Maro Kechichian Named a "Woman of the Year" in the 29th Congressional District
Washington, D.C.– Yesterday, 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 was born and raised in Lebanon, where she received her early education and simultaneously became an active member of the Zavarian Student Association. With a passion for learning, Maro pursued a higher education, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Armenian Literature from St. Joseph University in Beirut, Lebanon. Prior to moving to the United States, Maro taught at Aksor Kassardjian, an Armenian school in a predominantly Armenian suburb of Beirut. She proved to be a valuable asset to the school, and was promoted to Director-- a position she held for eight years.
Maro 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.
Maro has been elected as a Regional Executive member for Homenetmen numerous times. Her expertise with issues related to Homenetmen leads her to take frequent part in its Central meetings. These meetings take place every four years, and allow Homenetmen leaders from around the world to gather and plan upcoming nationwide activities. It is also noteworthy that Maro 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, Maro not only continues supporting the region she visited, but also extends a helping hand to Nagorno-Karabakh.
Currently, Maro 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.
Rep. Schiff represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.
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