Ms. Avakian earned her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Montana where she focused on Native American Studies and Sociology. As an undergraduate student, Ms. Avakian conducted funded research on diversity in Higher Education. From there, she earned her Master’s in Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education from the University of Virginia. She is currently a Doctoral student at Liberty University where she is pursuing a degree in Education Administration: Educational Leadership at Liberty University. In addition to her professional endeavors, Ms. Avakian does work that honors her Native American (she is a tribal citizen) and Parskahye heritage. She had had numerous poems published and a play produced in Baltimore focusing on identity. She is also on the board of directors for an ALMA nominated school in Iran to that serves Afghan children.