LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Karmen Hayrapetian was nominated by a family member, Manifa Shabandari.

"It is with immense pride and deep gratitude that I nominate my mother, Karmen, for the LifeChanger award. Not only has she been an extraordinary mother, but I have had the unique privilege of experiencing her dedication firsthand as a colleague and student in the schools she has served. Her story is one of quiet strength, unwavering dedication, and a fierce love for her community and her work," said Shabandari.

Ms. Hayrapetian's journey in education began in the most unassuming way. She was a stay-at-home mom bringing her child to school every morning, helping them start their day with a warm breakfast in the cafeteria. One day, the cafeteria manager noticed her kindness and patience and offered her a position to help. Driven by the desire to be near her child and contribute, she accepted—and from that moment, Ms. Hayrapetian's life of service began. She started at LA Cafe when her child was in first grade, and by the time they reached middle school, she was a Senior Worker responsible for baking all the sweets and cookies.

"As a single mother, her days started at 5 a.m., with me in tow. I vividly remember watching her work in the cafeteria, baking with precision and care, and treating each team member with respect and gentle guidance. In my eyes, she was supermom, not only because of her work but because of her dedication to every student who crossed her path. She ensured they had warm meals, many of whom might not have had that opportunity elsewhere," said Shabandari.

When her child moved on to high school, Ms. Hayrapetian continued to advance her career, taking on managerial responsibilities and learning every aspect of her role. After years of dedication, she achieved her goal of becoming a Food Service Manager at Sunland Elementary. This position allowed her to make a lasting impact on students and staff alike. She transformed the cafeteria into a vibrant, welcoming space, adding personal touches that made every child feel seen and valued. She listened to their feedback on the meals, focused on their nutritional needs, and went above and beyond to make healthy eating appealing. Her enthusiasm for her work didn't stop at meal planning; she became involved in school events, dressed up on spirit days, joined dance parties, and consistently educated students on the importance of healthy lifestyles.

"Years later, Karmen helped me secure a job at Sunland as a teacher's assistant, where I could see her as not just my mother but as a respected colleague. She was firm yet compassionate, treating everyone with the same care and respect she showed me. For a while, few even knew we were related! She taught all of us how to handle ourselves in the cafeteria, complete paperwork accurately, and prioritize safety—all with kindness and patience. Today, as a high school teacher in Sunland-Tujunga, I meet new students every year who fondly remember 'Ms. Karmen' from their elementary days. They share stories of her warmth, humor, and the positive impact she had on their early school experiences. There is truly no one who speaks of her without admiration. Karmen's contributions reach far beyond her job description. She has shaped the lives of countless students and staff members, leaving a legacy of kindness, dedication, and joy. I can think of no one more deserving of the LifeChanger award than my mother, Karmen, who has spent her life changing others' lives for the better,' said Shabandari.