ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY TO HOST ARMENIAN AMERICANS IN ENTERTAINMENT AND MEDIA PANEL LIGHTS, CAMERA, ADVOCATE

· October 10, 2025

Pasadena, CA – The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) will host a panel featuring Armenian Americans in film, entertainment, and media on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 4:00PM at the University Club of Pasadena.

Building on the success of our 2025 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., which featured Emmy Award-winning Actor Joe Manganiello, the Armenian Assembly of America will present a panel and discussion and reception highlighting prominent Armenian Americans in film, media, and entertainment.

Michael Agbabian

Co-President of Mission Control Media, a 30-year television industry veteran, and an alumnus of the Armenian Assembly’s Terjenian-Thomas Washington D.C. Internship Program. Agbabian has produced numerous hit game shows and reality TV programs.

Michael Goorjian

Emmy Award-winning actor, writer, and director of the Oscar-shortlisted film Amerikatsi, shot entirely in Armenia. Goorjian’s powerful storytelling reflects the Armenian experience through a global cinematic lens.

Teni Melidonian

Chief Oscars Officer at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and an alumna of the Armenian Assembly’s Terjenian-Thomas Washington D.C. Internship Program. Melidonian has risen to become a key leader in the world’s most prestigious awards ceremony.

Sona Movsesian

Longtime assistant and collaborator of late-night television icon Conan O’Brien, Sona is now a leading figure behind O’Brien’s podcast and radio productions. Her career has blended humor, media savvy, and cultural pride.

Moderated by Armen Karaoghlanian

Founder of the Armenian Film Society, whose deep passion for cinema and advocacy for Armenian voices in entertainment uniquely positions him to lead this important and engaging conversation.

The Panel will be followed by:

An Interactive Question & Answer Session
Recognition of Rising Leaders
A Special Reception with Hosted Bar and Appetizers

“I’m thrilled to be sharing the stage with this incredible panel of Armenians. Everyone is a testament to the creativity and tenacity of our culture. I’m sure I’ll be hit with a bout of imposter syndrome before getting up there,” shared panelist, and Conan O’Brien’s Executive Assistant, Sona Movsesian.

Much like our broader community, each of the panelists has found his or her own way to advocate for Armenia and on pro-Armenian issues. The panelists will discuss their journeys and how they foresee advocating for Armenia now and in the future. The discussion will address the central challenge of telling our story by using our platforms for advocacy.

The event is open to the public. Proceeds will benefit the advocacy, education, and research programs of the Assembly. Please register for the Assembly’s Panel and Reception here.

For information about event sponsorship packages (which include reserved seating and digital and print recognition), tickets, or membership status, please contact David Ojakian, Assembly Western Region Director, at dojakian@aaainc.org or 626-577-0025 or Mary Jo Bazarian, Director of Development and Membership, at mjbazarian@aaainc.org or 202-481-3335.