Founders
Rita Balian
“Each time we save a mother in Armenia, we save her entire family and, thus, our Nation.” – Rita Balian
Mrs. Rita Balian is the visionary founder of both the Armenian American Cultural Association, Inc. (AACA), and the Armenian American Wellness Center (AAWC) in Yerevan, Armenia. She currently serves as chair of AACA’s board of Directors
As a passionate advocate for public health, she identified an acute need for health services catered towards women and their families in her homeland as Armenia gained its independence from the Soviet Union. Mrs. Balian thus spearheaded AACA’s efforts in establishing and sustaining the AAWC in Armenia in the late 1990’s, providing critical medical care to thousands of patients in need, particularly for women’s health and cancer prevention.
Her lifelong dedication to humanitarian work has earned her numerous awards, including recognition for her contributions to healthcare, education, and philanthropy.
Mrs. Balian holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and child education from the American University of Beirut and continues to lead AACA’s mission with vision and dedication.
Vartkess Balian (1932-2008)
Mr. Vartkess Balian co-founded the Armenian American Cultural Association, Inc. with Rita Balian and was instrumental in developing, designing and building the Armenian American Wellness Center in Yerevan, Armenia.
Mr. Balian, who was fluent in five languages, received a bachelor’s degree in architecture and civil engineering from the American University of Beirut and emigrated to the United States in 1975 where he established a successful land development company in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
Throughout his life Mr. Balian was active in his philanthropic work on behalf of the Armenian people. He was a past president of the Central Committee of the AGBU and a trustee of the Armenian Assembly of America.
Board of Directors
Rita Balian
Board Chair
G. Sevag Balian
Board Vice-Chair and President
Aram S. Balian
Board Secretary and Member
