FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Glendale Celebrates Sold-Out Second Annual Women’s Equality Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2025

City Media Contact: Annette Ghazarian, Communications Officer Email: [email protected] Phone: (818) 548-3342

Glendale Celebrates Sold-Out Second Annual Women's Equality Day

Glendale, CA - More than 200 community members, civic leaders, advocates, and entrepreneurs filled the historic Alex Theatre Courtyard on September 10th for Glendale's Second Annual Women's Equality Day Celebration, an evening dedicated to education, empowerment, and connection.

The program opened and closed with lively networking set to music, bookending an evening that highlighted both seasoned leaders and rising voices. Remarks from Mayor Ara Najarian, Councilmember Elen Asatryan, and Dr. Ramella Markarian, Chair of the Commission on the Status of Women, were joined by Student Commissioners Natalie Hovhannisyan and Angelina Vesselinov, underscoring the event's intergenerational spirit.

The centerpiece of the evening was a dynamic panel discussion, "Mind the Gap: Leveling the Playing Field for Women at Work, at Home, and in Business," featuring six distinguished leaders who shared actionable strategies for breaking through barriers. Moderated by Jessica Lall, Managing Director at CBRE, the panel brought together diverse perspectives from:

• Honorable Maria Lucy Armendariz, Judge, Los Angeles Superior Court
• Dr. Ryan Cornner, Superintendent & President, Glendale Community College
• Stephanie Garcia, Southern California Engagement Specialist, GoBiz
• Melody Safavizadeh, Supervisor for Avionics Testbeds, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
• Natalie Samarjian, CEO, Coro Southern California
• Emada Tingirides, Assistant Chief & Director of the Office of Operations, Los Angeles Police Department

"The Women's Equality Day celebration shows what happens when our community comes together with purpose. From students to CEOs, public servants to innovators, we saw that every voice matters in advancing equity and opportunity for women in Glendale and beyond," said Mayor Ara Najarian.

"One thing that struck me was the energy during the networking session. In just a few minutes, I saw mentors pass along wisdom that could shape a young woman's entire career path," said Dr. Ramella Markarian.

A standout feature of the evening was a collaborative art project led by Student Commissioner Natalie Hovhannisyan. Students from Glendale Unified School District and Glendale Community College responded to the prompt "What are five words to describe Women's Equality?" Their words, including opportunity, resilience, and fearless, were displayed on large panels throughout the venue, with attendees adding their own contributions during the event.

Co-sponsored by the Glendale Commission on the Status of Women, the event also featured a resource section connecting attendees with practical support from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Glendale Economic Development Department, California Office of Business and Economic Development (GoBiz), and other organizations committed to advancing women in business.

This year's celebration was made possible through the support of community sponsors, including returning sponsor Caruso, along with Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center, Adventist Health Glendale, and others.

What's Ahead

As the City closes on this year's celebration, it continues to look forward. The Commission on the Status of Women will use attendee feedback from the post-event survey to shape upcoming programs and resources that respond to the priorities of women and girls.

In addition, on September 30, the Glendale City Council is set to vote on updates to the ordinance governing the Commission on the Status of Women. The ordinance expands its roles, responsibilities, and powers, strengthening its ability to advance equity, opportunity, and representation for women and girls in Glendale.

For our highlight video, event photos, and access to resources visit GlendaleCA.gov/WomensEquality.

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About Glendale
Known as the "Jewel City," Glendale is the fourth largest city of Los Angeles County. With a population of almost 200,000, Glendale is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is rich in history, culturally diverse, and offers nearly 50 public parks & facilities, with easy access to a municipal airport. It is the home to a vibrant business community, with major companies in healthcare, entertainment, manufacturing, retail, and banking. Visit GlendaleCA.gov for more information and follow us on social media @MyGlendale.

About the City of Glendale Commission on the Status of Women
Established in 2003, the City of Glendale Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) serves as an advisory body to the Glendale City Council. The Commission is dedicated to supporting the well-being of women and girls and recommending policies and programs that advance equity in Glendale.