The National Women’s Political Caucus and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley have both announced their endorsement of Elen Asatryan for Glendale City Council. Elen is also the only woman and non-incumbent candidate to receive the endorsement of Planned Parenthood.
“We are so excited about Elen Asatryan as a candidate for Glendale City Council,” said Dr. Katie Clark, Chair of the NWPC praising Elen’s commitment to equality and the advancement of women’s rights. “Her work on behalf of women on a huge range of issues including domestic violence, reproductive freedom, equal pay, and fair representation aligns with issues that are critical bottom-line issues for us and for so many women in our communities. We know she will continue to be an important advocate for women when elected.”
Sheri Bonner, President of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley further commended Elen for her unwavering support and advocacy for women and reproductive justice.
“Planned Parenthood Advocates proudly endorses Elen Asatryan,” Bonner said. “Elen has demonstrated their dedication to protecting and expanding access to reproductive health care in their community and has the whole-hearted support of PP Advocates!”
This election can be a year of many firsts for Glendale and women. If elected, Elen will make history as the first immigrant, Armenian-American, youngest, and only the 5th woman in the history of Glendale to serve on the Glendale City Council.
“I am grateful to earn the endorsement of both the National Women’s Political Caucus and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley as their work and issues impacting women and girls have always been near and dear to my heart. It is up to each of us to uplift women’s voices and issues, shatter existing glass ceilings, and ensure women have a seat at the table,” said Elen. “The fight for healthcare equality, equal pay, and fair representation are real and while we have come a long way, we have a lot of work ahead of us. I hope my campaign also inspires other young women to become civically engaged. I look forward to continuing to do my part to help pave the way.”
Elen’s fight for women's issues has always been at the center of her advocacy, community involvement and politics. Her unique positionality as both an immigrant and woman from a minority community has given her grounding and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underserved communities. As a community organizer, human rights activist, city commissioner, and a small business owner, for over two decades she has served as the bridge between residents, small businesses and government and community-based entities. Some of her many undertaking with proven results include: Establishing the Glendale Domestic Violence Task Force; creating partnerships for sexual assault and domestic violence awareness months, advocating for reproductive rights, fair pay, equity; founding internship and fellowship programs for youth; mentored countless young women and girls; and expanding green spaces and access to programs for low-income communities as chair of the Glendale, Parks, Recreations and Community Services Commission.
Elen has been honored by the CA State Senate, CA State Assembly, LA Mayor Garcetti and LA City Council for her efforts and dedication to issues impacting women, underserved populations, and human and civil rights. She is also the recipient of the 2021 YWCA Glendale Social Justice Award, 2018 CA 25th Senate District’s Young Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the 2010 Armenian American Chamber of Commerce Woman in Service award, and others.
On the campaign trail, Elen has put women’s issues as part of priorities calling for the need for equal representation on all city boards, reinstating the powers of the city of Glendale’s Commission on the Status of Women which were stripped in recent years, and an assessment of recruitment and promotional practices at city hall. As it stands Glendale currently has zero women department heads which is alarming and signals to a larger structural issue.
The NWPC and Planned Parenthood Advocates are the latest in a series of prominent organizations and individuals to announce their support of Elen. Other endorsements include the L.A. County Federation of Labor, Glendale Fire Department, and California State Senator Anthony Portantino and more.
The Glendale City Council election is scheduled to take place on June 7. All registered voters will receive a mail-in ballot at home starting the week of May 9. Voters may mail back their ballot, drop off or walk into any voting center until 8pm on Election Day, June 7 to cast their vote.
To learn more about, get involved in, and contribute to Elen’s campaign, visit www.electelen.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the campaign’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @ElenAsatryan