My name is Anush Lalayan, and I have been living in the Netherlands since 2021, after being forced to leave my home country due to personal safety reasons.

Before moving to the Netherlands, I was actively involved in politics in Armenia, where I worked as a journalist at the Ministry of Diaspora and owned my own business. In 2018, together with friends and like-minded people, I participated in organizing and implementing the Armenian Revolution - a movement that brought freedom and hope to many people.

Arriving in the Netherlands with only one backpack, I had to start my life completely from scratch - facing challenges such as language barriers, integration, work, building a new social network, and emotional recovery.

During my time in the AZC, I worked as a volunteer with the #meedoen organization, supporting others while also rebuilding my own life. The combination of meeting inspiring people, reconnecting with art, and believing in myself helped me overcome fear and regain strength.

Through this journey, I rediscovered my values and transformed my lifestyle, shifting from an intense political life to expressing myself through photography and painting. Coming from a family of a sculptor  art and human connection have always been my sources of healing and motivation.

Today, I am in training as a Peer Coach at ImPower, where I continue learning every day while preparing to support others on their personal development journeys.

Having walked a difficult path myself, I am deeply motivated to help people who feel unheard, lost, or lacking self-confidence. I strongly believe that everyone deserves to be listened to, understood, and empowered to discover their inner strength.

Together, we can break barriers, rebuild confidence, and create new beginnings.

E-mail: anush.02011@impwr.nl