Founder & Principal Consultant | Center for Inclusion and Diversity

Dr. Armen S. Karamanian is an experienced public-sector leader, researcher, educator, and professional development specialist whose career spans public education, government, organizational development, and higher education in the United States and Australia.

His work focuses on strengthening organizational effectiveness through reflective inclusion-focused trainings and meaningful engagement with employees and communities.

Dr. Karamanian served as Director of Culture & Student Inclusion (formerly Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) at Fresno Unified School District, one of California's largest public school systems, serving approximately 67,000 students across 106 school sites and employing approximately 10,000 staff. 

His experience includes developing various inclusion training programs delivered to staff, students, and the community, coordinating cross-departmental advisory initiatives, and initiatives aimed at gathering voice and giving agency to employee opinions. During his time at Fresno Unified, Dr. Karamanian also acted as the lead for the American Indian Education Program supporting cultural and academic-focused programs in support of Title VI students.

Previously, as Senior Research Analyst in the Office of the Superintendent at the Santa Clara County Office of Education, he led strategic research and evaluation projects, developed organizational performance frameworks, and provided evidence-based recommendations to senior education leaders.

Before his leadership roles in California, Dr. Karamanian held management positions with the Australian and Canadian Governments. His work involved  developing partnerships with non-profit and government organizations, and strengthening engagement with culturally diverse communities. Among his achievements was the establishment of a recurring collaborative forum involving 48 organizations and more than 250 participants. This experience contributes to his understanding of complex public institutions, government accountability, stakeholder relationships, and community-responsive service delivery.

Dr. Karamanian holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and a Master of Research from Macquarie University in Australia, together with a Graduate Certificate in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Management from Harvard University Extension School.

He held various adjunct positions at the  University of Technology Sydney and Macquarie University, developing professional expertise in curriculum design, academic supervision, research, and adult learning.

Professional inquiries: info@inclusionanddiversity.org