FEMINNO, a global female innovation platform founded in Armenia, has launched a new chapter in New York City, marking the latest step in its international expansion. The move follows the platform’s growth in Armenia and Los Angeles and reflects its shift towards operating as a year-round global network linking women, technology and ideas across borders, while maintaining strong community and cultural ties.
The New York City launch event brought together leaders, innovators, partners and supporters for an evening that combined discussion with Armenian wine and food. The gathering highlighted FEMINNO’s progress to date and showcased emerging collaborations in New York. It also reflected the organisation’s continued focus on strengthening links between Armenia and the diaspora, creating spaces where innovation, culture and cooperation meet.
Speakers at the event represented FEMINNO’s emphasis on leadership across policy, technology and social impact. Houry Geudelekian, UN Coordinator at Unchained At Last and Past Chair of UN NGO CSW/NY, spoke about collective action, policy engagement and the need for consistent advocacy for women and girls worldwide. Kristina Ayanian, Executive Producer & Host at Nasdaq, shared insights from her work within global financial and innovation institutions, pointing to the influence women can have within established systems.
A forward-looking perspective was offered by Siranush “Siri Kostanyan”, NYU Adjunct Professor and Chief Digital & AI Officer, who addressed the evolving relationship between artificial and human intelligence. She said AI should complement rather than replace human judgement, creativity and empathy, and highlighted the responsibility of leaders to ensure technology development remains ethical, inclusive and centred on people.
The launch also introduced FEMINNO’s new membership model, designed to support its growing global community through structured opportunities for learning, leadership, collaboration and visibility. The model signals FEMINNO’s transition into a more sustained ecosystem, providing a framework for year-round engagement and chapter-led growth in New York City.
Another key moment of the evening was the presentation of FEMINNO’s AI Girls programme, which aims to equip teenage girls with AI literacy, confidence and future-ready skills. With the New York City chapter now established, the programme is expected to expand through mentorship, partnerships and diaspora involvement, with the goal of ensuring girls play an active role in shaping the future of AI.
Reflecting on the expansion, FEMINNO founder Seda Papoyan said: “FEMINNO began in Armenia as a vision to create space for women to lead, to innovate, and to be visible. Bringing FEMINNO to New York City is not just geographic growth—it’s a responsibility. A responsibility to build meaningful connections, to shape ethical innovation, and to ensure that women and girls are at the center of the future we are creating, especially in the age of AI.”
With chapters now active in Armenia, Los Angeles and New York City, FEMINNO continues to develop as a global movement focused on innovation, culture and impact. The New York launch marks the next stage of its journey, inviting wider community engagement and collaboration.
