2024 Keynote Speaker

Ayyu Qassataq

Ayyu (Iñupiaq/Yup’ik) grew up between Anchorage and Uŋalaqłiq (Unalakleet) and was adopted into the Raven Kaach.adi clan of Ḵéex̱ʼ Kwáan (Kake) by the Jackson family and given the Lingít name S’ikshaldeen. She is the proud granddaughter of Stanton and Irene Katchatag, daughter of Doug and Vernita Herdman, and mother to Kutuukhuq, Talialuk, Qanigluk and Inuaałuuraq. She attributes her passion and work for Alaska Native and Indigenous communities to her family.

Ayyu served in nonprofit leadership and management for nearly 24 years, most recently as Chief Administrative Officer for First Alaskans Institute where she worked from 2010-2024. While at FAI, she helped grow a team and body of work that advanced racial equity and culturally-centered advocacy to protect our ways of life in all sectors throughout Alaska.

With expertise in building community-based solutions that elevate healing, awareness, and advocacy around the social and cultural issues that impact our communities, she has recently started Qulliq Munaqtuġuut, a consultancy focused on supporting the self-determination and wellbeing of Alaska Native and Indigenous peoples and all who serve them.

Ayyu earned an MA in Rural Development from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a BA in Organizational Management with Nonprofit Emphasis from Alaska Pacific University. She currently serves as a board member for Alaska Public Media, Philanthropy Northwest, University of Alaska Fairbanks and Anchorage, and Caleb Pungowiyi Scholars Steering Committee (under Kawerak). Ayyu’s extended professional history can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayyu210

Entertainment

Sazón

After the overwhelming support after what was supposed to be a one time show the five friends decided to officially form the groovy, diverse band that is now known as Sazón. Bringing old school funk to new school alternative rnb, they bring their own fun and unique flavor to the already booming Anchorage music scene. Their sound is made up by Garret Monroe on bass, Josh Antonio on sax, Denali Romero on vocals, Kengo Nagaoka on drums, and Levi Bets on guitar.

Alumni Award Winner

Amy O'Connor

Each year Leadership Anchorage Alumni recognize an alumni who has made significant contributions to the community and who has shown a commitment to ethical, compassionate leadership. We are pleased to announce the 2024 recipient, Amy O’Connor (LA20)! We received several nominations for Amy, and it’s easy to see why:

“Amy stood out as a shining example of resilience, strength, and compassion. Amy has emerged as a beacon of hope for others. Amy's leadership skills, coupled with her passion for making a positive impact in her community…and her unwavering dedication to uplifting others make her an inspiration to us all.”

Amy began working in Alaska in 2006 as a US Park Ranger with the National Park Service in Denali National Park. She moved to the Mat-Su in 2009, continuing her law enforcement career as a Park Ranger with Alaska State Parks. In 2015, she joined the nonprofit sector. She is currently the Executive Director of the Alaska Farmland Trust. Under her leadership, the Trust has expanded statewide and now works to protect farmland in the Southeast, Kenai, and Fairbanks areas.

Amy founded, owns, and operates Crooked Fence Farm with her two daughters, where they have raised poultry, goats, and sheep. She has served on the boards of Envision Mat-Su, the Mat Su Trails and Park Foundation, the Mat Su Borough Parks Recreation and Trails advisory board, and is a steering committee member for the 2025 Mat-Su Borough comprehensive plan. She coaches track and cross-countrywith the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District.

As one of a handful of Mat-Su residents participating in LA, “Amy has worked tirelessly to bridge the political, social, and economic divides between Anchorage and the Mat-Su through various nonprofit and volunteer leadership roles,” according to her nominators.