The Los Angeles chapter of the Armenian International Women’s Association will honor Joan Agajanian Quinn, the recipient of the 2017 Ellis Island Medal of Honor at a luncheon at the Mr. C Hotel, located at 1224 Beverwil Drive, on Saturday, Jan. 28.

The Ellis Island Honors Society sponsors the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, established in 1986, and presented annually to American citizens who have distinguished themselves within their own ethnic groups while exemplifying the values of the American way of life.

Quinn received the prestigious medal, along with studio executive Sherry Lansing, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, CNN’s Fareed Zakaria and author Victoria Kennedy in May 2017 at a ceremony on Ellis Island in New York, in recognition of her enduring contributions to both the Armenian and American communities.

Quinn, a Los Angeles native, is a journalist, curator and arts advocate. She was appointed the West Coast editor of Interview magazine by Andy Warhol, and was society editor of Hearst’s Los Angeles Herald Examiner. Her work with Condé Nast included staff positions on Condé Nast Traveler, and House and Garden.

As a curator, Quinn has presented art and fashion exhibitions by luminaries such as photographer Paul Jasmin, designer Zandra Rhodes, Rene Bouche, Issey Miyaki and Tandori Yokoo.

“We are proud to honor Joan Agajanian Quinn who has had an illustrious career in both public and community service,” said Nicole Nishanian, president of AIWA-LA. “She has served on the executive board of AIWA-LA since 1997 and has served with distinction as our NGO representative to the United Nations and as board liaison. Joan and her late husband, attorney John J. Quinn, have garnered praise for their support of artists for over 50 years.”

The luncheon, starting at 11:30 a.m., will be attended by special guest Dame Zandra Rhodes, who has created a limited-edition print to celebrate the ceremony and recognition.

Tickets for the event are $125. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit AIWA programs.

For information and tickets, call Arsine Phillips  at (323)931-8088, or email aphillips@pmcos.com.