In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

AGBU
Melik Adamyan2/2
Yerevan, Erevan, 0010
Armenia

Arevik Anapiosyan

Partnerships Adviser at United Nations Armenia

With two MA degrees, a PhD, and a Harvard Business School graduation under her belt, Arevik Anapiosyan serves as the Partnerships and Development Finance Adviser at the United Nations Armenia. The former Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport of Armenia previously served as both the Executive Director and co-founder of the Institute of Public Policy think tank, in addition to holding a position on the Governing Board of the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. For the past 16 years, Arevik has specialized in development coordination and finance, political and corporate leadership, impact financing, and ESG. Passionate about education policy, she focuses on research in brain neuroscience. Throughout her career, she has taught Public Policy and Research, Western Political Thought, and Religion and Politics at YSU, AUA, and the University of Graz. She was also a visiting fellow at the University of Essex, University of Massachusetts, and University of Tartu.

Sophie Bostanchyan

Head of Division of Human Trafficking and Women's Issues, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of Armenia

Sophie Bostanchyan leads the Human Trafficking and Women Issues Division at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, championing human rights and gender equality. With over nine years of experience, she focuses on combating gender-based discrimination, human trafficking, and systemic injustices while empowering women. Sophie holds a Master’s degree in Jurisprudence from the Public Administration Academy of the Republic of Armenia and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Yerevan State University. Her strong academic background in legal frameworks and public policy supports her impactful work. Dedicated to advancing gender equality, Sophie is committed to creating a world with shared responsibilities and equal opportunities. Her passion for justice and social change drives her ongoing efforts to inspire and lead in her field. Outside of her professional life, Sophie enjoys both photography and traveling, with the shared goal of creating lasting memories.

Tatevik Stepanyan

Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of Armenia

Since 2020, Tatevik Stepanyan has served as Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of Armenia, leading the Department of Equal Opportunities, which addresses issues related to children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, women's rights, gender equality, and counter-trafficking. Holding qualifications as an English and German Language Specialist and Teacher from Brusov State University, she also completed courses on supporting children with reading and writing difficulties at UCL and on autistic spectrum disorders at the University of California, Davis. Tatevik participated in the Women's Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Communication Program at AUA, and is an equal consultant at "Recovery College," approved by the Armenian Psychiatric Association. While serving as General Manager at "EVANT Group" LLC from 2004 to 2020, she founded and led the "Step Forward" social NGO in 2017 and was also a member of Impact Hub Yerevan through the "Zartir Fellowship."

Victoria Aydinyan

Advisor to Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia

Victoria Aydinyan is a public policy and administration expert with over 8 years of experience in strategic planning, policy development, and public sector reform. She is the Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister, overseeing strategic and development aid coordination and public administration reforms. She has co-authored 9 national strategic documents and delivered more than 25 national initiatives on public management. Holding a Bachelor's in Political Science from YSU and a Master's in Political Science and International Relations from AUA, she is currently pursuing an executive education program in leadership and change management at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Her career progressed to the public sector in 2017 as a researcher at the Center for Strategic Initiatives. After two years as an Assistant to the Deputy Prime Minister, she advanced to Advisor to the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs and Pillar Lead for Public Administration Reforms at the Ministry of Justice.

Yelena Zohrabyan

Press Secretary for the Head of the Urban, Technical and Fire Safety Inspection Body

In 2019, Yelena Zohrabyan took on the dual roles of the Press Secretary to the Head of the Urban, Technical, and Fire Safety Inspection Body and as the Head of the Awareness, Consultation, and Public Affairs Department within the same Inspection Body under the RA Prime Ministry. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Foreign Languages and a Master's degree in Journalism from YSU. Currently, Yelena is pursuing a postgraduate course in New Media and Communication and a Master’s degree in Jurisprudence, aiming to become a lawyer. At YSU's Institute of Armenian Studies, she has been a junior researcher and Head of the Cyber Security and Data Analysis Department since 2012. She has also been a member of the Academic Council since 2013 and Vice-President of the Trade Union since 2015. Yelena has worked with Public TV of Armenia, "Vardananq" magazine, and the "Young Journalists" program. She has authored three scientific and two analytical articles and presented at numerous conferences and forums.