Alumni Awards Judges 

Artur Ghukasyan

PRESIDENT OF HIGH FEST INTERNATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL

Artur is the founder and the President of HIGH FEST International Performing Arts Festival, a flagship theatre festival in Yerevan, which has has been recognised as one of the 24 best European festivals (EFFE Laureates) by European Festival Association. 

Martin Martirosyan

HEAD OF WHOLESALE BANKING, HSBC BANK ARMENIA CJSC

Martin is a banking professional with over 20 years’ experience. He has been working in HSBC for the past 18 years and is currently leading wholesale banking business in Armenia. Starting from 2020 he has been the Chairman of the Board for Armenian British Business Chamber. Martin has a PhD degree in Economics from Yerevan State University and International Master of Science degrees from Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden.

British Council in Armenia

Natalya Harutyunyan

PROGRAMME MANAGER OF THE WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT AND GENDER EQUALITY THEMATIC PORTFOLIO AT UNDP ARMENIA

Natalya brings 20 years of experience in management of development projects on gender equality, human rights, social cohesion, youth affairs, local governance and refugee/IDP issues. Previously, Natalya managed Armenian segment of Danish Refugee Council’s regional programmes and worked as trainer and consultant on non-profit management with Armenian Assembly of America’s NGO Training and Resource Centre. Natalya has studied International Relations at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. 

Steve Dodds

HEAD OF POLITICAL AND PRESS SECTION AT THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN YEREVAN

Steve is Head of Political and Press Section at the British Embassy in Yerevan and is Chair of the interview panel for Chevening Awards in Armenia. Steve has worked for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for 17 years, in a career which has included full postings to Yerevan, Dhaka and Hanoi, shorter periods working in Moscow and Manila, and several London-based roles. Steve has a BSc (Hons) in Earth Sciences from the University of Durham.

Mkhitar Avetisyan

PRESIDENT AND CO-FOUNDER OF “ISSD” INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITIES

Mkhitar is the President of the non-governmental organisation that breaks through stereotypes promoting innovative solutions in the fields of waste management, environmental protection, rural development, circular economy, and other activities that support the sustainable development of Armenia. Mkhitar is also a Member of the Public Council of the Minister of Environment of Armenia, and a trustee at Awesome Foundation Yerevan that supports various projects that advance innovation.