ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program Fall 2025 Fellows Launch Careers in Nation’s Capital

ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program Fall 2025 Fellows Launch Careers in Nation’s Capital

— Winter 2026 Application Deadline Approaching December 1st

WASHINGTON, DC – The Fall 2025 cohort of the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program (CGP) has spent the past months building careers, forging connections, and strengthening the Armenian American presence across government, public policy, and advocacy sectors in Washington, D.C., reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

The five-member cohort – Isabella Balian, Alexander James, Sophia Movsisian, Noah Yedigarian, and Ofelia Yeghiyan – arrived in September representing diverse educational and professional backgrounds. Since then, they have participated in intensive professional development workshops, networked with Armenian American professionals across Capitol Hill and think tanks, and launched their careers in the nation’s capital.

Noah Yedigarian has already secured full-time employment in the cybersecurity field, while Isabella Balian continues her internship in a U.S. House of Representatives office, gaining invaluable experience in congressional operations and constituent services.

“As a former program participant, I know just how valuable and impactful this program is to college students looking to launch their careers in the Nation’s capital,” said ANCA Programs Director Michael Tatevossian. “Each new class of fellows arrives full of energy, purpose, and dedication – not only to advancing their own professional goals but also to strengthening the Armenian American presence in our nation’s capital. We are thrilled to host the Fall 2025 cohort and look forward to seeing their achievements in the months and years ahead.”

Fellows Reflect on Program Impact

The Fall 2025 fellows credit the program with providing essential mentorship, professional development, and community support as they navigate their early careers in Washington.

“The Capital Gateway Program has been a pivotal experience in beginning my career journey on the Hill,” said Isabella Balian. “I am so grateful to be learning from inspiring mentors and speakers who have established admirable careers in public policy. I look forward to leveraging the career development I’ve gained through CGP to search for full-time employment on the Hill.”

Noah Yedigarian shared, “The Capital Gateway Program has helped me reconnect with the Armenian community while giving me a real chance to find employment in a competitive job market. It’s been great meeting people who share the same background and drive to build something for themselves. I’m incredibly grateful for the ANCA and the community’s support as I work toward building a meaningful career in cybersecurity and finding ways to give back through volunteer work.”

Alexander James explained, “The ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program gave me an incredible firsthand experience in Washington, DC, immersing me in the fast-paced world of public policy and professional advocacy. I’m deeply grateful for the mentors, staff, and peers whose support, guidance, and encouragement made my time in the nation’s capital so meaningful and transformative.”

Ofelia Yeghiyan reflected, “This program has been an incredible opportunity that I will always be grateful for. The mentorship, guidance, and support this program provides are invaluable and go such a long way in helping fellows accomplish their dreams of finding a future in DC. I’ve been fortunate to be encouraged and supported by a wonderful community of bright, motivated Armenians—and having that sense of community in such a big city is something truly special.”

Sophia Movsisian summed up her experiences this way, “As I near the end of my fellowship with the Armenian National Committee of America, I am truly grateful for this experience. Being surrounded by passionate advocates and immersed in meaningful work in our nation’s capital has shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. The opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to impactful advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. have been inspiring, and I’m thankful for everything this program has given me.”

CGP Advisory Committee Looks Ahead

The CGP Advisory Committee, comprised entirely of program alumni, continues to mentor new fellows and guide the program’s evolution. Committee members offer career advice, professional connections, and hands-on support throughout each cohort’s journey.

“The Capital Gateway Program remains one of the ANCA’s most effective vehicles for fostering Armenian professional growth in D.C.,” said CGP Advisory Committee member Areni Margossian. “It’s rewarding to see each new cohort flourish—building confidence, community, and lifelong connections.”

“The CGP community has truly become a family,” noted Arsen Markarov, who chairs the CGP Advisory Committee. “It’s incredible to see alumni now serving as mentors, returning the same support that helped them years ago. That cycle of mentorship and growth is exactly what Hovig Apo Saghdejian’s legacy represents.”

Winter 2026 Session Applications Due December 1st

The ANCA is now accepting applications for the Winter 2026 Capital Gateway Program session, which begins January 13, 2026. The program provides young Armenian American professionals with three months of housing at the ANCA Aramian House, career development resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to launch successful careers in Washington, D.C.

Interested applicants can learn more and apply at anca.org/gateway. The application deadline is December 1, 2025.

The Capital Gateway Program is named after Hovig Apo Saghdejian, a beloved young community leader who lost his life in a tragic car accident and whose eternal memory continues to inspire new generations of Armenian Americans. His family generously established the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Memorial Fund in his memory and, over the past decade, has played a vital role in the program’s expansion. Substantial support has also been provided by the Aramian Family, Kirk Kerkorian’s Lincy Foundation, Gerry Cafesjian, Julian and Annette Setian, the Norman K. Miller Charitable Fund, Frank and Barbara Hekimian, and the Armenian American Veterans Post of Milford, Massachusetts.

The 2015 purchase of The Aramian House was made possible through a generous donation by the family of the late community leader and philanthropist Martha Aramian of Providence, R.I. The Aramian family—led by sisters Sue, the late Margo, and the late Martha—have long been among the most generous benefactors of ANCA programs as well as of charitable projects in the Armenian homeland and the diaspora.