Elen Asatryan Becomes Mayor of City of Glendale

Glendale City Councilwoman Elen Asatryan has been selected as the city's Mayor during the April 2nd Council meeting, succeeding outgoing Mayor Dan Brotman. This marks Asatryan's first tenure as Mayor, following her initial election to the City Council in July 2022. At 41 years old, Asatryan not only becomes the city's first Armenian-American woman in the role but also the first immigrant woman and the youngest woman to serve on both the Council and as Mayor.

Her appointment comes during an impassioned call for unity and healing within the community. Asatryan, known for her advocacy and commitment to underrepresented voices, expressed gratitude towards her predecessors and constituents during her acceptance speech. She emphasized her dedication to fostering a government where all voices are heard, barriers are dismantled, and unity prevails.

Asatryan's journey to this important role is marked by a trail of groundbreaking achievements and relentless activism. Rising through the ranks, she shattered records during her election to the city council, unseating an incumbent and securing a notable vote share. Her accolades extend beyond the political sphere, with a commendable track record as an award-winning civil rights activist, community advocate, and businesswoman.

Born in Yerevan, Armenia, Asatryan's commitment to community causes was evident early on. Her tenure as the Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America, spanning over a decade, was characterized by relentless advocacy efforts. From advancing Armenian Genocide recognition to spearheading youth internship programs, her impact has been felt across the Armenian-American community.

As Mayor, Asatryan outlined her vision for a more inclusive and engaged government. She highlighted priorities such as team-building initiatives, outreach to marginalized communities, and streamlining bureaucratic processes. Her commitment to gender equality and representation resonated strongly, reflecting her dedication to uplifting women and girls in civic engagement.

In an interview with The Armenian Report, Asatryan highlighted the importance of unity and fair representation within the council. She advocated for policy reforms to ensure equal opportunities for all members, regardless of tenure. Her commitment to inclusivity and community healing echoed her longstanding efforts to bridge divides and foster dialogue.

In a statement to The Armenian Report, Glendale City Councilmember Ardy Kassakhian said, “I think it's an incredibly important day for Glendale and for Armenian Americans. Having the first Armenian woman mayor of Glendale is important and I am proud to have supported Mayor Asatryan. I look forward to working with her to help make Glendale a place we all are proud to call our home.”

In response, Councilmember Ara Najarian informed The Armenian Report that he takes issue with the voting process from last night, asserting that his constitutional rights to due process were denied. Najarian stated his intention to file a lawsuit against the city of Glendale, seeking a petition for review by a Superior Court judge to determine the legality of the actions taken during the recent session.