Philadelphia community activist Nora Keomurjian, Valerie Jarrett, and ANCA ER Director Karine Birazian.

Armenians for Obama Leaders Brief Senior Obama Advisor Valerie Jarrett on Nationwide Efforts

Join with Top Community Organizers at "Pennsylvania Women for Obama" Gathering

October 13, 2008
PHILADELPHIA, PA - Ramping up Armenians for Obama efforts in battleground states in the critical last weeks of the presidential campaign season, activists Nora Keomurjian and Karine Birazian updated Obama Presidential Campaign Senior advisor Valerie Jarrett about the group's nationwide actions. The discussion took place earlier today at a "Pennsylvania Women for Obama" event held in the heart of downtown Philadelphia, which brought together a select group of community women leaders and grassroots activists from throughout the Keystone State.

Following the function, Birazian and Keomurjian had an opportunity to speak with Jarrett on the work Armenians for Obama has been doing throughout the region and stressed to her some of the recent accomplishments by Armenians for Obama. During their discussion the two activists provided Jarrett with a copy of The Atlantic magazine article, "McCain's Armenia Problem", along with a weekly report put out by Armenians for Obama on its activities and accomplishments.

"It was truly an honor to meet with Valerie Jarrett. She was able to connect with her audience on such a personal level and as an Armenian-American woman I was touched by the deep interest she took in our community's efforts to elect Senator Obama our next President," said Nora Keomurjian. "She was genuinely impressed with our efforts and was eager to learn more about Armenians for Obama and its work."

"As Armenian-Americans it is our responsibility to help elect Senator Obama our next President because of his strong record on Armenian issues," commented Birazian. "Valerie Jarrett understands our community's struggles and she respects the work that we are doing. Compared to Senator McCain's record and his campaigns disingenuous attempts at outreach with our community, the choice for this November is clear," stated Birazian.

Jarrett, is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of The Habitat Company, a premier developer and manager of residential apartments. Before joining The Habitat Company, Ms. Jarrett served eight years in the City of Chicago government, first as Deputy Corporation Counsel for Finance and Development, then as Deputy Chief of Staff for Mayor Richard Daley and finally, as Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development. Prior to joining the City of Chicago government, Ms. Jarrett practiced law with two private law firms specializing in the area of commercial real estate. Ms. Jarrett is Chairman of the University of Chicago Medical Center Board of Trustees. She also serves as a director of USG Corporation, RREEF America, II and The Joyce Foundation. Ms. Jarrett is Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Chicago, and is a Trustee of the Museum of Science and Industry, and Window To The World Communications, Inc.

Armenians for Obama is a nationwide voter registration, education, and mobilization effort dedicated to electing Barack Obama President. Based in Los Angeles, and with chapters and affiliates across the nation, Armenians for Obama will harness the energy and enthusiasm for Barack Obama 's candidacy to ensure record high Armenian American turnout in critical battleground states.