TUMO gives young people a place to follow their curiosity, choose what they want to learn, and discover what they are capable of creating. Fifteen years after it began in Armenia, its approach to free education in technology and design is reaching young people around the world.
On September 20, 2026, the TUMO community gathered at Vibiana in Los Angeles to celebrate that work and support its next chapter in Armenia. The gala honored ServiceTitan co-founders Vahe Kuzoyan and Ara Mahdessian, alongside NVIDIA’s Rev Lebaredian.
“The first time I walked into TUMO, I could hardly believe it existed—let alone in Armenia.”
— Rev Lebaredian
For Rachel and Rev, TUMO represents the kind of opportunity they want more children to have: the confidence to say, “I can build that,” and the freedom to decide what to build.
They look to founders Sam and Sylva Simonian as role models. Together with Marie Lou Papazian, Pegor Papazian, and the whole TUMO team, they have helped turn an idea born in Armenia into an opportunity for young people far beyond its borders.
In his reflection on the evening, Rev thanked Vahe and Ara for the honor of being recognized together, and Alex Yemenidjian for his introduction. The story is a shared one—students, educators, founders, and supporters building the next chapter together.
According to MassisPost’s gala recap, the evening raised more than $17 million to support TUMO’s continued growth and expansion in Armenia.