Diocesan Leader Marta Batmasian Honored with Appeal of Conscience Award

On Monday, September 23, 2024, the Appeal of Conscience Foundation held its 59th annual awards dinner at the Pierre Hotel in New York City. The program—which featured leaders in the religious, civic, business, and diplomatic fields—turned out to be a very Armenian affair.

This year’s prestigious “Appeal of Conscience Award” was conferred on two individuals: Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, leader of the Greek Orthodox Church in the U.S., who has been a great friend and supporter of the Armenian Church and community; and Marta Batmasian, businesswoman and longtime benefactor of the Eastern Diocese, whose humanitarian efforts with her husband James have benefitted numerous Armenian projects in the homeland and diaspora.

Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan offered an invocation prayer, and former Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian (and vice president of the AOC foundation) gave a gracious introduction to the honoree Mrs. Batmasian.

The foundation’s founder and longtime president, Rabbi Arthur Schneier, has been a friend and close associate of the Eastern Diocese and its leaders since the 1960s. At his advanced age, he was unable to take part in this year’s function.

A New York-based humanitarian organization, the Appeal of Conscience Foundation has advocated throughout the world on behalf of human rights and religious freedom since its inception in 1965 by Rabbi Schneier. The Eastern Diocese has long played an active leadership role in the organization under the tenures of Diocesan Primate’s Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, Archbishop Barsamian, and Bishop Daniel Findikyan.

Click on the link to view photos.

Scroll down to learn about Marta Batmasian’s life and contributions.

Above: At the Appeal of Conscience Foundation’s 59th awards dinner, 2024 honorees Marta Batmasian and Abp. Elpidophoros (holding awards) are flanked by program speakers (at left) Abp. Khajag Barsamian, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, John Catsimatidis, and (right) foundation executive vice president Karen Schneier Dresbach.

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Marta T. Batmasian

2024 “Appeal of Conscience Award” Honoree

Since her arrival in the United States in 1970, Marta T. Batmasian has exemplified the true spirit of the American immigrant. Her journey is marked by significant achievements across education, business, politics, and community service, driven by a deep commitment to giving back.

Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, as a Christian Armenian, Marta dreamed of immigrating to the U.S., a land where minorities could pursue their dreams and integrate more easily. She began her academic journey at Esayan Lycee in Istanbul, where she graduated as the Valedictorian. Marta then attended the prestigious Robert College, an institution founded as a branch of Columbia University in Istanbul. After her junior year, her family relocated to the Netherlands, where she attended Leiden University before moving to the U.S. to complete her education.

Marta earned her B.A. in English with honors from Emerson College in Boston. She continued her graduate studies at Brandeis University, enrolling in a joint Master’s and Ph.D. program in Near Eastern Studies. Upon completing her studies, Marta served as the superintendent of a small private school and later as an adjunct professor at the University of Massachusetts for eight years. Following her move to Boca Raton, Florida, she earned an M.B.A. from Barry University in Miami and received certification from Harvard Business School in nonprofit board governance and management.

During her time in Boston, Marta met her husband, who was attending Harvard Law and Business Schools. Together, they ventured into real estate investments, while Marta also established and managed a travel, insurance, and real estate company in Cambridge. In 1982, she made her foray into politics, running for Massachusetts State Senate, though she did not win.

In 1983, Marta and her husband relocated to Boca Raton and founded Investments Limited, a real estate investment and management company that they continue to operate. Marta’s involvement in the community is extensive. She has founded and funded numerous charitable initiatives, including the Children’s Science Explorium, Tri-County Animal Rescue, the League of Educational Awareness of the Holocaust (LEAH), People Reaching Out to Provide Education and Leadership (PROPEL), Garden of Humanity, Kids in New Direction (KND), and the Walk of Recognition, among many others.

Marta has also served on the boards of several organizations, including the Palm Beach County Cultural Council, South Florida PBs, Florida Atlantic University, the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR), Armenian Assembly of America, Nova Southeastern University School of Business, YMCA, Florida Symphonic Pops, Caldwell Theatre, the Center for the Arts at Mizner Park, and the Children’s Museum of Boca Raton.

Marta is also active in the Cystic Fibrosis Association, American Cancer Society, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton Historical Society, American Heart Association, Impact 100, Junior League of Boca Raton, March of Dimes, Children’s Place at Home Safe, Alzheimer’s Association, and Take Charge Parkinsons.

Her numerous accolades include the College Club Achievement Award for Excellence in Business and Education (1983), the Junior League or Boca Raton’s Woman Volunteer of the Year (1997), the LEAH Bridge Builder Award (1997), the One Community National Conference of Christians and Jews Award (2009), the OPAL Award for Community Service (2011), the Ellis Island Medal of Honor (2018), the Mayor’s George Long Award for Service Above Self (2023), and the Palm Beach County Women’s History Month Recognition (2024).

Marta resides in Boca Raton with her husband of 50 years. They have two sons and four grandchildren.