June 1 2025
Hello friends! We are thrilled to introduce you to the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Foundation and its executive director, Armine Afeyan.
A nonprofit organization that seeks to address on-the-ground humanitarian challenges around the world, the focus of the Foundation is on helping the most destitute. Its mission is rooted in Armenian history as the Initiative was founded on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors and strives to transform this experience into a global movement.
In 2023, Armine rejoined the team to lead the organization after holding the position of Director of Communications from 2015–2016. She now oversees the Initiative’s day-to-day activities and strengthens Aurora’s ties in North America and Europe. That year, Aurora celebrated its 8th anniversary in 2023. The Initiative has already benefited over 2.7 million people, including more than 1.1 million individuals affected by war, conflict, displacement, persecution, and other humanitarian issues who have received support through the Aurora Prize. The name of the next Aurora Prize Laureate will be revealed in the spring of 2024. The Laureate will receive a US $1,000,000 award and a unique opportunity to continue the cycle of giving by supporting the organizations that help people in need.
She explains: “It’s great to come home to Aurora. I’m proud of how far we’ve come over the past eight years and excited to contribute to our next stage of growth. Above all else, I’m humbled by the opportunity to share Aurora humanitarians’ stories with the world. We hoped this wouldn’t be the case at our founding, but the world needs humanitarians now more than ever. The stories of everyday people taking extraordinary action should inspire us all to do our part, whether raising our voice against injustice, taking action in our local community or donating to worthy causes – the world needs it all. I couldn’t be prouder to put my gratitude into action by rejoining Aurora at this crucial moment.”
About Armine: A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Armine received a BA in Political Science from Yale University, where she studied international relations focusing on the Armenian case. She also holds an MBA from INSEAD. Before Aurora, Armine spent the balance of her career in consumer technology companies, most recently serving as a general manager at Wayfair.
Today, we ask Armine:
- How has your personal family story inspired Aurora as an organization, and how has that been meaningful to you as you moved into the CEO role in the past six months?
- In your work, you often refer to “gratitude in action.” How can this philosophy help inspire more impactful philanthropy? Do you have any real-life examples of “gratitude in action” that you can share with our audience?
- We met in the fall of 2024 at an event at Georgetown University where you were heading a prestigious panel. It was called “Aurora Dialogues, Innovative Approaches to Supporting Displaced Populations.” How is the landscape shifting in responding to refugees, and what can philanthropy do to help?
- Aurora is connected to many on-the-ground heroes:
- Aurora Chair Dr. Tom Catena, who is known for his lifesaving work in the Sudan
- 2024 Aurora Prize Laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege, providing medical and mental health support for women in the DRC.
- What have you been hearing from them about conditions at their hospitals and from other humanitarians on the ground across the globe? How are they remaining hopeful today?
- One of the factors that sets Aurora apart as an organization is its willingness to cut through bureaucracy and directly fund local humanitarians, even asking those local humanitarians to make funding decisions themselves. Why do you think it’s so important to look to local leaders for solutions that will transform lives?
- With the recent funding freezes and the dismantling of USAID, the state of humanitarian aid is dire. How is Aurora responding to meet the moment?
Don’t miss our conversation! Learn more about Aurora at auroraprize.com
