COAF is matching its alumni with graduates from the Matena International School of Leaders through MentorcliQ, building a powerful network for mentorship and professional growth.
What makes a great mentor? Is it their expertise, their life experience, or their ability to listen and offer guidance? While all of these qualities are meaningful, there’s one essential ingredient that truly defines a successful mentorship—the mentor’s genuine willingness to invest in someone else’s journey. This spirit is abundant among the alumni of the international school, Matena, who have committed to guiding our own young COAF alumni as they take their next steps on their own career paths․
Shushan Boyajyan, COAF’s Education and Alumni Programs Manager, presents the main components of the new program.
At COAF, we’re thrilled to share an exciting new chapter in our Scholarship & Career Development Program. We’ve teamed up with the Matena Alumni Club and MentorcliQ, an innovative social platform, to launch a mentorship initiative designed to further support our alumni on their academic, professional, and personal journeys, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed.
Why Matena Alumni?
When it comes to mentorship, we want the very best for our alumni — and that’s exactly what Matena’s network offers.
Nakhshun Afanessian, COAF’s Social Work Manager is also an Alumni Club Board Member at Matena International School of Leadership and Professional Development.
Matena is an international school of leadership and professional development based in Armenia, offering world-class executive education tailored for leaders across sectors. With a faculty of global experts and a focus on practical, real-world impact, Matena equips professionals with the tools, mindset, and network to drive change and innovation both locally and globally.
Their alumni include some of Armenia’s most accomplished professionals, bringing years of experience to the table. These mentors know what it takes to succeed, and they’re passionate about helping the next generation do the same.
Marine Mirijanyan, Matena Alumna, Mentor to COAF Alumni, and founder of her law consultancy, Confido Advisory.
For some mentors, joining the program is deeply personal. Reflecting on her own career journey, Marine Mirijanyan, a lawyer, founder and CEO of Confido Advisory, and mentor in the program, shared:
“I know firsthand how hard it is to navigate your path when you don’t have a mentor. I had to figure out everything alone — from where to start, who to approach — and it was tough. That’s why I didn’t hesitate to join this program.”
Introducing MentorcliQ to COAF
MentorcliQ is a dynamic platform that connects mentors and mentees through structured, goal-oriented programs designed to foster meaningful personal and professional growth. As a web-based platform accessible via both desktop and mobile browsers, it’s built to be user-friendly across devices—enabling users to connect, track progress, and manage their mentorship journey from anywhere.
MentorcliQ powers mentoring programs for leading global enterprises such as Disney, AMD, Deloitte, and Takeda Pharma. With a presence in over 100 countries across six continents, MentorcliQ supports two million professionals—and soon, it will help guide our own COAF alumni on their paths to success.
A Powerful Partnership for Impactful Mentorships
This new COAF x Matena collaboration pairs 46 of our alumni — including bachelor’s, master’s, and residency students — with 32 experienced Matena Alumni mentors. MentorcliQ’s platform will provide meaningful structures designed to help both mentors and mentees make the most of their collaborations.
For mentees, this means real-world learning that extends beyond the classroom.
Gor Galstyan, COAF alumnus and a participant in the Matena Alumni Club Mentorship Program. Gor is in his fourth year at the Yerevan State University, studying Economics and Management.
“One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from my mentor is the importance of continuous investment in education,” shares Gor, a COAF alumnus currently participating in the program. “I now understand that even the smallest details in business require constant improvement, and that entrepreneurship is a never-ending journey of hard work.”
Many mentees find that the program not only provides industry insights but also introduces them to new career possibilities.“Since my mentor is a marketing specialist and runs a café business, I started researching the field and realized it’s something I might want to pursue in the future. We also share the same vision when it comes to marketing,” Gor reflects.
Azatuhi Sukoyan, COAF alumnus and a participant in the Matena Alumni Club Mentorship Program. Azatuhi is pursuing a BA in Business and General Management at the American University of Armenia.
Another mentee, Azatuhi Sukoyan, was struck by a simple yet powerful piece of advice from her mentor: “Let’s fail fast.” “In our very first meeting, my mentor told me that if we’re going to fail, let’s do it as quickly as possible,” she recalls. “Rather than overthinking or holding back, we should take the leap. If something isn’t going to work out, it’s better to realize it early than to regret never trying.”
The program is also proving to be a two-way street — offering mentors new perspectives and inspiration. As Marine shared after working with her mentees:
“Every conversation with these young people teaches me something new — their mindset, their resilience, and their determination are truly admirable, especially knowing the challenges they face coming from the regions.”
The impact of this mentorship program is already evident—mentees are challenging their perspectives, discovering new interests, and gaining practical knowledge from professionals who have walked the path before them.
What Our Mentees Gain
This mentorship program offers more than just conversations — it provides a structured pathway for learning, growth, and connection.
Our mentees will benefit from:
- Real-Life Experience Insights: Mentees will be able to examine and learn from their mentor’s journeys, through mistakes, successes, and everything in between.
- Career and Leadership Development: From decision-making and communication to teamwork and adaptability, mentors will help mentees build the skills they need to thrive.
- Goal-Setting and Personal Growth: Mentors will support mentees in setting and reaching meaningful personal and professional goals.
- Networking Opportunities: With access to a diverse network of industry professionals, mentees can make connections that open doors to internships, jobs, and other opportunities.
For Marine, the motivation to mentor comes from recognizing the drive and potential in the next generation:
“What inspires me most is seeing these young people forging their own paths — not because someone told them to, but because they’re determined to do it. It makes you want to contribute, even in a small way, to their journey.”
Building On Our Legacy of Empowering the Children of Armenia
This mentorship program isn’t just about career growth—it’s about building a lasting community where knowledge, experience, and inspiration are shared across generations. It is an important addition to our Scholarship & Career Development Program, which has long supported our alumni in pursuing higher education, developing professional skills, and finding meaningful careers. From financial aid to leadership training — and now personalized mentorship — we’re committed to helping our alumni achieve their goals and contribute to the future of Armenia.
Stay tuned for more updates as our mentees embark on this exciting journey. To help us continue and expand our Scholarship and Career Development programs please consider making a donation.
