My name is Koko Avo Manouelian, I was born and raised in the South Bay of Southern California. Yes, Koko is my real name, but it is a common nickname for the Armenian name, Krikor or in English, Gregory. I was raised with a strong influence of Armenian culture. I am very connected with my Armenian identity and feel a strong connection with my roots, I believe this bond gives me my drive to succeed. I am recently engaged to my fiancée who also grew up in Southern CA in an Armenian household. I grew up with an older sister who currently lives in Maryland and had a son in 2019. My parents are both Armenian from Syria and immigrated to the United States to become successful business owners.
After graduating from West High School in Torrance, I completed 2 years at El Camino College, and was accepted to the University of Southern California, USC, as a first year student. I received a great education and had much success at USC, but needed to re-evaluate the financial costs that I would incur.
