SOAR - Rocky Mountains Chapter
P.O Box 350032
Westminster, CO 80035-0032
The Rocky Mountains chapter joined the SOAR family in October 2012, and is committed to upholding SOAR’s vision to provide orphaned Armenians with resources fundamental to their physical, emotional, and intellectual development.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Elena Touryan
President
A dedicated educator, Elena Touryan has served as adjunct history faculty at several universities over the last decade, including most recently at the University of Denver. Her passion for Soviet Russian History and genocide studies stems from her family background as the granddaughter of Armenian Genocide survivors. Since she began her teaching career, Elena has enjoyed the privilege of working with and inspiring thousands of young people to become human rights advocates.
Growing up in a family dedicated to Armenian causes, both academic and charitable, Elena is excited to join SOAR’s Rocky Mountain Chapter and continue the tradition of giving back to the homeland.
Elena grew up on the beautiful Central Coast of California and now lives in the Denver Metro area with her husband, Alvaro. Together they have two beautiful children, Zaven and Ariela Siroun. She enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling.
Vahan Terterian
Treasurer
Vahan Terterian has been living in Denver, Colorado for the last three years. He grew up and spent most of his life in SoCal near his family and friends. He is “Beirutsi” as they say, his mom was born in Haleb, Lebanon and his dad in Kessab, Syria. This foundation is especially near and dear to Vahan’s heart as his mom once lived in an orphanage in Lebanon. This was during the Lebanese Civil War, when his recently widowed grandmother had to move to America to get her green card in order to get his mom and her siblings to a better life; one without conflict and abject poverty. That said, Vahan loves his fellow Armenians, he loves the language, and he wants to give back to the community in some way–especially those without a home.
Vahan is a tech professional and a founding member of a Y-Combinator backed startup called Voker. It’s a very new venture (only about 4 months old now), recently funded and fast paced. He loves to run, ski, play pickleball, read, and game. Family, connection, shared experiences, climate change awareness, and social equity are what are most important to him.
Hannah Grabill
Hannah Grabill is a proud half Armenian on her mother’s side and currently resides in Colorado Springs, CO with her husband. She graduated from College of the Ozarks in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in public relations and minoring in business administration. Hannah currently works as a Senior Engagement Specialist for Legends Hospitality where she fundraises for the Air Force Academy Foundation
Michael Hansard
Michael brings over two decades of expertise in sales, marketing, and logistics across diverse industries. A proud alumnus of the University of Texas at Arlington with a BS in Marketing, he is seeking his Master of Science in Business Analytics.
Nurtured by parents who embodied generosity and empathy, Michael imbibed the spirit of volunteerism from a young age. This foundation has led him to commit his time passionately to causes close to his heart. Besides contributing to SOAR, Michael also dedicates his time to tutoring math to elementary and middle school students through CABPES (Colorado Association of Black Professional Engineers and Scientists). Whether it’s helping students, family, friends, or neighbors, Michael never misses a chance to extend a helping hand.
On a personal note, Michael cherishes every moment spent with his family, including his wife and daughter. Through his wife’s Armenian heritage, Michael has discovered a deep-rooted passion for supporting the Armenian community. Thanks to his wife and her family’s enthusiastic introductions, he frequently delves into the rich tapestry of Armenian culture and cuisine.
Natela Manuntseva
Natela Manuntseva is a professional with exceptional leadership and relationship-building abilities. She has diverse skills and experience in business development, community outreach, and project management. Natela has a proven track record of success in various roles. Natela currently participates in non-profit organizations to increase awareness, and beyond her professional endeavors, Natela is deeply committed to volunteer work and community engagement. She has served on the executive boards of CARA, GlobalMindED, CABPES, and the Central City Opera Guild. Natela holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Communications from Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Lilit Yeghishyan
Born and raised in Gyumri Armenia, Lilit moved to the United States in 2009 to join her husband with 2 baby girls, welcomed another girl to the family in 2010, and now raising 3 daughters (Heghine 17, Jemma 16, and Maneh 14) in the beautiful city of Colorado Springs, CO.
She has graduated with honors from International Academy of Business in Gyumri, with BS in Jurisprudence. After moving to the US, she went back to school to obtain Certification in Accounting and is now working as a Project Controls Specialist at a major international engineering company. Prior to this role she supported US DoD/Missile Defense Agency as a Financial/Earned Value Analyst.
All her free time is dedicated to her family, and hobby – painting. For Lilit, passing down the culture and traditions to the younger generation and speaking the native language in the family, are extremely important. During a period spent in California, she volunteered to open an Armenian language and literature class adjacent to St. Kevork Church in Rancho Mirage, CA, dedicated to teaching kids to read and write in Armenian.
Throughout past years Lilit and her husband were supporting wrestling schools in Gyumri with sportswear, wrestling shoes and gear. Lilit is joining S.O.A.R Rocky Mountain Chapter for 2025 to contribute to the mission.