Our Vision

Bridging Assyrian and American culture with outreach and education.

The mission of the Assyrian American Cultural Organization of Arizona is to create a sustainable and far reaching social and educational organization to serve the needs of the Assyrian American community of Phoenix, Arizona, and to spark an interest and love for Assyrian culture and heritage.

The Assyrian American Cultural Organization of Arizona, an affiliate of the Assyrian American National Federation, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to being a catalyst and guide for Assyrian youth and professionals to achieve harmonious, brotherly love and unity, and to build strong networks for the social and educational advance of our community.

AACO Board Members

Led by Assyrian American Professionals in Arizona.

Atouraya Bet Younadam Atouraya Bet Younadam is a Co-Founder and current President of the Assyrian American Cultural Organization of Arizona. Mr. Bet Younadam also co-founded and served as a Board of Director for Gishru, an organization which hosts and organizes an annual birthright trip to the Assyrian homeland. Additionally, Mr. Bet Younadam was also a co-founder of the former Assyrian American National Coalition, the first political lobbying group for Assyrian-Americans. He has written articles for numerous Assyrian publications including: Zinda Magazine, the Assyrian Star and Nineveh Magazine.

Born in Chicago, IL to a proud Assyrian-American family, Atouraya’s father, Sahda (Martyr) Nadan Younadam, had instilled in his son a passion for the Assyrian nation at an early age. He received his Bachelors of business administration with a focus on Information Systems in 2005.

Atouraya believes that a strong focus on preserving the Assyrian culture and language is crucial to the continued survival of the Assyrian nation. Philanthropy has long been a priority of Atouraya's and this mindset extends to Assyrians and non-Assyrians alike; he believes that a community can remain strong as long as those within that community are willing to help others. 

Gabrial Babella serves as the current Vice President for the Assyrian American Cultural Organization of Arizona. Gabrial was born in Chicago, IL and moved to Arizona in 2011, being continuously involved with the local and international Assyrian communities. He, along with a group of young nationalists, co-founded the AACO in 2012, and has since co-founded other organizations, including the Assyrian Student Association of Arizona, the Assyrian Youth Federation of America, and the World Assembly of Assyrian Youth. Gabrial obtained his Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences from Arizona State University, with a focus on business and non-profits. Gabrial credits his family’s influence as the reason he works in Assyrianism, but also and most importantly, knowing the atrocities Assyrians have gone through to hold on to their identity drives and inspires him to work for the Assyrian cause.

Ur Moshy serves as the Secretary of the Assyrian American Cultural Organization of Arizona. Ur was born in Chicago, IL and grew up within the Assyrian Church of the East. Her passion for the Assyrian community started in youth group and being surrounded by Assyrians. Ur was also involved in the beginning of St. Andrews Church in Glenview, IL.. She has two certifications in Marketing and Small Business Start-up and is currently enrolled in Phoenix College and will graduate in 2023 with her associate degree in Organizational Management. Ur spends most of her time with friends and cooking many Assyrian dishes for fun and hopes to open her own restaurant.

Canon Mikho serves as the Treasurer of the Assyrian American Cultural Organization of Arizona. Canon was born in Chicago, IL where he spent most of his time active within the Assyrian Church of the East committees and youth groups, as well as the Assyrian Student Association. He has been involved in other Assyrian based committees and event planning groups within the Chicago area and is always looking to grow his network within the Assyrian community. He graduated from Northern Illinois with a degree in Marketing, a Minor in Interactive Marketing and 12 certifications. Canon is the grand child of well known linguist Aprim Benyamin, and great nephew of musician Albert Ruel Tamras, one of his favorite musicians! He spends his time playing the tanbura, writing Assyrian poetry, operating his marketing agency "Voosh", and crafting and consuming large amounts of coffee!

Michael Mikho serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Assyrian American Cultural Organization of Arizona. By day, Michael makes his living as a user experience designer producing a SAAS product for a start-up company that services small business marketing. The rest of the time he's either working on his fiction novel, enjoying a fine cigar, or fostering a network of like-minded Assyrians. Michael is the founder of the formerly known Assyrian arts advocacy group Creative Mesos, where he developed a network of Assyrian artists and creative professionals to help nurture our culture into the modern age. More recently, Michael is exploring modern Assyrianism, the shape our identity is taking, and where it needs to go. He believes in investing in our community by helping individual Assyrians thrive and instilling a strong sense of comradery amongst our brothers and sisters.

Eddie Nissan serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Assyrian American Cultural Organization of Arizona. Eddie was born in Baghdad, Iraq and later immigrated to the U.S. Eddie has been a business owner for over eight years. A former member of the Assyrian Student Association (ASA). he has since worked with numerous members of the Assyrian community. As well as communities all over the state of Arizona. An avid appreciator of the arts, he enjoys working on his passion projects, such as his Assyrian comic book. He is always on the lookout for fellow Assyrians to work with who will bring the Assyrian arts to a larger audience.

Ramsena Lazar serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Assyrian American Cultural Organization of Arizona. Ramsena was born in Evanston, IL and moved to Arizona in 2022. Prior to moving, Ramsena served as the Vice President of the Assyrian Athletic Club of Chicago, where she helped co-found the Assyrian Volleyball League. In 2013, Ramsena obtained her Bachelor’s of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy from DePaul University and later on, her MBA/MSA from Northwestern University. With her experience, Ramsena currently works as a senior data analyst and is very passionate about her career. Ramsena is very committed in growing the Assyrian culture wherever she goes and whenever she can. She believes that surrounding yourself with the Assyrian traditions and language will continue to preserve our people. During her free time, Ramsena enjoys spending time with her husband and family, appreciating the outdoors and reading books. Ramsena hopes that others will be inspired by her dedication and passion for the Assyrian community.