Amara Possian and Aris Babikian
Aris Babikian (Scarborough-Agincourt)
For forty years Babikian has been involved in Toronto-Armenian community activities at many levels, including as executive director of the Armenian National Committee of Canada. One of his significant efforts was campaigning to implement a high school genocide education course within the TDSB, which continues to flourish and expand.
He is a retired Citizenship Judge, World Vision Canada Multicultural Council Ambassador, Chair of Levant Settlement Centre, and board member of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada.
Cindy Hackelberg (Markham-Thornhill)
Hackelberg helped establish the Armenian Students Association at the University of Waterloo as a student there. Her children currently attend the ARS Armenian School in Toronto.
She graduated from the University of Waterloo with both a mathematics and art degree. She is a high-tech software project manager. She has previously served as a television journalist covering York Region for a local Rogers TV station.
Amara Possian (Don Valley West)
Possian attended Arpi Nursery School, a day care centre founded by her great aunt, Aida Meras. She is the grand-daughter of the founder of Istanbul’s Marmara Armenian newspaper.
She runs her own business where she helps non-profits design strategies for action. An experienced community organizer who has managed large-scale advocacy campaigns on issues like affordable housing and voter engagement.
