. Dirtadian and Yenokyan, alongside the rest of the SF Executive Committee, will continue to work with AIWA Global to support the overall mission of the organization, focus on recovery efforts of women and children displaced and impacted as a result of the Artsakh war, and will work to bring a focus to STEAM for women in Armenia.
She holds degrees in Political Science, International Studies and Spanish Literature from the University of CA Irvine. She is a mother of two young children, a daughter, sister and wife and is passionate about empowering women and Armenian causes.
Champions engineering and operational excellence with a mindset for continuously raising the bar. Manages complex technical projects and drives them to highly successful outcomes. Fosters a team-based culture grounded in collaboration, empowerment, accountability, and the development of great products. Visionary leadership who challenges the status-quo and conventional norms. Establishes beneficial connections and builds relationships that lead to robust strategic partnerships. Adheres to highly aggressive deadlines while never sacrificing quality.
She holds degrees in Political Science and English with emphasis in International Relations and Writing and Rhetoric, all from Pepperdine University. Christine is an avid community leader who is passionate about helping individuals and organizations reach their potential, overcome barriers, and exceed expectations through a “limitless growth mindset.”
AIWA San Francisco 
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