TUMO Raises $17 Million at 15th Anniversary Gala
Money will Support TUMO’s Continued Growth in Armenia; Event Emceed by Host of Nasdaq Listings Kristina Ayanian, with a Moving Performance by System Of A Down’s Serj Tankian
LOS ANGELES — Celebrating TUMO’s 15 years, gala held on Sunday highlighted the organization’s mission to deliver life-changing learning experiences to young people on a global scale, reflecting on its impact and growth while looking ahead to the next generation of students empowered through technology, creativity and innovation. The evening raised $17 million which will enable the organization’s continued growth and expansion in Armenia.
Taking place at Vibiana in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 20, guests were immersed in a striking visual light experience by People of Ar throughout the evening that brought the creativity of TUMO students to life. The installation was inspired by student sketches alongside work from TUMO’s 3D scanning program, through which students digitally preserved Armenian monasteries and cultural landmarks in territories that have fallen outside Armenian control as a result of war. Blending art, technology and cultural preservation, the experience offered a powerful look at how TUMO students are using their skills to connect creativity with history and heritage.
“Fifteen years ago, TUMO began with a simple belief: that when young people have the freedom to discover their talents, they have the power to shape not only their own futures, but the future of an entire nation,” said TUMO founders Sam and Sylva Simonian. “Since then, we’ve watched thousands of young people walk through TUMO’s doors and grow into confident young adults who know their ideas matter.”
The evening honored Vahe Kuzoyan, co-founder and President of ServiceTitan, Ara Mahdessian, co-founder and CEO of ServiceTitan, and Rev Lebaredian, Vice President of Physical AI Simulation at NVIDIA – who played a key role in launching Firebird, Armenia’s first high-performance AI computing cluster and establishing Armenia as a new strategic hub for artificial intelligence computing. Serj Tankian took the stage for a special performance, treating guests to several fan-favorites and offering an intimate glimpse into his latest work.
The live auction featured offerings including a private training session and lunch with UFC top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, a private tennis lesson with top tennis player Andre Agassi, and a private chess lesson from grandmaster Levon Aronian, adding to the funds raised throughout the evening.
Throughout the evening, TUMO leadership spoke on the impact the organization has made throughout the world, with TUMO CEO Marie Lou Papazian sharing, “people often assume that TUMO is a place where young people discover their passions, figure out what they want to do with their lives and build the skills they need to pursue competitive careers. And, of course, that’s all true. But I’ve come to understand that the real magic happens when our students discover, often to their own surprise, the incredible capabilities they had within them all along.”
The gala featured the sale of a one-of-a-kind ARARAT brandy created from spirits dating to 1991 as a tribute to the 35th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia. Donated through TUMO’s strategic partnership with Yerevan Brandy Company, the bottle reflects their shared commitment to Armenian heritage, creativity and future generations, with proceeds supporting TUMO’s continued expansion across Armenia.
Founded in Armenia in 2011, TUMO is a free, innovative educational program empowering teens through hands-on tech and design workshops, now serving 35,000+ students across 14+ countries. In Fall 2025, it expanded to LA with a North Hollywood center, launching with approximately 600 students, with plans to grow to 1,500 while connecting students to the region’s thriving entertainment and technology industries.
