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Palo Alto, CA — Orion Worldwide Innovations is pleased to announce the participation of its Chief Executive Officer, Emma Arakelyan, as a keynote speaker at a distinguished event hosted by the Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA), San Francisco Chapter. The event welcomed over 200 guests from around the world to honor two exceptional Armenian figures, Diana Abcar and Lucille Abcar, whose remarkable legacy continues to inspire women globally.

The gathering in Palo Alto celebrated the achievements, leadership, and enduring contributions of Armenian women across generations. As one of the proud sponsors of the event, Orion Worldwide Innovations highlighted Digital Julfa, one of its flagship initiatives focused on revitalizing Armenia’s historic legacy in global trade, innovation, and diaspora collaboration.

In her keynote remarks, Emma Arakelyan underscored the importance of connecting the #NewJulfanFamily legacy with AIWA’s #FoundHer mission. She presented the vision behind the Digital Julfa Network Initiative, a call to revive the Armenian global brand of trade, innovation, and influence through collective effort and strategic partnerships.

“Tonight, we are celebrating the vision and impact of the AIWA FoundHer program, launched through the generosity of Lucille Apcar — a mission that continues the Abcar family’s legacy of empowering Armenian women to lead, innovate, and shape our global future,” said Arakelyan.

Arakelyan encouraged attendees and members of the global Armenian community to learn more and sign up at www.digitaljulfa.com, where individuals and organizations can join as community members or business partners to contribute to strengthening Armenia’s global presence and long-term economic impact.

During the program, Arakelyan presented Digital Julfa pins to four distinguished women in recognition of their dedication to preserving the New Julfan legacy and supporting the mission of the Digital Julfa Network. She also gifted her book, The Business Caring Formula, as a symbol of appreciation and shared purpose.

Under the refined ambiance of Caviar Petrossian Paris, global Armenian leaders and innovators gathered to explore new pathways for heritage, innovation, and excellence in global #trade.

Hosted by Armen Petrossian, the distinguished head of the legendary Petrossian Family, the evening reflected the timeless values of Armenian hospitality, craftsmanship, and visionary leadership.

The event centered on the Digital Julfa Network, a global initiative dedicated to reviving over 300 years of Armenian influence in #commerce, #finance, and #innovation, connecting minds and markets across continents through technology and shared purpose.

Special appreciation to Serge Khavessian for bringing together exceptional leaders from the French-Armenian worlds of #gastronomy, #fashion, #law, and #technology, all united in shaping the next chapter of Armenian global presence.

Guests received The Business Caring Formula book by Emma Arakelyan and the Digital Julfa silver pin “DAJ”, symbols of leadership with care, and the unity of Armenian innovation across generations and geographies.

Paris once again became the stage for this global #movement.

#DigitalJulfa #ArmenPetrossian #Paris #ArmenianExcellence #GlobalHeritage #Innovation #Trade #Luxury #Leadership

DAJ is more than a pin. It is a silver seed of memory: worn today, shaped for tomorrow.

When heritage meets innovation, something timeless is born. That’s the story behind DAJ, a handcrafted silver lapel pin created through the collaboration of two visionary Armenian women: Emma Arakelyan, global innovation leader and founder of Orion Worldwide Innovations, and Sirarpi Khojabaghyan, cultural entrepreneur and co-founder of Tonir Wedding Village.

At first glance, DAJ is a striking, elegant accessory. But behind its gleam lies a centuries-old story of identity, resilience, and creative power: a story revived through modern craftsmanship and digital vision. “We didn’t want to just create an object,” explains Emma. “We wanted to resurrect a symbol. One that art lovers from any country and people of Armenian heritage could wear with pride, and one that could start a global conversation about creating value”.

The pin’s design is inspired by Julfa, the ancient Armenian merchant capital known for its artistry, trade networks, and influence that spanned from Venice to Isfahan. With the violent destruction of Old Julfa’s cemetery and khachkars, much of that legacy was threatened, but not lost. Centuries ago, the craftsmen of Julfa mastered the art of "DAJ" to apply dye on carved wooden surfaces, imprinting fabric with captivating patterns. Being the innovators of their era, Armenian masters created designs of highest value spreading the spirit of our rich cultural heritage through our skilled tradesmen.

Emma and Sirarpi joined forces in 2023 to co-create Digital Julfa DAJ, a project dedicated to reviving the spirit of Julfa through design, storytelling, and digital innovation. The DAJ pin became its first symbolic product, that is a wearable memory. “Julfa was a hub of Armenian excellence. Through DAJ, we are reactivating that energy: making it accessible, wearable, and alive again,” shared Sirarpi.

Each pin is crafted in Armenia from sterling silver, bearing motifs inspired by Armenian epigraphy and merchant marks. A portion of proceeds funds further the Digital Julfa Network mission of building advocacy.

Beyond its artistry, DAJ is now being adopted by major delegations, diplomatic missions, cultural ambassadors, and event organizers. Its clean design and deep meaning make it the perfect emblem for large-scale events from local, regional and global conferences, business forums to family events. “Wearing DAJ is a statement. It says I carry my history, and I invest in its future,” proudly notes Emma.

Organizations and hosts can now bulk order DAJ for their guests, customizing packaging and messaging for each event. The pin becomes more than a gift; it becomes a bridge between people and place, past and future.

Emma brings decades of experience in innovation, leadership, and global IP strategy. Sirarpi brings deep ties to cultural rituals, visual storytelling, and heritage entrepreneurship. Together, they exemplify a new generation of Armenian women leaders: global, grounded, and impact-driven. “We’re not just telling stories,” Sirarpi adds. “We’re giving people a role in those stories.”

DAJ is available for individual purchase and bulk orders at digitaljulfa.com/get-your-daj.

For custom collaborations, event partnerships, or interviews with the founders, contact news@digitaljulfa.com.

From Silk Road to Digital Silk Road.

Watch the Full Launch Event

On June 23, we proudly hosted the inaugural Digital Julfa Network event at the Fastex Digital Space in Yerevan, uniting global leaders, historians, entrepreneurs, and tech innovators to reimagine the centuries-old Julfa legacy for today’s digital economy.

What began as a trade route built on trust, agility, and innovation is now being revived as a borderless digital platform for the Armenian and global business communities.

The event featured:

-Opening remarks by Emma Arakelyan and Souren Israelyan

-A powerful keynote on family business and resilience by Stefan Lucas

-Thought-provoking historical insights from Dr. Ani Margaryan and Dr. Rachele Zanone

-A live Metaverse showcase of the Digital Julfa marketplace by YoDoor

Full Recording of the Event is Now Available. Relive every moment, every insight, and every vision shared during this milestone gathering.

Link https://youtu.be/bWjGN7urwzk

We’re just getting started. Join us in shaping the future of global networks rooted in Armenian excellence.

Emma Arakelyan

Meri Grigoryan

Arax Tchertchian

Ani Sahakyan

#DigitalJulfa #DigitalSilkRoad #GlobalDiaspora #ArmenianInnovation #JulfaNetwork #DiasporaEngagement #HeritageMeetsTech #FutureOfTrade

Niko Nikoyan

Marketing Director, Fastex

Metaverse Showcase: YoDoor Platform

At the inaugural event, Niko Nikoyan unveiled how immersive technology is reshaping the way we experience culture, commerce, and global connection.

Highlights from the showcase:

- A demo of the Digital Julfa marketplace and virtual exhibition space

- The use of immersive tech to build trade- and culture-based digital environments

- A bold vision for metaverse accelerators, education hubs, and diaspora engagement

Watch the full showcase below:

Link https://youtu.be/mYUdRb2ZWFI

Dr. Rachele Zanone

Art Historian

Keynote Speech: A Historian’s Perspective

Exploring the Influence of the New Julfa Network in Italy and Across Europe

At the Digital Julfa inaugural event, Dr. Rachele Zanone delved into the lesser-known yet impactful connections between New Julfa and Europe, with a special focus on Italy.

Key insights from her keynote included:

-The socio-cultural deep and long-lasting till today influence of New Julfa on European societies

-The historical relationship between Nuova Julfa and Italy, highlighting Venice as a key center for cultural and commercial exchange

-Ongoing research at the Matenadaran, focusing on the portraits of Armenian merchants featured in medieval Gospel manuscripts (10th–14th centuries)

-In-depth exploration of colophony, iconography, and patronage, revealing how Armenian merchants shaped visual and religious culture

Watch Dr. Zanone’s full keynote below:

Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7eBxiDRiIc

Dr. Ani Margaryan

Art Historian, Soochow University; Diaspora Youth Ambassador in China (DYAP); Member of ASOF.

Keynote Speech: A Historian’s Perspective

“How Armenian Silk Road Merchants Shaped Modernity: Trade, Culture, and Economic Power”

At the Digital Julfa inaugural event, Dr. Ani Margaryan explored the deep historical roots and far-reaching influence of Armenian merchants from New Julfa.

Her keynote shed light on:

- The rise of New Julfa as a global trade hub in the 17th–19th centuries

- Armenian merchants' strong and powerful reputation for trust, integrity, and innovation

- The strength of self-organized diaspora economic systems

- Julfa’s unique role as a cultural and commercial bridge between East and West

Watch her full keynote below:

Link https://youtu.be/iTLHbbg4oao

Stefan Lucas

Founding CEO, FinTech Armenia

New Julfan Family Representative

“From New Julfa to the World: A Family Legacy of Trade, Culture, and Innovation”

In his keynote at the Digital Julfa inaugural event, Stefan shared his powerful family journey, rooted in New Julfa and carried through 400+ years of resilience and global trade.

He reflected on how today’s businesses echo that same legacy:

- Going beyond borders

- Building trust-based international networks

- Embracing innovation and new technologies

Watch Stefan’s keynote:

Link https://youtu.be/0pZnO8Eg9aE

Souren Israelyan

Law Office of Souren A. Israelyan

Collaboration Partner, Digital Julfa Network

At the Digital Julfa inaugural event, Souren emphasized:

- Reviving trust and transparency in global Armenian networks

- Strengthening legal foundations for sustainable trade

- Bridging Armenia, New Julfa & Diaspora through strategic advocacy

Watch Souren’s remarks:

https://youtu.be/xWTq-AZ97GE

Emma Arakelyan

CEO, Orion Worldwide Innovations

Founding Partner, Digital Julfa Network

“From Silk Road to Silicon Road", Emma kicked off the Digital Julfa inaugural event by outlining our mission:

-Rebuild global trade networks rooted in Armenian excellence

-Foster economic growth, innovation, and diaspora collaboration

-Activate 40+ countries and New Julfan family offices toward a connected future

Watch Emma’s opening remarks:

https://youtu.be/-DK_VVhjYxk

We’re proud to spotlight the evolution of Armenian trade — from Old Julfa to New Julfa to Digital Julfa — in a recent compelling interview featuring our Collaboration Partner Meri Grigoryan, Founder of Greenlight Marketing LLC, in conversation with Tsovinar Sarhsyan.

Together, they explore how Armenian merchants have continuously grew and influenced global trade through centuries, carrying with them not only goods, but values, networks, and identity.

-Join the Digital Julfa Network as a Community Member

-Explore opportunities to join as a Business Partner

-Obtain your membership DAJ – the Digital Julfa Symbol

Watch the full interview https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3Vwpdwp8rns

Our Advisor and Tech Blogger published an insightful piece on Digital Julfa Network over at cYerevan! The historic Silk Road meets the future of global trade in Web3.

Read the full article and discover how Digital Julfa is reshaping cross-border commerce.

Check it out here:

https://cyerevan.am/article/digital_julfa

We’re proud to share that Reuters has featured Digital Julfa — the Pan-Armenian 3D virtual domain on YoCerebrum, powered by Orion Worldwide Innovations!

From the silk roads to the metaverse, we're reviving Armenia’s legacy in global trade by connecting businesses, family enterprises, and visionary entrepreneurs worldwide.

First center opens in Dubai – June 23, 2025.

Join the movement: www.digitaljulfa.com

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/press-releases/pan-armenian-digital-trade-center-by-orion-worldwide-innovations-was-launched-2025-04-11/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKFo1NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHlf5T-6RXYxTrEyLxwWWlG7s40qfCX3B-f9VOSmLYB7XlumaKme_DhhwKtaO_aem_I5kilusLf57cEKp-9T5SLA