As district leader of AGBU New England for the past twelve years, Ara Balikian, Esq. considers it a great privilege to lead the first AGBU chapter in the US, established 117 years ago. Yet, in this strictly voluntary position, his vision for the chapter has always been about adaptability. “How we are relevant can always change,” he notes, emphasizing the evolving needs of the community. His leadership focuses on youth development and cultural identity.
In fact, one of his proudest achievements is bringing the AGBU Global Leadership Program (GLP) to Boston. For him, the GLP is one of the most effectual programs for Armenian youth. “AGBU gives them opportunity to gain practical and hands-on experiences, often in places that might not otherwise be available to them, while strengthening their connections to the Armenian community,” he describes. “You learn so much professionally while having so much fun in the program making lifelong friendships.” Building on the 30 years of GLP, the Boston program has completed five summer seasons, and the demand has increased each year because Boston is a hub for technology, health care, academia, financial services, and historical tourism.
As for cultural identity, Balikian’s enthusiasm is evident with another initiative under his leadership—the AGBU New England Hybrid Armenian School (NEHAS). This new format uses online tools and resources in a socially stimulating in-person environment to make learning Armenian more engaging for kids. “These Friday night sessions, combining language classes with social time, are special,” says Balikian. “The kids show up because the classes are fun. When learning becomes an obligation, attendance tends to falter.” To date, 30 young children, ages seven to 16, have participated in these sessions.
In life, we often ask, ‘When should I volunteer? When is the right time?’ I say that the time to volunteer is always now.
A successful lawyer with a multi-disciplinary private practice called Balikian Law, he has seven businesses to his portfolio and is a counsel and relationship broker. With all that, he finds volunteering and balancing his professional and personal life both rewarding and challenging. “How much you can give and in what way depend on your circumstances,” he says. He has expertly balanced the demands of volunteering and leadership with family time. He often has to take phone calls during his sons’ swim practices or have meetings from the car during family outings. Yet, he has always had the support of his family, who understand the significance of his volunteer work.
“Volunteering for AGBU offers a different type of satisfaction,” he notes. “It’s difficult to put in words, because it comes from the heart. “In life, we often ask, ‘When should I volunteer? When is the right time?’ I say that the time to volunteer is always now. My two sons, Vatche (13) and Raffi (11) started volunteering from an early age, so they are learning the value of this form of service,” he adds. Balikian draws his inspiration from the Bible and the wisdom of ancient philosophies, all of which stress how true moral character is forged through service—by sharing the gifts we’ve been given to help others.
Balikian’s journey with AGBU began long before his career in law. “It was woven into the fabric of my childhood,” he states, reflecting on the influence of his uncle Yenovk, sister-in-law Nora and mother Annie. He says his mother, a former chair of AGBU New England, taught him the value of volunteerism and resilience. “She’s incredibly dedicated to charitable causes, especially when it comes to raising funds. She is very hard to say ‘no’ to because of her passion to help,” Balikian says. He brought this same determination into his professional and leadership roles, tackling challenges with the same relentless spirit.
Raised in Lebanon until seven years old, Balikian grew up in a family where medicine was the chosen path; his siblings and other family lineage were doctors and healers. However, Balikian seemed to have a different calling. With a talent for communication and negotiation, he gravitated to the law. As he puts it, “I like to talk.” No doubt, his courtroom experience has impacted his volunteer work, and vice versa.
Balikian’s perspective on leadership is multi-faceted. “To be an effective leader, you should communicate effectively, inspire others, and stay passionate,” he explains. He believes that leadership is about more than just setting goals and strategies; it’s about building connections on a deeper level. And, the secret to that, according to Balikian, is to be an active listener. Alongside this, his trademark humor helps him connect with community members. “You have to laugh too,” he adds. “Life can get heavy sometimes, so it’s important to lighten the mood when the atmosphere becomes too tense or serious.”
He also stresses that successful leaders motivate teamwork and collaboration. “It’s an old adage but very true: a leader is only as good as the team behind them,” he notes. He credits much of his success to the strength of his teams and he endeavors to foster an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. “It’s about showing others that their contributions really do matter.”
When asked about managing diverse constituents, Balikian believes in the power of unity among the Armenian people. “We all share the same goal,” he states. “We’re here to work together for our community and our people.” This conviction led him to collaborate with likeminded organizations, all for the greater good and reflecting well on AGBU’s longstanding ethos: In unity is strength.
Balikian focuses on keeping AGBU relevant to the community, especially the younger generation. He encourages them to get involved. “Take the leap,” he advises. “Don’t be afraid. Get involved. There’s so much fulfillment in it. AGBU is an incredible organization to be a part of, and you’ll find plenty of support along the way.” Looking back, he acknowledges the invaluable guidance he received that shaped his management style. He is particularly grateful to former AGBU President Berge Setrakian and members of the AGBU Central Board and executive staff. “They gave me the encouragement to pursue ambitious goals for the chapter. I try to pass on that same sense of support and confidence to our volunteers working on the local level,” he adds.
Balikian has already made a profound impact on AGBU New England, spearheading its growth and leading it into the future. What distinguishes him as an exemplary leader is his authentic sense of humility and commitment to leading by example.
“I am convinced that true leadership is rooted in action, not authority. I actively contribute, whether it’s serving or cleaning up. If I ask something of you, I want to show that I’m right there with you, working by your side.” He adds: “Leadership isn’t about giving orders from an office. It’s about being present with the community, doing the work, and rallying others to do the same.”
This hands-on approach has earned him respect and admiration throughout the AGBU New England community. As he continues to lead, he doesn’t just uphold his principles of success; he weaves them together with a spirit of adaptation and innovation, always remembering that when connections come first, effective leadership follows.
