Literature has been at the heart of Armenian culture for centuries. Shahé Mankerian shares how his work as an educator, poet, and board member of the International Armenian Literary Alliance has contributed to building a community of writers around the world. The episode discusses IALA’s mission, opportunities for writers, and the threats facing the literary community today.
Learn more about IALA here.
Shahé Mankerian is the principal of St. Gregory Hovsepian School in Pasadena, CA, and serves as the director of mentorship at the International Armenian Literary Alliance (IALA). With a rich background in education, he co-directed the Los Angeles Writing Project and received the BRAVO Award from the Los Angeles Music Center for his innovative contributions to arts education. In 2021, Mankerian’s debut poetry collection, History of Forgetfulness, was published by Fly on the Wall Press in the UK. The collection achieved recognition as a semifinalist for the Khayrallah Prize and emerged as a finalist in notable competitions, including the Bibby First Book Competition, Crab Orchard Poetry Open Competition, Julie Suk Award, Quercus Review Press Poetry Book Award, and White Pine Press Poetry Prize.
