U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff names Maro Kechichian “Woman of the Year”

March 30, 2011 - 10:41 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - At a reception in Pasadena, Representative Adam Schiff (CA-29) honored Maro Kechichian of Burbank for her commitment and service to our community by naming her a “Woman of the Year.”

“Maro’s tireless efforts have benefited all of our community and beyond,” Rep. Schiff said. “She is a dedicated participant in all her endeavors, bringing a dynamic energy to all of the activities in which she participates.”

Maro Kechichian was born and raised in Lebanon, where she received her early education and simultaneously became an active member of the Zavarian Student Association. She pursued a higher education, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Armenian Literature from St. Joseph University in Beirut, Lebanon. She immigrated to the United States in 1984 and joined Homenetmen’s Los Angeles Chapter, where she is an active member. She has served as a board member of Homenetmen Western Regional Executive Committee as a secretary for six terms. As a professional, she is a trusted team member who helps organize regional and international events, including the renowned annual Navasartian Games of Southern California.

Kechichian was a reporter for Asbarez Armenian Daily Newspaper for 20 years, and covered news from Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. In 1990, Maro was appointed to a special project aimed at establishing a Homenetmen region in Armenia. She stayed in Armenia for three months and was solely committed to this effort. Ever since then, she not only continues supporting the region she visited, but also extends a helping hand to Nagorno-Karabakh. Currently, she serves as an Executive Secretary at the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of the Western Region, and is an advisor for Homenetmen’s Los Angeles Chapter. She is also an active volunteer, and spends numerous hours helping Armenian Relief Society’s Araz chapter and various fundraising committees.

Every March, during Women’s History Month, Rep. Schiff honors one outstanding woman from each of the communities in the 29th Congressional District. These women come from all walks of life and represent the thousands of women who make a positive impact in our region. While there are no specific criteria for nomination, Rep. Schiff looks for women who - through their work or volunteerism - have improved the quality of life for our community, Asbarez reports.