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About Global Development Foundation
Founded in 2021, the Global Development Foundation is dedicated to empowering underserved communities through sustainable, community-led development.
Since 2021, we’ve supported families across Glendale and the greater Los Angeles area through direct services, hands-on programs, and local partnerships. Our mission is simple:give people the resources, education, and support they need to build lasting self-sufficiency,not temporary relief.
We focus on three things:
Access — connecting families to essential resources and opportunities for economic growth.
Skills — providing hands-on training and environmentally responsible practices that equip communities to thrive long-term.
Reach — allocating aid strategically so it reaches those who need it most, balancing immediate relief with long-term impact.
Real change happens when communities lead their own development. We partner with local leaders across Glendale and LA to design programs that fit their community’s actual needs —not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Join us. Whether through volunteering, donating, or partnering with us, you can help build a future where communities have the tools to thrive on their own terms.
APPRECIATION&RECOGNITION
The people who power our mission — donors, volunteers, and partner organizations across Glendale and Los Angeles — deserve more than a thank-you. They deserve real recognition.
That’s why we’re introducing an annual awards program honoring the individuals and organizations making a lasting impact on our community. Categories will recognize outstanding volunteers, generous donors, and partner organizations whose work reflects our shared mission.
Nominations will open to the community through our website, with clear guidelines to keep the process simple and transparent. Whether you’re nominating a colleague, a partner organization, or a volunteer who’s gone above and beyond, we want to hear about it.
Our awards ceremony will bring supporters, beneficiaries, and stakeholders together to celebrate these achievements — and to build the kind of community where every contribution, big or small, is seen and valued.
GDF AWARDS
The GDF Awards
Each year, the GDF Awards recognize individuals whose work reflects our mission of empowerment and community impact. Nara Vardanyan and the GDF team are proud to have honored an outstanding group of notable figures at the 2022 GDF Awards, including:
Ken Davitian — Actor
Kev Orkian — Comedian
Araksya Karapetyan — TV Personality
Ara Malikian — Violinist
Michael Aram — Award-Winning Artist
Jocelyn Lee — Visual Artist
James Wenn — Producer
Javier Cazares — Actor, Writer, Producer, Director
Vahagn Stepanyan — Music Producer
Macy Kate — Singer
Melvin Lee Davis — Musician, Producer
Ronald Bruner Jr. — Musician
Nara Vardanyan continues to inspire and lead with a passion for community empowerment, making a lasting impact through the Global Development Foundation.
CEO AND FOUNDER
About Our CEO
Nara Vardanyan is the visionary CEO of the Global Development Foundation (GDF), an organization committed to creating sustainable solutions for global challenges. With a deep-rooted passion for empowerment and community development, she leads a dedicated team
focused on fostering positive change.
Originally from Yerevan, Armenia, Nara holds a degree in Public and Organizational.Management from Yerevan State University. She began her career as the Development Director of a prominent optical company in Moscow, where she successfully drove strategic initiatives for 15 years.
Since relocating to the United States in 2015, Nara has broadened her expertise across sectors including creativity, entertainment, marketing, and health services, with a strong focus on social equity and support for children with disabilities. Her experience in the aviation industry as a Customer Service Agent for Delta and United Airlines further sharpened her operational acumen.Since founding GDF in 2021, Nara has also led the Global Corporation entertainment division and The GDF Awards, recognizing individuals who make significant societal contributions.
Under her leadership, GDF has emerged as a catalyst for impactful solutions, advocating for communities across Glendale, Los Angeles, and beyond.