My name is Sarah Artin, and I was born and raised in Heidelberg, Germany. Growing up in a bilingual household where both Western and Eastern Armenian were spoken, I developed a deep appreciation for the rich diversity within Armenian heritage. My father is a Western Armenian and my mother is an Eastern Armenian, which gave me a unique perspective and a strong sense of empathy for the Armenian Diaspora and the desire to bridge cultural gaps.

I completed my training as a fashion designer and accumulated five years of experience in the industry. Driven by a deep connection to my roots, I participated in Birthright Armenia, volunteering for a year, which led me to spend the following years living and working in Armenia as a product manager.

In 2023, I returned to Germany to pursue a new career path. I am currently training to become a psychotherapist while working part-time as a front office agent. This career shift aligns with my lifelong goal of helping people understand themselves better and improve their mental well-being.

Being raised in such a culturally rich environment has equipped me with the sensitivity and understanding needed to connect with various facets of the Armenian identity, fostering a strong sense of home and belonging. To maintain and deepen my connection to Armenia, I became an active member of ARI e.V. in 2016, where I assist in organizing events and participate in various social aid projects. A notable project involved our mission to Lebanon, where we visited an Armenian orphanage in Byblos. We played with the children, conducted workshops, and sponsored a playground funded by the donations we raised.

Inspired by my work with ARI, I co-founded Hoki at the beginning of 2024. Hoki aims to raise awareness about mental health within the Armenian youth community through workshops and initiatives. I plan to remain active with ARI and to also run for a position as a board member.

As a participant in the Diaspora Youth Ambassador Program, I am committed to strengthening the ties between the Armenian Diaspora and Armenia. I seek to collaborate with other organizations to promote mental health awareness, enhance cultural connections, and empower the youth community. This program will equip me with the skills and knowledge needed to achieve these goals, serving both my local community and the broader Armenian diaspora. My objective is to create an environment where the youth feel connected, supported, and proud of their heritage, while being prepared to face the challenges of modern life.