MEET THE 2023 LEADERSHIP TRAILBLAZER FINALIST Arminé Chaparyan
Today’s Trailblazer: Arminé Chaparyan
The League caught up with Trailblazer Finalist, Arminé Chaparyan, City Manager of South Pasadena, California to talk about being named a Leadership Trailblazer and having a career in public service:
Q. Congratulations on being named a finalist for the Leadership Trailblazer Award. What does it mean to you to be nominated?
This nomination feels as though it’s a reflection of the work I’ve done to get to this stage of my career and shows that our industry is changing by embracing such a diverse group of leaders. I never dreamt of being in a place professionally where as a first-generation immigrant, with English as my second language, I would manage to carve a path in local government. I want to be a role model for so many young men and women who may share in the same journey as me to feel that local government is a great place to create a career that is rewarding and fulfilling.
Q: What led you to a career in public service?
The absolute desire to serve the public. Growing up in Pasadena, California, I was amazed at how the City welcomed our family when we migrated and made us feel like a part of a greater community. I wanted to be in a career where I would help families in the community I serve.
Q: Who were your mentor(s) or advocate(s) in your career?
I have been very fortunate to have several mentors and advocates. First and foremost, my greatest advocate is my older brother, Aram Chaparyan, who serves as the City Manager for the City of Torrance. He not only understands the industry but always helps me push forward while staying positive. I have also worked for some amazing City Managers who have all shaped me in some way, from Andrew Pasmant to Greg Deveraux, to Ken Pulskamp and Ken Striplin. I’ve been fortunate to work for multiple cities that have supported professional development and provided opportunities to wear multiple hats. While in San Gabriel, I was also fortunate to work for Steve Preston and Mark Lazzaretto, who both believed in me and advocated for me to look at the next step in my career. I continue to be surrounded by great advocates and my team now is the absolute best. Domenica Megerdichian who serves as my Deputy City Manager, and Tamara Binns, Assistant to the City Manager, continue to support and encourage me.
Q: What is the most important lesson you learned while coming up in your career?
For me the greatest lesson has been to never give up. I recall a time in my career when I was interviewing for various City Manager positions and felt as though the role was unattainable. The concept of being the right “fit” was significant. I learned to continue working hard, not to give up on dreaming for what’s next, and to look for an opportunity where I was the fit in the community and with the Council. Having determination, grit, and a drive are all positive attributes, and not let anyone else tell you otherwise.
Q: What advice do you have for women just beginning their careers who would like to be an executive in local government someday?
Be the best at your craft, keep learning, and work hard. This will always be what gets you to the next step of your career. People recognize when someone is working hard and doing it genuinely because they are passionate about their work. It will happen when it’s meant to happen, the stars will line up, and you’ll be ready for that step.
Q: What do you hope to leave as your legacy in local government when your career comes to an end?
It’s several things for me- I want to help develop the next generation of leaders to be fierce, positive, dynamic, and help reinvent our industry. I want to do this while being a strong role model for my three children and a good partner to my husband. I want to know that I made a dent in our industry and can be the best representative to bring the next generation onward. I love the career I was fortunate enough to select and would want to continue promoting it.
