Suzanna Shamakhyan is an education strategist and policy leader working at the intersection of innovation, talent development, and system-level reform. As the Executive Director of the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST), she has led major initiatives including ADVANCE research grants and Generation AI, strengthening Armenia’s research capacity and cultivating the country’s next generation of AI-ready and future-skilled talent. With over 14 years of experience, Suzanna has forged institutional partnerships in more than 40 countries and implemented programs that have reached over 17,000 students and more than 500 educators and researchers.

Before joining FAST, Suzanna served as the founding Head of the Department of International Cooperation at Russian-Armenian University, co-founded the European Youth Parliament Armenia, and lectured at both RAU and the American University of Armenia. Throughout her nearly seven-year journey at FAST, she has played a defining role in shaping the Foundation’s programs, policies, and strategic direction. Her work focuses on building sustainable, globally connected systems that enable Armenia’s innovators, researchers, and young leaders to thrive.