The John and Hasmik Mgrdichian Foundation (JHM) is TUMO’s partner in ensuring that all teens in Armenia and Artsakh can access opportunities to realize and fulfill their potential. Founded by the children of Armenian genocide survivors from Kharpert and Gyumri, the JHM Foundation seeks to promote the development of Armenia and the preservation of Armenian culture. In line with these values, they’ve funded the TUMO Studios educational program in craftsmanship and design, the construction of a new TUMO center in Koghb, and the renovation of Gyumri’s old theater building — the future home of TUMO Gyumri.

John and Hasmik met while attending the same church in Boyle Heights, California. They were married soon after in 1945, embarking on a lifelong partnership based on their mutual work ethic, value for education and love of all things Armenian. Together, they built two successful businesses from the ground up — a trash disposal service and a card casino —  and invested in other business ventures. These ventures gave them the financial means to support themselves, their growing family and charitable causes that would impact the lives and futures of Armenians worldwide. In the 1960s, they also began traveling around the world, including annual trips to Soviet Armenia to visit John’s family. 

To ensure a lasting impact on Armenian causes, they established the John and Hasmik Mgrdichian Foundation. The first time that acting managers of JHM visited TUMO Yerevan, they knew immediately that it was the kind of initiative John and Hasmik would want to support. “The TUMO educational program emphasizes creative freedom while teaching Armenian youth practical, timely and marketable skills in a positive and encouraging environment,” said Lysa Grigorian, a JHM trustee and granddaughter of John and Hasmik Mgrdichian. “From the moment we walked in, we knew that a relationship would evolve.”

With JHM’s generous support, the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies moves closer to fulfilling its mission of connecting young people throughout Armenia and Artsakh with the tools and opportunities necessary to realize and fulfill their potential. TUMO is grateful for their commitment to the development of education in Armenia through our program.

“JHM believes that the future of Armenia belongs to its youth and that the country’s strongest resource is the population’s intelligence and entrepreneurial spirit,” explained Lysa. “We’re excited to support TUMO because its programs and initiatives are cultivating that potential in innovative ways and at scale.”