SOAR - Northridge Chapter
Northridge became part of the SOAR family in August 2021. Northridge is in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles County. The community is home to California State University, Northridge, the Northridge Fashion Center, as well as Los Angeles’ former historic roller-skating rink, Northridge Skateland. Originally named Zelzah by settlers in 1908, the community was renamed North Los Angeles in 1929, but this caused confusion between North Hollywood and Los Angeles. In 1938, civic leaders decided to rename the community to Northridge Village, which morphed into modern-day Northridge. Northridge touches Porter Ranch and Granada Hills on the north, North Hills on the east, Van Nuys on the southeast, Lake Balboa and Reseda on the south, and Winnetka and Chatsworth on the west.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Arsen Shahbazian
Treasurer
Arsen, born in Baghdad and raised in California, has always been fascinated by the cosmos, with a deep interest in astronomy and astrophysics. His diverse career journey began in the entertainment industry at a young age, where he honed his creative skills and gained invaluable experiences.
After transitioning to the technology sector, Arsen has spent over 25 years building a robust career. Currently, he serves as a cybersecurity engineer for a global financial firm, where his expertise helps protect sensitive data and systems from evolving cyber threats.
In addition to his professional achievements, Arsen is an avid photographer, capturing the beauty of the world through his lens. His passion for photography allows him to blend his technical knowledge with his artistic eye, creating stunning visual narratives.
Arsen also loves reading and writing poetry, finding joy and solace in the written word. He spends his free time with his three children, cherishing every moment they share. Whether exploring the outdoors, engaging in creative projects, or simply enjoying family time at home, Arsen treasures these experiences and the strong bond he has with his kids.
Known for his unwavering optimism, Arsen believes that a positive mindset can transform any situation. He lives by the motto: “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change,” constantly encouraging those around him to adopt a hopeful and forward-thinking perspective.
Mariam Coskunian
Secretary
Mariam Coskunian (née Shahbazian) was born in Baghdad, Iraq, and moved to the United States at the age of one. As the youngest of three siblings and the only girl in her family, she has always been known as the cherished baby of the family.
Her early career began with sales and administrative support roles, where she refined her organizational and interpersonal skills. After completing her college education, Mariam focused on raising her three boys, dedicating her time and energy to nurturing her family. In addition to being a devoted mother, she has a passion for baking, enjoys sunny beach days, and treasures moments spent with her family.
Fluent in English, Armenian, and Spanish, Mariam has effectively used her multilingual skills in various professional settings. Looking ahead, Mariam is eager to continue her education to pursue a career as a paralegal. She is committed to furthering her professional development and people skills to make a meaningful impact in the legal field, all while balancing her personal interests and family life.