On the Town: Women celebrate the ‘jewels’ of the city

The ladies on the Glendale Commission on the Status of Women pulled out all the stops for their 10th Annual Jewels of Glendale Awards Luncheon at the Oakmont Country Club. Last Thursday, about 400 women and men gathered to honor six “jewels” of our Jewel City.

A silent auction kicked off the festivities followed by a hearty welcome by Commission Chairwoman Denise Miller, who introduced members of the commission: Vice Chairwoman Lynda Burns and Commissioners Paula Devine, Seda Khojayan and Sharon Weisman.

Student ex-officio members are Evanthia Mirzakhanian and Rima Sahakyan. Miller also introduced dignitaries including new Glendale Mayor Zareh Sinanyan and former Glendale Mayors Eileen Givens and Frank Quintero, who is currently serving on the Glendale City Council.

After a chicken-and-rice lunch as only the Oakmont chefs can prepare came the presentations of the Jewels. The presentations were deftly handled by Miller, Burns and glamorous sportscaster, mistress of ceremonies Lisa Bowman.

Jewels Shanesha Franklin, Carmen Azinian Libaridian, Carrian Myers, Col. Nancy Sumner, Sona Yacoubian and Cherie Zaun kept their remarks brief.

Franklin, a single parent of a 6-year old son, grew up in the foster-care system. Seventeen foster families later, Franklin found her way to the Ascencia homeless shelter. She now lives in temporary housing for homeless families. Franklin is about to start working as a mentor in a group home for girls.

Libaridian was born in Buenos Aries and established her U.S. residence in 1957. After raising four children, Libaridian dedicated herself to community service. Among her many titles is vice-chairperson of the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA’s Regional Executive Board.

At 14 years old, Myers left her mother’s home, became addicted to drugs and joined a girls’ gang. After a stint at a juvenile camp, Myers turned her life around with a few curves still ahead. After leaving her abusive husband, she became homeless with her three children. The Door of Hope provided housing and a job. Now, Myers is the Door of Hope’s rapid rehousing specialist, helping nearly 100 homeless families secure and retain permanent housing.

A Glendale resident for 36 years, Col. Sumner served in the California Air National Guard. She retired after 31 years as commander of the 146th Medical Group, having served in Bosnia, Desert Shield Storm, Ukraine, Belize, Afghanistan and assisted during Hurricane Katrina. Since 1986, Sumner has combined military service with her civilian role as emergency room charge nurse and the disaster coordinator at Glendale Memorial Hospital. Her mission is to advocate for armed services veterans. A proud alum of Glendale Community College, Sumner was recently appointed by Gov. Brown to serve on the California Community College Board of Governors.

Yacoubian was born in Beirut, Lebanon. Since moving to the United States in 1971, she is a volunteer in the local Armenian American community. A prolific writer on women’s rights and health, Yacoubian continues to reach out to women urging them to take charge of their lives. Yacoubian spoke movingly of family members who committed suicide in the face of Middle East conflicts.

Retired professional golfer Zaun doesn’t let Parkinson’s disease get in her way. She still plays golf, raising money for charities. Zaun thanked her husband, Robert, for “putting up with my projects and supporting me in making a difference to make the world a better place.”

Audria Amirian and Meghedie Dersarkissian were recognized with scholarship awards.

Bringing the presentations to a close was Ann Ransford. As president of the board of trustees of Glendale Community College, Ransford was honored with the Special Chair’s recognition.

Continuing the luncheon theme of women’s accomplishments, singer/songwriter Alina Avassepian and pianist Sharon Townsend provided the entertainment. Townsend is chief executive of Glendale Healthy Kids and a “jewel” in her own right.

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RUTH SOWBY may be reached at ruthasowby@gmail.com.