Armenian Engineers and Scientists Association

May The Fourth Trivia Night
2025-05-04 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Hero House @ HyeRise, 326 Mira Loma Ave, Glendale, CA, 91204, United States
May the Fourth – Trivia Night!
​Join AESA for a galactic evening of fun at our May the Fourth Trivia Night! Test your SciFi knowledge (and maybe a little more) in an epic battle of wits, facts, and fandom.
​Date: May 4, 2025 Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Location: Hero House
​Light refreshments will be served, and the Force will be strong with those who win—prizes await the top teams!
​Whether you’re a Jedi Master or just here for the snacks and laughs, it’s a night you won’t want to miss. Bring your friends, bring your trivia game!
​Wear your Star Wars swag if you’d like!
​Disclaimer:
​This event is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lucasfilm, Disney, or any official Star Wars entities. This is a fan event hosted by AESA for educational and entertainment purposes.

Resume and Interview Workshop by AESA
2025-05-21 18:30 - 21:00 | Hero House @ HyeRise, 326 Mira Loma Ave, Glendale, CA, 91204, United States
Resume and Interview Workshop by AESA
Date: May 21, 2025 Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Location: Hero House
Need a resume refresh or interview practice? We’ve got you covered. ✍️
Join us for an interactive Resume & Interview Workshop designed to help you stand out and succeed in your job search. Whether you’re entering the workforce or pivoting to a new role, this session will equip you with the tools to present yourself with confidence and clarity.
​The workshop will be led by Patrick Aleksanyan, founder and CEO of Top Tier Candidates, a premier recruiting firm known for delivering high-impact talent solutions. With nearly 20 years of experience leading talent initiatives for Fortune 100 and 500 companies, Patrick brings a wealth of industry knowledge on what employers are really looking for in resumes and interviews. 💼
​Participants will also receive a free professional headshot 📸 to use on LinkedIn or other career platforms—because first impressions matter.
📸 Photographer: Nayiri Pezeshkian, moments_and_memories_inc

Loot Boxes, Dragons, and Where the Game Industry Is Headed
2025-08-27 17:30 - 19:30 | Paperback Brewing Co., 422 Magnolia Ave., Glendale, CA, 91204, United States
Event Overview
What does it mean to succeed in today’s video game industry, and what does the road ahead really look like? Join me, Leo Natanian, for a casual deep dive into gaming’s future, drawing on experiences building RiotPay, launching the cozy MMO Palia, and leading teams at Skillz.
I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes stories about payment systems, global launches, regulatory shifts, and the challenges of scaling both infrastructure and creative vision. Along the way, I’ll highlight cultural dynamics, platform politics, and predictions for where the next wave of innovation may come from.
Expect bold insights, lively discussion, and the chance to connect with other leaders across the gaming community.

Key Topics

Good design still wins: Why single-player hits like Elden Ring prove creative vision continues to matter.

Global games require global awareness: Lessons from compliance, cultural values, and international markets.

The medium shapes the message: Why VR might fade like 3D TVs, and what storytelling means for the next era of games.

About the Speaker
Leo Natanian is a product and engineering leader with a background spanning AAA games, monetization platforms, and emerging studios. At Riot Games, he served as the technical product lead for RiotPay, the global payments system behind League of Legends, Valorant, and Teamfight Tactics.
He later joined Singularity6, helping launch Palia, a cozy MMO later acquired by Daybreak (EverQuest). At Skillz, he worked on the complexities of monetizing mobile games amid platform restrictions. Based in Los Angeles, Leo remains an active voice in both tech and gaming communities.

Why Attend
This event isn’t just about listening—it’s about connecting. Alongside my talk, you’ll meet other professionals shaping the gaming industry. Whether you’re a developer, designer, marketer, or simply passionate about where games are going, this is a chance to trade ideas and build new connections.

Women Leaders in Technology- Glendale Tech Week 2025
2025-09-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Hyatt Place Glendale, 225 W Wilson Ave, Glendale, CA, 91203, United States
🚀 Celebrating Women Leaders in Technology | Glendale Tech Week 2025
Join us for an inspiring evening of leadership, innovation, and connection as we spotlight women driving change in the tech industry.
📅 Date: September 3, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Hyatt Place, Glendale, CA
🌟 Featured Speakers:
• Beth Hilbing — Program Manager & Principal IT Business Partner, Boeing
• Araz Khodabakhshian, PhD — Senior Technical Product Manager, Disney
• Rachel Yegiaian — CIO, Spectrolab & IT Business Success Leader, Boeing
🎤 Moderator:
• Araksiya Nadjarian — CEO, ConnectTo Communications
This dynamic panel will highlight the journeys of women leaders shaping the future of technology. Expect insights on leadership, innovation, and breaking barriers in STEM.
✨ Co-Sponsored by:
• IEEE Young Professionals
• IEEE Women in Engineering San Fernando Valley Chapter (WIE)
👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, grow, and network with industry trailblazers. Scan the QR code on the flyer to register!

Speed Networking Mixer
2025-09-25 19:00 - 22:00 | Hero House @ HyeRise, 326 Mira Loma Ave, Glendale, CA, 91204, United States
Armenian Engineers and Scientists Association (AESA) and Scholarships for Armenia are organizing a professional speed networking event build connections, exchange ideas, and support college students locally and in Armenia in professional development.
​Event Activities:
​Structured Networking Rounds: Participants will take part in a series of short, timed conversations with other professionals. This format allows everyone to introduce themselves, share their background, and discuss possible collaborations.
​Interactive Game: A fun networking activity will be included, and the winner will receive a special prize.
​Guests will be offered finger foods and wine to enjoy while socializing. Fresh coffee will be provided by Armen Coffee.
​📅 Date & Time: Friday, September 25 7:00PM
​📍 Location: Hero House, 326 Mira Loma Ave, Glendale, CA 91204

AESA’s Environmental and Sustainability Sciences Symposium (ES³) 2025
2025-11-15 10:00 - 18:00 | Hyatt Place Glendale, 225 W Wilson Ave, Glendale, CA, 91203, United States
AESA’s Environmental and Sustainability Sciences Symposium (ES³) 2025
🌍 Save the Date: November 15, 2025 @ 10:00 AM📍 Hyatt Place Glendale, 225 W Wilson Ave, Glendale, CA 91203
The Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America (AESA) is proud to host the 3rd Environmental and Sustainability Sciences Symposium (ES³), a premier gathering of innovators, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders dedicated to advancing sustainable solutions for a changing world.
This year’s symposium will highlight groundbreaking work in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, carbon capture, climate change mitigation, and clean technology development. Join us for a day of knowledge exchange, networking, and actionable insights to drive a cleaner, more resilient future.

Why Attend ES³ 2025?

Learn from experts shaping the future of energy, environment, and sustainability.

Explore innovations in hydrogen, solar, wind, and carbon management.

Network with professionals across academia, industry, and government.

Collaborate on solutions that address the pressing environmental challenges of our time.

Featured Speaker: Serge Adamian
We are honored to welcome Serge Adamian, founder of Hydrogenian, Inc., as a keynote speaker at ES³ 2025. Adamian is a pioneering leader in hydrogen energy, electrolyzers, carbon capture, and CO₂-derived products.
With over two decades of experience, he has launched and led multiple clean technology ventures, including Ecotrade, Inc. (renewable project assessments), SunChiller, Inc. (solar thermal systems), H2 ECOnomy (hydrogen fuel cells), and SolarEn International (solar, software, and wind projects in the U.S. and Armenia).
Adamian has consulted for USAID, the U.S. Department of Energy’s NREL and Sandia Labs, and advised governments worldwide on renewable energy strategies. A licensed Professional Engineer in California and Certified Energy Manager, he holds degrees in Civil Engineering, Renewable Energy, and Business Administration.
Beyond his technical achievements, Adamian has served in leadership roles with the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) and the Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America (AESA), and contributed to global energy development initiatives. His keynote at ES³ 2025 will provide invaluable insights into the future of hydrogen and sustainable energy transitions.

North Meets South
2026-01-18 14:00 - 18:00 | Phoenicia Restaurant, 343 N Central Ave, Glednale, CA, 91203, United States
North Meets South returns for its eleventh edition, bringing together the young professionals of the Southland with Northern California to socialize, network, and raise funds for a cross-community Armenian charity! This year, the event supports the Lorik Humanitarian Fund, which provides housing and scholarships for Artsakh families in Armenia while preserving Artsakh culture.
REGISTER and DONATE TODAY, and support Lorik Humanitarian Fund, caring for families from Artsakh.

All registration and donations will be donated to Lorik Humanitarian Fund and benefit families from Artsakh.

Learn more about Lorik Humanitarian Fund here.

AESA Annual Membership Meeting - 2026 (Members Ony)
2026-01-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Hero House @ HyeRise, 326 Mira Loma Ave, Glendale, CA, 91204, United States
The Armenian Engineers and Scientists Association will hold its Annual General Meeting, the required yearly assembly of the AESA membership.
The purpose of the Annual General Meeting is to provide updates on AESA activities, receive reports from the Board and Officers, and conduct any membership business properly brought before the members in accordance with the AESA Constitution and Bylaws.
All AESA members in good standing are encouraged to attend and participate.
Agenda Overview:

Reports from AESA leadership
Review of organizational activities and initiatives
Membership business
Other matters properly submitted for member consideration

Date: Thursday, January 29
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM PST (Los Angeles time)
Location:Hero House @ HyeRise326 Mira Loma Ave.Glendale, CA 91204
Parking:Free street parking is available in the surrounding area. Additional free parking is available nearby at the Glendale Transportation Center, located at 400 West Cerritos Ave, Glendale, CA 91204.
Refreshments:Light refreshments will be provided.
Remote Participation:This meeting will be held in person. If a virtual attendance option becomes available, access details will be shared with members in advance.
Who Should Attend:All AESA members in good standing
Notice:This meeting is held in accordance with Article 3.5 of the AESA Constitution and Bylaws. Official meeting notice and any materials requiring member review will be distributed in advance of the meeting.

Community Event Spotlight: An Evening with Jivan Avetisyan
2026-02-01 18:00 - 21:00 | Hero House @ HyeRise, 326 Mira Loma Ave, Glendale, CA, 91204, United States
This is an independently organized event and not a AESA-sponsored program.
Jivan Avetisyan returns to Los Angeles from Armenia and will lead a masterclass hosted by members of AESA, offering a deep dive into his artistic and personal journey, using his forthcoming feature film REVIVAL as a case study.
📆: Sunday, February 1🕕: 6:00pm📍: Hero House🎟️: Free
Born in Gyumri, raised in Artsakh, and now based in Yerevan, Jivan Avetisyan is a filmmaker whose work is shaped by lived experience. In his career, he has directed more than 20 documentaries, shorts, and features, including TEVANIK, The Last Inhabitant, and Gate to Heaven — each grounded in real human stories from Artsakh.
His forthcoming feature explores war, memory, and the evolution of artificial intelligence. The film unfolds during the 2020 Artsakh War and the global pandemic, and imagines AI as a developing consciousness shaped by human experience. It recently completed post-production and is set for release in 2026.
The international cast includes Armand Assante, Maia Morgenstern, Heino Ferch, Robin Hairabian, Clémence Baudouin, Babken Chobanyan, and Narine Petrosyan.

AESA 24th Annual Science Olympiad 2026 (Rescheduled to March 22, 2026)
2026-03-22 09:00 - 17:00 | Glendale Community College
Please note an important update regarding the event date.
The 24th AESA Annual Science Olympiad has been rescheduled.
📅 New Confirmed Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026📍 Location: Glendale Community College (GCC) – Room SC 212💲 Registration Fee: $30
If you previously saved the date for March 15, please update your calendar.
We appreciate your flexibility and look forward to an exciting day of science and engineering!
🔬 24th AESA Annual Science Olympiad
Join us for an unforgettable experience celebrating science, engineering, and innovation!
Hosted by the AESA Science Olympiad Committee (SOC), this event is designed to ignite a passion for STEM and extend learning beyond the classroom while celebrating the accomplishments of students and educators
Registration has extended and will close on Friday, March 13, 2026 by 11:59 PM(Pacific Time).

By Thursday, March 13, 2026, the team will be required to submit project PowerPoint presentation in English, log book and any supporting documents you think will help for your interview. (Link will be emailed to registered students on March 9, 2026). Late submissions or sent by email will not be accepted.

One (1) registration form per project to be submitted by project team leader.
Each student can participate in one (1) project only. Maximum of three (3) students per team.

👉 Register here: https://stem.aesa.org/student-registration/
We can’t wait to see you there!
Location Information: Campus Map | Glendale Community College
AESA Science Olympiad Location 2026
#AESA #ScienceOlympiad #STEM

Book Launch: Smart Nation, A Blueprint For Modern Armenia, 2nd Edition By Sassoon Grigorian
2026-03-28 18:00 - 19:30 | AESA HQ – 326 Mira Loma Ave Glendale CA 91204, 326 Mira Loma Ave, Glendale, CA, 91204, United States
Join us for an insightful evening as we explore the vision presented in the second edition of “Smart Nation: A Blueprint for Modern Armenia” by author Sassoon Grigorian. 📖✨
​In an era of rapid global change, this book serves as a vital guide on how a nation can leverage technology, diplomacy, and innovative policy to build a resilient future. We will discuss how to transform bold ideas into practical, real-world success. Event Details 🗓️

Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
​Location: Hero House 🏛️
Format: Presentation followed by an interactive Q&A session. 🎤

​Why Attend? 💡
​This session is designed for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in how strategic leadership shapes a country’s destiny. You will gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that drive national progress and stability. Pro-tip: Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event! 📚💳

Please RSVP your seat here: https://luma.com/kzpqij5y

AESA @ Pasadena Armenian Festival 2026
2026-05-30 11:00 - 17:00 | Victory Park, 575 Paloma St, Pasadena, CA, 91107, United States
AESA invites its members to the 2nd Annual Pasadena Armenian Festival — a vibrant celebration of Armenian culture in the heart of Pasadena.
Enjoy authentic Armenian cuisine, live music and dance performances, artisan vendor booths, and the company of our community. Admission is free and all are welcome.
What to Expect:
– Authentic Armenian food & drinks
– Live music, dance & cultural performances
– Artisan & vendor booths
– Children’s play area
– Free admission
Parking is available at:
– Victory Park – 575 Paloma St, Pasadena, CA 91107
– AGBU – 2495 E Mountain St, Pasadena, CA 91104
– Norma Coombs – 2600 Paloma St, Pasadena, CA 91107
Carpooling and rideshare (Uber/Lyft) are strongly encouraged.
For full event details, visit pasadenaarmenianfestival.com.

CANCELLED: Speaker Julia C. Reisenbauer - Evolving Enzymes, Expanding Chemistry
2026-07-21 19:00 - 21:30 | AESA HQ – 326 Mira Loma Ave Glendale CA 91204, 326 Mira Loma Ave, Glendale, CA, 91204, United States
Speaker Series
Julia Reisenbauer
Join us for an engaging Speaker Series event featuring Dr. Julia C. Reisenbauer. This talk will explore how enzymes, nature’s powerful catalysts, can be repurposed and engineered to perform new chemical transformations beyond their natural roles. Dr. Reisenbauer will share how concepts such as catalytic promiscuity and directed evolution are expanding what is possible in enzyme-driven chemistry and opening new pathways for synthetic applications.
Short Abstract:
Enzymes are Nature’s catalysts, evolved to construct and break down chemical molecules with remarkable efficiency and selectivity. While their activities are shaped by natural selection, many enzymes exhibit promiscuous functions that provide starting points for synthetic applications. By leveraging fundamental concepts such as catalytic promiscuity and directed evolution, we repurpose and engineer these biocatalysts to perform non-native transformations, thereby expanding the accessible chemical space.
Bio:
Dr. Julia C. Reisenbauer has been an Assistant Professor in the field of biocatalysis and protein engineering at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) since February 2026, where her research group investigates how synthetic chemical methodologies can be replaced and further advanced through the use of engineered enzymes. After completing her doctoral studies in organic chemistry at ETH Zurich as an SSCI fellow, she pursued postdoctoral research in enzyme engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) as an SNSF Postdoc. Mobility fellow. She has now returned to Austria to establish her own interdisciplinary research group at the interface of synthetic chemistry and biocatalysis.
Registration Link:
— THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED–
Event is free for AESA members. A donation of $10 is suggested for non-members.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: 326 Mira Loma Ave. Glendale, CA 91206
Light refreshments will be provided.
Event is free for AESA members. A donation of $10 is suggested for non-members.

Converge 2026: Where Medicine, Law, Engineering and Science Meet
2026-08-13 19:00 - 23:30 | The Room Santa Monica, 1325 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, 90404, United States
AESA is proud to invite you to Converge 2026, an evening dedicated to networking, conversation, and connection among Armenian professionals in medicine, law, engineering, and science.
Hosted in collaboration with the Armenian Bar Association, the Armenian American Medical Society, and AESA, this event will bring together professionals from across these fields to build relationships, exchange ideas, and strengthen our community.
Converge 2026 will take place on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM at The Room Santa Monica, located at 1325 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404.
As part of this event, we are also launching a special AESA membership drive. Our goal is to welcome 10 new members on or before August 13—and we would love your help reaching that goal.
The first 10 new members can receive 50% off AESA membership by using the code: CONVERGE2026
Whether you are looking to expand your professional network, connect with fellow Armenian professionals, or become more involved in the AESA community, Converge 2026 is a great opportunity to get started.
Space is limited, RSVPs are required, and spots are filling quickly.
RSVP here:https://luma.com/nihr0c0s
We look forward to seeing you at Converge 2026 and welcoming new members into our growing professional community.
