Written by Volunteer Spotlight Writer, Kami Danaei
Volunteering, for Annie Baghramian, is about slowing down and creating spaces for meaningful human connection. A lifelong Southern California beach city resident, Annie grew up in Long Beach and has called Redondo Beach home for the past ten years. She describes the Beach Cities as “paradise,” often reminding her children that people travel from all over the world to vacation where they get to live every day.
Annie chose to volunteer as a Conversation Companion because she saw how often seniors can be overlooked, especially as they enter stages of life where daily tasks and social connection can become more challenging. Wanting to counter the fast pace of the world with presence and care, she sought out an opportunity that centered on listening and relationship-building. After learning about Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) through her children’s elementary school, Annie was impressed by BCHD’s commitment to ensuring seniors in the Beach Cities have access to support, including errands and companionship.
As a Conversation Companion volunteer, Annie focuses on building genuine relationships through thoughtful conversation. She enjoys everything from lighthearted chats to deeper reflections on life and frequently incorporates reminiscence therapy techniques to help her client revisit meaningful memories that strengthen identity and well-being. One of her favorite parts of volunteering is walking and talking along the Esplanade in Redondo Beach with her client. She notes that the combination of movement, fresh air, and conversation makes it a joyful and grounding experience.
Annie’s supervisor, Rudy Diaz, notes her natural ability to relate with others. “Annie has a unique way of connecting with people that is truly welcoming and puts a person at ease,” he shares. He adds that from their very first meeting, Annie and her client “simply hit it off as if they had known [each other] already.”
When she’s not volunteering, Annie loves staying active with her family and friends; walking, dancing, biking, and rollerblading while enjoying access to the beach, desert, and mountains. Her advice to prospective volunteers is simple: you’ll get just as much out of the experience as you give, and even a small time commitment can make a meaningful difference.
