Meet Women of Workforce Leader: Adrineh Terantonians
HTA Director of Workforce Systems Adrineh Terantonians has been at the forefront of workforce and career development for two decades. Before coming to the HTA in 2024, Adrineh designed and led workforce development initiatives for the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Rehabilitation, and the Los Angeles County Department of Social Services. Building on her personal journey as an immigrant, Adrineh has established herself as a national leader in the field, with a deep passion for serving the community and building a diverse workforce.
What inspired your career in workforce development?
Coming to the United States as a refugee from Iran 20 years ago, my first experience after resettlement was working with the Department of Social Services to access resources and support. My case manager connected me to the Armenian Relief Society, which helped me secure a job as a job developer for the resettlement agency. Helping people like me instilled confidence and set me on my career path. I know this work is my calling: to serve and give back the same hope and opportunity that were offered to me.
What drew you to work with the HTA?
Workforce development can be both challenging and rewarding. In my previous roles, contractual limitations often impacted how deeply we could support clients. At HTA, we operate differently. We invest in the long-term futures of our students as workers and people. Having been an HTA partner, by the time I joined the organization two years ago, it already felt like family.
Do you have any standout success stories that fuel your motivation?
Every person who comes through our programs brings a unique life experience and an inspiring story. One that deeply resonates with me is a 58-year-old woman, a domestic violence survivor who fled her home country and was accepted into our English Language Learners (ELL) class. Who would imagine that a mature worker with no career plan in a new country could find a free program, learn English and marketable skills, and secure a union job with benefits? That possibility — and that transformation — fuels me.
What opportunities do you see ahead for the HTA and the hospitality sector?
Because the HTA has incredibly strong community connections and a union that’s connected to its members, I am optimistic that we can find opportunities and overcome any challenges in our industry. More than that, 2026 will be a year of innovation and process improvement for HTA as we support the FIFA World Cup and scale up for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. I am excited about new programs, new locations and how our expansion will increase our service to the community and the workforce.
What’s cookin’ at your house?
Persian and Armenian cuisine is plentiful, and at our house – you’ll be fed until you are tired! I love to cook and if you were coming to dinner, I’d make fesenjoon, kashk-e bademjan and dolma!