“Just like most Armenian families, I grew up with stories of the Genocide,” said Ani Kechichian, the Payroll Manager at the University of La Verne.

Ani was raised in Lebanon and there she learned about the Armenian Genocide from school and from stories told by her grandmother. Her grandfather went through the Genocide as well, but like many survivors, he was reluctant to relive the tragedy by telling his story. “It’s always a conversation in my family as far as what more we need to do.”

One way Ani helps is volunteering at her local Homenetmen chapter. Homenetmen is an Armenian athletic organization that has various sports for Armenians to participate in. She’s part of the executive and social committees where she plans events for the organization. She is also part of the regional level and helps with the organization of the Navasartian Games, which are held every summer.

Ani tries to visit the memorial sites on April 24 every year, but like many Armenians work just gets in the way. “I have to admit that I haven’t taken the 24th off for the past few years, but my heart is always there.”