August 2026

BETHESDA, MD—On the evening of May 2, 2026, the Armenian Youth Federation – Youth Organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Washington D.C. “Ani” Chapter proudly hosted its second annual Capital Ball. The evening brought together AYF alumni, ungers and ungerouhis, parents and supporters from the Greater Washington D.C. area and throughout the Eastern U.S. to

I haven’t been the person standing behind the podium in a couple years now so I’m a little rusty but it is truly my pleasure to speak to you all tonight. As some of my fellow AYF members may know, this is my last year in the AYF and I will be aging out at

Tonight we are inspired by the very first community event our chapter hosted in 1942 — a cherry blossom themed celebration, a pinnacle symbol of Washington DC, that marked our founding. Just as our chapter carries the name Ani, the historic capital of Armenia, this event symbolizes a bridge between two capitals – Washington, DC

I joined the AYF when I was just 8 years old. Even then, something about the energy and the community drew me in. AYF meetings, events, and especially Junior Seminar are some of my most vivid childhood memories. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize just how valuable those experiences were. I still clearly