SOAR - Mexico City Chapter
Mexico City joined the SOAR family in October 2015. The earliest known Armenian who arrived in Mexico was Francisco Martin in 1632. In 1723, Armenian national Don Pedro de Zárate arrived on a Spanish galleon from China to Acapulco. In 1897, Mexican President Porfirio Diaz planned a project to establish an agricultural community with Armenian settlers in Northern Mexico, but the project never materialized. Soon after the Genocide, nearly 300 Armenians immigrated to Mexico, with a majority settling in La Merced and establishing themselves as shoemakers and shop owners. The Armenian community of Mexico never established a school or community center, which led to quick assimilation into the larger Mexican population. The Armenian community of Mexico is comprised of approximately 400–500 people today.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Crista Aladjadjian
President
Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Crista Marie Ani Aladjadjian is of Armenian, Spanish, and Mexican descent. Her multicultural background has profoundly shaped her worldview, inspiring her to champion diversity and inclusivity in all her endeavors.
Crista’s academic journey began at Holy Martyrs and Ferrahian in Encino, CA, where she cultivated a strong foundation in both academics and community service. These formative years instilled in her a deep appreciation for her Armenian roots and a commitment to cultural preservation.
Professionally, Crista has carved a niche for herself in business development, marketing, and media production, particularly within the culinary industry. Her career trajectory is marked by notable achievements and a demonstrated ability to drive growth and innovation. Crista’s expertise in strategic planning, market expansion, and brand development has been instrumental in her roles across various multinational companies.
Her journey in the culinary world began with her passion for food and storytelling. Crista’s unique approach to marketing and media production has allowed her to create compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Her work spans creating content that highlights the artistry of chefs, developing marketing campaigns that elevate culinary brands, and producing media that celebrates food culture.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Crista spent five years traveling the world, an experience that enriched her understanding of global cultures and cuisines. This period of exploration and discovery significantly influenced her work, infusing it with a global perspective that is both innovative and inclusive.
In 2022, Crista settled down in Mexico City, bringing her wealth of experience and her multicultural heritage to one of the world’s most vibrant culinary scenes. Her move to Mexico City has allowed her to further explore her Mexican roots while continuing to make significant contributions to the culinary industry.
Crista’s dedication to her Armenian heritage is reflected in her active involvement with organizations like Homenetmen and Hamazkayin. Beyond performing with Niari Dance Ensemble for over 20 years, her work with Hamazkayin has seen her contribute to numerous cultural and educational projects, reinforcing her commitment to preserving and promoting Armenian culture.