John Baghdassarian
La Salle College Preparatory
2019-2023
Co-Founder, MicroEngage
Created and launched a microloan program with my twin brother supporting agricultural businesses in the rural village of Debet, Armenia. Funded initiative entirely through earnings as a cashier (2019-2022). Interviewed experts before launching our project. Partnered with non-profit Children Of Armenia Fund (COAF) to generate microloan applications from local entrepreneurs starting in March 2022. Learned about the local economy through speaking with villagers in Debet from June-July 2022. Evaluated microloan business proposals, and interviewed loan applicants. Funded five Debet entrepreneurs specializing in beekeeping and honey production. Finalized terms of loan contracts, and funded loans. COAF is using the payments it receives to fund future business loans.
Fall 2021 - Present
Founder and President, La Salle Ski and Snowboard Club (Grades 11, 12)
Created La Salle’s Ski and Snowboard Club. Prepared for Club Day and spoke to interested students, registering 57 members (2021) and 90 members (2022) on Club Day. Organized three different day trips each year to local ski resorts. Designed club sweaters and negotiated discounts with retailers; merchandise sold out on the first day of sale. Compose weekly emails and schedule meetings to discuss skiing and day trips.
2021-2023
Internship
William P. Lauder Internship Program - USC Shoah Foundation
Fall 2023 & Spring 2024
Applied & Accepted into the USC Shoah Foundation—The Institute for Visual History and Education, William P. Lauder Internship Program. Gained valuable digital skills while engaging with testimony through the IWitness website. Completed assigned, conducted independent work & Volunteering 25 hours to assist with Institute needs.
2019
Honors
Cum Laude : National Honor Society 2021 - 2023. California Scholarship Federation 2021-2023. Honor Roll, 9th - 12th grades.
University of California at Los Angeles Extension (Grade 11)
Summer 2021
Completed the course MGMT X 463.o1 “Advertising in the Digital Age” (grade: A). Studied digital trends and how businesses use social media to market products to consumers. Classmates were primarily professionals in the marketing and advertising fields.
Extracurricular Activities, Community Service, and Professional Experience
Founder and President, La Salle Armenian Club (Grades 11, 12)
Created an Armenian cultural club, registering 75 members (2021) and 91 members (2022) on Club Day, making this organization the largest and most inclusive on campus. Planned a successful first cultural day event, created timelines and task lists for four executive members, and coordinated with school administration. The program featured a guest speaker discussing Armenian history and a performance by an Armenian dance group. Through bake sales of Armenian pastries and special events, introduced Armenian culture to the school community. Upcoming events include a field trip to Tufenkian Fine Arts in Glendale, a movie night showcasing the feature film The Promise, and more fundraisers, including tie-dye t-shirts and bake sales.
2021-2023
First Base and Outfielder, La Salle Baseball Tea (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
Member of varsity and junior varsity teams. Alternating between outfielder and first base. Year-round training.
2019-2023
Cashier & Server, Massis Kabob Restaurant (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
Receive orders and process payments; assist the family business by posting social media content; ensure the counter is neat and orderly; restock items; answer customer phone calls. Tasks include answering menu questions, promoting specific products on the menu, and resolving customer complaints. Utilize language skills in Armenian, English, and Spanish with customers.
2019-Present
School Supply Project (SSP),
Raise funds for this non-profit’s annual project, with a goal of $20,000. Contact donors through phone solicitations. Organize and supervised two fundraisers.
2018-2023
Armenian Educational Foundation (AEF)
Fundraising Manager (Grades 10, 11, 12)
Appointed to a leadership position since 2018. Worked with AEF representatives in the United States to create effective social media content. Hosted a challenge “Wear Your SSP T-Shirt” campaign to generate interest. Spotlighted volunteers by posting about their program involvement. The campaign recruited 31 volunteers, exceeding expectations and generating community engagement. Gained experience working collaboratively in a team-oriented environment, troubleshooting, and quick problem-solving.
Project Manager and Social Media Contributor (Grade 9)
Student Ambassador, La Salle High School (Grades 11, 12)
Selected for the position through a competitive process. Serve as a guide to alumni, donors, and prospective students.
2021-2023
Camp Counselor, Chamlian Armenian School (Grades 11, 12)
Responsible for supervising and planning activities for campers ages 7-14, enhancing self-esteem, teamwork, and respect for others.
Summer 2021 ,2022
Speaker, Chamlian Armenian School (Grades 11, 12)
As the former Student Council President, invited to speak to 8th-grade students. Delivered a PowerPoint presentation to 60 students focusing on leadership opportunities, academics, and community engagement in high school (11th Grade). Prepared and delivered a speech posted on social media to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh, Armenia (10th grade). Returning to campus to speak to the Class of 2023 (12th grade).
2020-2023
Education
Volunteer Ski Instructor with the Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra
John Cabot University Rome, Italy
Bachelor of Arts & Political Science, Study Abroad Scholarship
Fulfilled the following requirements: Advanced skier. Submitted Volunteer Application form. Attended winter on-snow training (November 2022). Completed SafeSports Educational curriculum. In the process of fulfilling the minimum 36-hour volunteer hour requirement. Trained in DSES adaptive equipment. Trained to prepare for lessons by reviewing Student Information Form. Trained to perform a thorough assessment of student.
2022-Present
