Candance Karasarkisian

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 Hello everyone! My name is Candace Karasarkisian, and I am deeply honored to serve as your ACYO-WD Central Council Co-Chairwoman for the 2026 term. I am especially excited to lead alongside Sarah Koloyian as we guide this council together.

This year is a significant milestone for me as it marks my fifth and final year on the Central Council. Having been part of the ACYO family since 2014, with my roots at both St. Leon Burbank and my home parish of St. Gregory the Illuminator in Pasadena, this organization has truly shaped the person I am today.

As I step into this final chapter of my council service, my primary mission is to pass the torch to the next generation of leaders. My goal is to empower our youth with the spiritual tools and leadership resources they need to carry our mission forward long after my term ends. Within the Western Diocese, I have been involved in several committees, such as Nerouj and the Armenian-American Young Leaders Trip to Japan Delegation, as a representative of our youth. Outside of my involvement in the Diocese, I am dedicated to working for my father’s real estate firm, Legacy Realty, and I plan to start grad school in the fall. This past year, I also started an event management business called “kem.” so I look forward to helping in any way I can in the future. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to grow alongside you all as your sister in Christ. Let’s make this final year our most impactful one yet! May God continue to bless us all and give us the strength and wisdom to achieve these goals!