Ani Kalayjian

Working with ATOP MeaningfulWorld taught me that caring for others starts with caring for ourselves. Living with chronic health challenges highlighted the importance of rest, self-care, and seeking support, while MeaningfulWorld helped me build resilience through mindfulness and emotional awareness. I learned the value of empathy, creating safe spaces, and developing healthier ways to cope with challenges. The tools I gained, including mindfulness, meditation, and healthy boundaries, continue to support my wellbeing. Overall, this journey showed me that small actions can make a meaningful difference in creating a more compassionate world. Bashayar

MeaningfulWorld represents the intersection of everything I believe in, that healing is possible, that communities deserve to be heard, and that education and compassion are among the most powerful tools we have in the face of trauma and injustice. As someone drawn to mental health from both a clinical and humanitarian lens, being part of an organization that holds space for survivors of genocide and mass trauma feels deeply purposeful. It has reinforced for me that psychological wellbeing cannot be separated from history, identity, and belonging, and that meaningful change requires showing up consistently, in both the small moments and the larger ones. Being Armenian, this work is also personal. MeaningfulWorld has given me a place to channel that into something constructive, contributing to outreach, communication, and community-building in ways that I hope extend the organization’s reach and impact. Narod Taslakdjian

MeaningfulWorld has been a place of healing, connection, and growth during one of the most transformative periods of my life. Through its supportive community and integrative approach to wellbeing, it has taught me the importance of self-awareness, self-care, and the power of collective healing. Through my journey with MeaningfulWorld, I have gained valuable skills for healing and personal growth. Participating in support groups and learning the 7 Steps of Healing taught me that healing is a process that requires patience, self-reflection, and practice. One of the most meaningful lessons for me was learning how to identify and understand my emotions, which was not always easy given my cultural background. I have also learned the importance of self-care through practices such as meditation, exercise, and journaling. These tools have helped me become more mindful, resilient, and compassionate toward myself and others. I am grateful to MeaningfulWorld for providing the support, guidance, and community that have helped me grow and carry these lessons forward into my daily life. Nairy Bzdigian

My insightful, beautiful, and magnanimous healer! My heart if filled with gratitude and profound appreciation! I love and appreciate you. Janet Marcarian, M.A.

Leysa Cerswell I am grateful for Meaningfulworld and Dr Ani’s incredible guidance, mentorship, encouragement, generosity, and kindness she has shared. I feel so blessed and grateful that our paths have crossed and will treasure all the lessons you share. I admire your courage, passion, and commitment to creating peace, both locally and globally. With your efforts we can create a healthier and more peaceful future for the next 7 generations.

Thank you so much for your loving thoughts, dearest, even thinking of my health, dearest Ani! YOU, dearest Ani, are our SHINING BEACON OF DIGNITY in this world!!! I have no words to thank you for your loving and dignifying presence in this world and for your wonderful support for our dignity movement! Yours, always, Dr. Evelin Lindner, Teachers College, Columbia University

You have unbounded energy Ani; I am always impressed with your life force. With love, Eric Shokei Manigian, M.Div.

This initiative is both fascinating and significant, and I am eager to contribute alongside everyone involved. Having known Dr. Ani for many years, I can honestly say that the impact she has had on my life and the women who were mentored in prisons is beyond what words can express. Yvonne Garlin, President Doors of Hope Community, Inc.

Dear Ani, Fantastic work! I really appreciate seeing the great things that you are unfolding to make this world a better place. Congratulations! Blessings, Audrey Kitagawa, JD Blessings, Audrey Kitagawa, JD

Dear Ani: The New York State Nurses Association is so proud of your work on behalf of Nursing and human rights. You so nicely deserve ANA’s Honorary Human Rights Award for your contributions. NYSNA, the Board of Directors and members congratulate you! Sincerely, Ms K G. Balled, MA, RN, FAAN, President of NYSNA