Mayor Elen Asatryan, a few months into her tenure, remains committed to representing Glendale and acknowledges the significance of her role as the youngest and first immigrant woman to hold the position.
“I take that responsibility with intention,” Asatryan stated. “I recognize the space I occupy and what that means for not just women and girls, but for minority women and girls.”
Central to Asatryan’s agenda are access, representation, and engagement. Having grown up in Glendale after immigrating from Armenia in 1992, she has witnessed the city’s slow but steady diversification. Previously dominated by white leadership, institutions like the City Council and Glendale Unified School District’s Board of Education now better reflect the community’s diversity, although progress continues.
Communication with diverse groups is a priority for Asatryan. She plans to hold meet-and-greets with various community organizations, especially different ethnic groups, to facilitate better understanding and communication.
“I want us to be really intentional on how we get the word out on not just policy changes, but also our programming,” she said. She highlighted the issue of many residents being unaware of city programs due to communication gaps.
Asatryan’s run for City Council was motivated by the lack of community knowledge about COVID-19 assistance programs. She aims to improve communication strategies across the board, ensuring policies reach their intended audiences effectively.
“If we create a system that works for working-class families and those with language barriers, then we’ve actually created a system that works for everyone,” she noted.
Asatryan also emphasizes the importance of community feedback. While she appreciates public participation in City Council meetings, she recognizes that many residents cannot attend these lengthy sessions.
“Especially for working-class and immigrant communities with language barriers, it can be intimidating to speak at the podium,” she said. Asatryan stresses the need to have “an ear to the ground” to bring diverse perspectives to council discussions.
Affordable housing is another top issue for Asatryan. She seeks to create more realistic pathways to homeownership and strengthen small businesses to support residents financially.
As a small-business owner herself, Asatryan understands the challenges faced by local enterprises. She founded her public affairs and political consulting firm, The Stark Group, in 2017.
Asatryan’s selection as mayor was contentious, with some believing Councilman Ara Najarian was next in line. However, Councilmembers Ardy Kassakhian and Dan Brotman invoked a clause to overrule Najarian’s selection, resulting in a 3-2 vote for Asatryan.
Despite some criticism, Asatryan remains focused on her role. She distinguishes between constructive criticism and personal attacks, emphasizing respect and creating an inclusive environment at City Hall.
Amid increased polarization, Asatryan aims to foster communication and connection among diverse groups. She envisions events like a quarterly “Night Out With City Hall” to bring community members together informally.
Asatryan values mentorship, inspired by her early involvement in politics. She recalls volunteering for Rafi Manoukian’s 1999 City Council campaign as a pivotal experience.
As Glendale’s sixth female mayor and first Armenian American mayor, Asatryan often hears from parents excited to see a woman in power, inspiring future generations.
