In this article, Nadine Arslanian is an international businesswoman and the wife of Bob Menendez, senior United States Senator from New Jersey and former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. As his ardent supporter and advocate, she is also proud to represent Armenian-American culture as part of her life’s journey.
Early life and education
Arslanian was born March 7, 1967 to Armenian parents in Lebanon. As a child she fled during the Lebanese Civil War and relocated to New Jersey for public schooling at Bergenfield High School and eventually continued her higher studies at New York University where she earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in French culture and civilization respectively.
Business ventures and philanthropy
Arslanian has been actively engaged in multiple business ventures over time, though her exact career and current job are unknown to the general public. She describes herself as both an entrepreneur and consultant, working across various fields such as fashion, real estate and health care.
Furthermore, Arslanian is actively involved with several philanthropic efforts related to children and education; for instance she serves on Hackensack Meridian Children’s Advisory Committee which supports Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital as well as K Hovnanian Children’s Hospital while she also donates funds directly to many educational institutions such as NYU and Armenian General Benevolent Union among others.
Marriage and family
Arslanian first met Menendez at an IHOP in Union City, New Jersey in December 2018. She was introduced by a mutual acquaintance of both. At first meeting Menendez she didn’t realize he was a senator; Arslanian was struck by his intelligence, humor and attractiveness and immediately wanted to meet more. Menendez and Arslanian hit it off and began dating shortly thereafter, traveling together through four countries over five months. Menendez made his proposal during their trip to promote trade and security ties between the U.S. and India at Taj Mahal in India.
On October 3, 2020, Arslanian and Menendez got married in an intimate socially-distanced ceremony at Liberty House Restaurant in Jersey City with only close family and friends present. Arslanian became stepmother to Menendez’s two children from his previous marriages (Alicia and Rob) as well as three of his grandchildren (Alicia is also attending NYU). Additionally, Arslanian also has one daughter from an earlier relationship who also attends NYU.
Political involvement and challenges
Arslanian has been an invaluable ally to Menendez throughout his political career, accompanying him to various domestic and international meetings and events and publicly supporting his policies and initiatives related to foreign affairs and human rights. Menendez has long championed recognition of Armenian Genocide. Both as a senator and chairperson of Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Arslanian has applauded her husband’s courage and leadership in passing a resolution in 2019 that recognized the Holocaust, joining in commemorations to remember victims and honor survivors. As his wife, she has faced some difficulties and controversy as part of their politics careers. In February 2021, she was involved in a fatal car accident when she struck and killed pedestrian Richard Koop in Bergen County.
Although no criminal charges were brought against her for this act of negligence or recklessness, Koop’s family filed suit accusing her of neglectful and careless actions that led to Koop’s death. Menendez was charged with bribery alongside her husband Arslanian on September 2023 for accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes from three New Jersey businessmen for Menendez’s influence, such as gold, cash payments, home mortgage payments and compensation for “low or no show job”. Both denied these allegations in court proceedings.
Conclusion
Nadine Arslanian is a remarkable woman who has overcome many hardships and achieved many successes in her life. She is a successful businesswoman, a generous philanthropist, a loving wife and mother, and a proud Armenian-American. She is also a powerful force behind Bob Menendez’s political career, supporting him through thick and thin, and advocating for his causes and values. She is an example of the American dream and the American spirit.
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