LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Sonia Givelekian upon the occasion of
her designation as Woman of the Year by the Knights and Daughters of
Vartan

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Sonia Givele-
kian upon the occasion of her designation as Woman of the Year by the
Knights and Daughters of Vartan, to be celebrated on Sunday, March 4,
2012; and
WHEREAS, Sonia Givelekian was born in Bucharest, Romania, and gradu-
ated from the Armenian Elementary School of Bucharest along with the
neighborhood high school; she later went on to attend and graduate from
The Industrial College specializing in textiles; and
WHEREAS, Sonia Givelekian met her future husband, Bedros Givelekian at
the Stepan Shahumian Cultural Center; they were wed at the Armenian
Church in Bucharest, The Church of Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel;
and
WHEREAS, In 1965, Sonia Givelekian and her husband, Bedros emigrated
to the United States after a short stay in Beirut, Lebanon; emigrating
from a communist country brought many challenges and having to learn a
new language, adapting to new customs and rules were obstacles Sonia
dealt with; and
WHEREAS, Once Sonia Givelekian's speaking of the English language
became stronger, she further advanced her education by completing cours-
es in Bookkeeping/Management at LaGuardia Community and Queens Colleges
all while working for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company; after gaining
more experience, she became a bookkeeper for various companies; and
WHEREAS, From 1983-1993, Sonia Givelekian managed a jewelry exchange
on 47th Street in Manhattan; in 1994, she began working for Macy's,
where she is currently employed; and
WHEREAS, In 1982, Sonia Givelekian was installed into the Daughters of
Vartan, Ani Otyag; as a dedicated member, she took upon various roles on
the Tivan and through her experiences, and extensive knowledge, she
became Dirouhie from 1994-1996; and
WHEREAS, Sonia Givelekian is an active member of St. Sarkis Church
where she attends religious services each Sunday; she is an active
member of the Ladies Guild where she has participated and helped organ-
ize fundraisers such as their annual Garden Party and Dinner Dances; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Bedros, their
children Arthur and Lucy, as well as their grandchildren, Ariana, Tomas,
Lara and Aris all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and
rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the wellbeing and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Sonia Givelekian upon the occasion of her designation as Woman of
the Year by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sonia Givelekian.