Shant Kevorkian, an Armenian-American community advocate, healthcare professional, and proud graduate of the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD), has announced his campaign for the GUSD Board of Education Area D. As the only GUSD alumnus in the race, Kevorkian enters the campaign with a commitment to ensuring that every student receives the same opportunities and support that shaped his life and academic journey.
Kevorkian is the only Armenian-American and the only GUSD graduate running in this race, and he said his candidacy is rooted in lived experience and a personal connection to the district he once called home as a student, and credits with shaping his path. He emphasized that maintaining Armenian representation on the board is essential to ensuring the needs and concerns of the Armenian community are understood and addressed, noting that this election could result in the complete loss of Armenian representation if that voice is not protected. “My name is Shant Kevorkian, and I’m running for the Glendale Unified School District Board of Education Area D because GUSD shaped who I am,” he said. “I am the only candidate in this race who is a proud graduate of GUSD, and I’m committed to ensuring every student receives the same opportunities that helped me grow, succeed, and serve our community.”
Kevorkian, who began kindergarten at GUSD after his family fled war-torn Baghdad, credits the district’s educators for providing stability, compassion, and a foundation that guided his personal and academic success. Raised in Glendale and educated at GUSD schools from kindergarten through high school, he recalls a formative upbringing surrounded by educators who nurtured his growth and remained lifelong influences. He attended Dunsmore Elementary, Rosemont Middle School, and Crescenta Valley High School, where teachers played a central role in shaping his commitment to service, empathy, and community leadership.
Kevorkian’s academic foundation in GUSD led him to earn his B.S. in Healthcare Administration with Honors from California State University, Northridge. He is currently a Dean’s Merit Scholar and Master of Health Administration candidate at the University of Southern California. His professional experience spans leading healthcare institutions, including Adventist Health Glendale, USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where he worked closely with senior leaders, medical education teams, and government affairs specialists.
Currently serving as an Administrative Resident with the executive team at CommonSpirit/Dignity Health Northridge Hospital, Kevorkian has built a career centered on community health, access to care, and public service. Born a one-pound premature baby at Adventist Health Glendale, he began volunteering in local hospitals at age 14 and grew into roles that strengthened his understanding of the systems that support families across Glendale.
His service to the community extends far beyond his professional career. Kevorkian has served as a Commissioner on the City of Glendale Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission; a Community Partner with the GUSD Office of the Superintendent; a member of the GUSD Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee; and the Founding Chair of the GUSD Alumni Association, an initiative designed to reconnect graduates with local schools and expand mentorship and support networks for students.
He also serves on the Boards of Directors for the Glendale Educational Foundation and the Character and Ethics Project, and advises the GUSD Student Advisory Council. His contributions have earned him community recognition, including the KNX 1070 NewsRadio “Hero of the Week” Award, the Glendale Council PTA Honorary Service Award, and multiple leadership honors. He has also served as Master of Ceremonies for CASPS (Committee for Armenian Students in Public Schools), reflecting his longstanding commitment to Armenian student advocacy.
Kevorkian noted that GUSD is at a critical moment, facing structural funding instability, workforce retention challenges, and stagnant English and math proficiency rates. “Our students deserve a School Board that embraces fresh perspectives and a community-centered approach to decision-making,” he said. He emphasized that students, families, educators, and staff must be central to every major policy decision in the district.
In outlining his priorities, Kevorkian stated that he will:
- Bring the voice of a recent GUSD graduate to the board to ensure decisions reflect real student experiences.
- Strengthen collaboration among families, teachers, staff, and community partners to improve English and math outcomes.
- Expand alumni engagement through mentorship programs, college pathways, and long-term community investment.
- Advocate for increased resources and support for educators.
- Expand access to mental health services, career pathways, and real-world learning opportunities.
- Ensure that student, family, and community perspectives guide policy decisions at every level.
Kevorkian said he believes in the district’s potential and its future. “I believe GUSD’s best days are ahead,” he said. “With leadership rooted in service and collaboration, we can build a district where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. I’m ready to serve.”
