Global Mentoring Walk held in Armenia for the first time: 18 mentors and 36 mentees unite for change

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The Global Mentoring Walk Armenia took place for the first time in Yerevan, bringing together accomplished professionals from diverse sectors and purpose-driven young people. Organized for 19 years across 60 countries in celebration of International Women’s Day, this global initiative originated in the United States as a platform for sharing leadership experience.

The initiative was introduced to Armenia by Hayasa Tahmazyan, a member of the Vital Voices Global Leadership Network and a social impact innovator.

“The goal of the event is to cultivate a culture of mentorship and to promote the transfer of experience and wisdom across generations in Armenia. We recognize that leadership is also a social responsibility that involves creating opportunities and sharing accumulated knowledge and expertise with those who are on their professional growth journey,” said Hayasa Tahmazyan.

The Armenian edition brought together 18 accomplished mentors who walked and shared their experience with 36 mentees.

“Today’s gathering was highly symbolic, taking place on the day of spring renewal. It is truly remarkable how new connections can create new forms of unity and collaboration. I am very glad to have been part of this initiative. Mentorship is a practice for transferring experience and knowledge that is as old and as traditional as humanity itself. I hope this practice of connection and trust-building will expand across society,” said mentor Marina Mkhitaryan, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Impact at Armenia Tree Project.

The official program began at the Cinema House in Yerevan, from where participants embarked on a mentoring walk to the Cafesjian Sculpture Garden.

“I really appreciated how this format was launched. As someone who values continuous education, the exchange of experience, and leadership development, I decided to participate. I am grateful to our mentor for the open conversation, as well as for sharing an inspiring personal story and perspectives,” said mentee Tigran Minasyan, who has a background in engineering.

Throughout the walk, mentors and mentees engaged in open and honest discussions about career development, making difficult decisions, and the real costs of leadership.

The mentors of the first Global Mentoring Walk Armenia included: Nazik Avdalyan, World and European Weightlifting Champion and Founder and Executive Director of the Nazik Avdalyan Sports Development Foundation; Degan Valentine, Country Director for American Councils for International Education in Armenia; Marina Mkhitaryan, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Impact at Armenia Tree Project; Serob Khachatryan, education expert; Narine Tadevosyan, management and business development consultant; Sophy Nersisyan, specialist in humanitarian and development program management; Elena Alina Popescu, World Champion in Athletics; Narine Nazaryan, Director of Armenpress News Agency; Tatevik Simonyan, Co-founder of SPRING PR and Founder of Doing Digital Forum; Karine Sarkissian, Chief Executive Officer of the ZINAPAH National Foundation for Servicemen Insurance; Hasmik Movsisian, Founder of the Women of Armenia Network; Lika Mkrtchyan, communication and management specialist; Vahe Arzumanyan, Founder and President of the “White Cane” NGO; Elen Jaghinyan, Partner and Director at Premium Consultant; Gayane Mkrtchyan, Program Director at Eurasia Partnership Foundation; Marianna Khababyan, Founder and CEO of Incub Marketing LLC; Armine Haroyan, Executive Director of the Armenian Educational Foundation in Armenia; and Nver Sargsyan, international development and human rights specialist.