Mirak Kazanjian

Founder/Executive Director

Hi! My name is Mirak Kazanjian. My grandparents were survivors of the Armenian Genocide, from Mousa Dagh, Kharpert, and Urfa. I grew up in Los Angeles going to Armenian school and deeply involved in the Armenian community. When I moved to Spokane, I greatly missed the Armenian community. When I started my business - Skewers Food Truck - in 2016, I realized the mission of my business was more than just making good Middle Eastern food. I realized that this business gave me a platform and opportunity to share my culture. When the war in Armenia started in 2020, I immediately recognized that I also had a mission to share the Armenian struggle with the Spokane community. Since July 2020, through Skewers based fundraisers, we sent over $100,000 to Armenian humanitarian efforts and refugee relief. We Are Our Mountains is an opportunity to continue these efforts with more structure and purpose. I'm excited for this venture and the ability to fight for the survival of Armenia even though I am distant.