Introducing Eric

My immediate family is of Armenian Persian descent. This includes my mom, dad, older sister, brother-in-law, and newborn nephew. They provide me with the love and support that pushes me every day to become the best version of myself in every aspect of my life. Through my professional career, philanthropic endeavors, and personal growth, they have been there every step of the way.  

During COVID, I discovered a passion for hiking and finding new, fun hiking locations across Southern California to conquer with friends or cousins. Hiking helps me disconnect from work and stress. I turn my phone off, shut out the outside world, and enjoy the beautiful scenery with great company. 

The most adventurous thing I have done was travel to Paris alone at 20 to surprise my girlfriend who was there for her cousin's wedding. I originally was not going to be able to make it to the wedding due to conflicts with finals and my work commitments during my time at LA Metro. However, I was able to work through a way to take my final early, get out of my work commitments, and make it to Paris to surprise her the night before the wedding, without her finding out. I was happy to be there to celebrate such a special day for her family. 

If I could learn one skill instantly it would be to speak fluent Spanish (I regret taking Latin in high school). With Southern California having such a high volume of Spanish speakers and with our line of work having such a high number of stakeholders that we reach from the Spanish-speaking community, it would be especially useful to know the language.

Geoffrey’s in Malibu. I grew up going to this restaurant very often with family and friends to celebrate special occasions. It is also a wonderful place for an incredible date night or anniversary celebration. I highly recommend ordering their Chilean Sea Bass or Lobster Risotto.

As a freshman in college, I lost my best friend JJ to a drunk-driving car accident when he was away at school studying at UC Santa Barbara. I remember getting the call and finding out about it as I was preparing to take my first midterm. He was a brother I never had, my biggest supporter, greatly confident, and will forever be a guardian angel of mine that I know is proudly watching over me every day.  

My favorite book is Patrick Bet-David’s Choose Your Enemies Wisely. It is written by an Armenian author who immigrated to America and became a successful entrepreneur. This book helped me with my professional development and taught me that that the right enemies, rivals, skeptics, or challenges, can drive immense personal and professional growth. Rather than seeing conflict in a negative light, he frames it as a tool for motivation, self-improvement, and developing a strategic advantage.

My 26th birthday is my favorite birthday memory so far. It was a full day that started before the sun even came out. It began with supporting my team, staffing a successful LA Metro Sepulveda Transit Corridor Community Meeting in Van Nuys. Then, I rushed over to attend the Armenian American Museum’s Annual Gala event in Downtown Los Angeles and ended my night at a club in Hollywood with my closest friends.  

I would choose the power of Elemental Control, similar to Storm from Marvel. With the recent devastating fires in Los Angeles, I would love to use this ability to manipulate natural elements like fire, water, and air to prevent and control disasters. Having the power to influence the weather could help stop the spread of wildfires and protect communities from their destructive impact.

I was appointed to be the Chair of the Armenian American Museum’s Young Leaders Council board. This organization is near and dear to my heart, especially being that I have sat on the Young Leaders Board for over three years. The Young Leaders Council's goal is to promote the mission of the Armenian American Museum, connect young professionals throughout the community, and empower the next generation of leaders within our community.

Supporting an incredible team in successfully executing the Long Beach-East LA Corridor Mobility Project and seeing the Investment Plan unanimously approved by the Metro Board was very special. It was a blessing to be able to work on such a transformative project for two years with some of the brightest minds and hardest working people.

Being part of AA’s 30-year celebration and having my dad, who is my biggest mentor, fly back into town from a work trip to be in attendance was incredibly special to me.

The professional development and growth I’ve experienced. I am grateful to learn under a phenomenal manager and work with other incredible managers and staff who have put me in positions to learn, take lead on tasks, and grow every single day. To me, this is a testament to the incredible people we have here at AA.