Born in Gyumri and raised in North Carolina, Davit Melikian has spent his life navigating the space between heritage and homeland. A custom home builder, entrepreneur, and devoted Armenian-American advocate, Davit channels his belief in community into action, both locally and nationally.

As the North Carolina State Chair for the Armenian Assembly of America, he works tirelessly to elevate Armenian voices in U.S. politics, champion civic engagement, and ensure that issues impacting Armenians are not overlooked. His journey reflects resilience, responsibility, and a deep commitment to justice.

In this episode, Davit shares his story of immigration, identity, the power of showing up in the political process, and what it means to build—not just homes, but representation and legacy—for the Armenian-American community.

Born in the village of Sardarapat, Marine Jarchafjian has shaped her life around language, culture, and the enduring heartbeat of Armenian identity. After graduating from Yerevan State University of Languages and Social Studies, she taught English before discovering her love for guiding visitors through Armenia’s landscapes and stories.

Marine is deeply devoted to authentic Armenian national dance, joining the “Vahagn’’ ethnic dance group in 2019, a space where she honors her heritage through movement, community, and ancestral memory.

Her life changed profoundly when she and her husband, Shunt, moved to Artsakh, where they lived for three years and welcomed their three children, Maral, Hoori, and Aznavour, until the forced displacement of September 2023. Through loss, transition, and unwavering strength, Marine continues to hold onto the threads of homeland and identity that have shaped her life.

Born in Gyumri and trained in Yerevan, Lilit Movsisyan uses storytelling as a way to document and preserve what others often overlook. Her first book, A Mother’s Conversation, shares the intimate story of Edgar Aghababyan, a fallen hero of the 2020 Artsakh War, with all proceeds donated to his family.

Lilit then turned to documentary filmmaking, debuting with “And Hovhannes Came,” a tribute to Armenia’s National Hero, Maestro Hovhannes Chekijyan. The film was screened internationally and earned the “Etalon of the Year” award at the Prestige International Media Awards in Dubai.

Her latest film, “The Professor Lee,” bridges Armenia and Korea, inspired by a personal spark that led her to the extraordinary story of Professor Kiejin Lee. Across her projects—from Europe to Asia—Lilit remains committed to telling quiet, meaningful stories rooted in memory, heritage, and human truth.