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Orion CEO Emma Arakelyan Delivers Keynote Address at AIWA San Francisco Chapter Event in Palo Alto
Orion Worldwide Innovations sponsors the Apcar Gala, where Arakelyan connected the Digital Julfa legacy to AIWA’s FoundHer mission for Armenian women entrepreneurs
PALO ALTO, Calif. — Orion Worldwide Innovations is pleased to announce the participation of its Chief Executive Officer, Emma Arakelyan, as a keynote speaker at a distinguished event hosted by the Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA), San Francisco Chapter. The event welcomed more than 200 guests from around the world to honor two exceptional Armenian figures, Diana Apcar and Lucille Apcar, whose legacy continues to inspire women globally.
The gathering in Palo Alto celebrated the achievements, leadership, and enduring contributions of Armenian women across generations. As one of the event’s proud sponsors, Orion Worldwide Innovations highlighted Digital Julfa, one of its flagship initiatives focused on revitalizing Armenia’s historic legacy in global trade, innovation, and diaspora collaboration.
In her keynote remarks, Mrs. Arakelyan underscored the importance of connecting the New Julfan family legacy with AIWA’s FoundHer mission. She presented the vision behind the Digital Julfa Network initiative, a call to revive the Armenian global brand of trade, innovation, and influence through collective effort and strategic partnerships.
“Tonight, we are celebrating the vision and impact of the AIWA FoundHer program, launched through the generosity of Lucille Apcar — a mission that continues the Apcar family’s legacy of empowering Armenian women to lead, innovate, and shape our global future,” said Mrs. Arakelyan.
Arakelyan encouraged attendees and members of the global Armenian community to learn more and sign up at www.digitaljulfa.com, where individuals and organizations can join as community members or business partners to help strengthen Armenia’s global presence and long-term economic impact.
During the program, Mrs. Arakelyan presented Digital Julfa pins to four distinguished women in recognition of their dedication to preserving the New Julfan legacy and supporting the mission of the Digital Julfa Network. She also gifted her book, The Business Caring Formula, as a symbol of appreciation and shared purpose.
About Emma Arakelyan
Emma Arakelyan has more than 20 years of experience in management consulting, having served as a Partner at EY and a Managing Director at Accenture. She is CEO and Founder of Orion Worldwide Innovations, founding partner of the Digital Julfa Network, a venture capitalist, professor, and author of The Business Caring Formula, a book on leadership and building lasting impact and values for individuals, families, nations, and communities.
About Orion Worldwide Innovations
Orion Worldwide Innovations is the founding partner of the Digital Julfa Network, an initiative dedicated to revitalizing Armenia’s historic legacy in global trade, innovation, and diaspora collaboration.
About Diana and Lucille Apcar
Diana Agabeg Apcar made history in 1920 as the first Armenian woman diplomat, appointed Honorary Consul General to Japan. She dedicated her life to refugee support, international advocacy for the Armenian people, and writing on international relations. Her granddaughter, Lucille Apcar, has continued that legacy through philanthropy, including a transformational gift to AIWA’s San Francisco chapter that made the FoundHer program possible.
About AIWA and FoundHer
The Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA), San Francisco Chapter, hosted the event honoring Diana and Lucille Apcar. FoundHer by AIWA is a transformative initiative empowering Armenian women entrepreneurs through mentorship, guidance, and funding, made possible by Lucille Apcar’s philanthropic support.
