Armenian Identity Beyond Armenia: A Conversation with Elen Asatryan

Glendale is home to one of the largest Armenian communities in the United States. For decades, its Armenians have built institutions, businesses and political influence, while maintaining strong ties with Armenia.

One of the prominent Armenian-American figures in the city’s political life today is Elen Asatryan. A member of the Glendale City Council since 2022, she served as mayor from 2024 to 2025, becoming the first Armenian-American woman and the first immigrant woman to hold the position.

Born in Armenia, Asatryan moved to Glendale as a child. She became involved in civic and political life at a young age and spent more than a decade working in Armenian-American community advocacy before entering elected office. In June 2026, she was re-elected to the City Council for a second term.

CivilNet sat down with Elen Asatryan to talk about Glendale, its Armenian community and the evolving connections between Armenians in the United States and Armenia.