Meet the LA29 Mentors!

Ayyu Qassataq (Iñupiaq, Yup’ik & adopted Lingít) grew up between Anchorage and Uŋalaqłiq and was adopted by the Raven Kaach.adi Jackson family of Ḵéex̱ʼ and gifted the Lingít name S’ikshaldeen. A proud mother of four, Ayyu has been honored to serve our Alaska Native and Indigenous communities throughout her entire career. She is a founding member of Gínga and Igniñ Collective, serves as Vice President for Native Conservancy, and established Qulliq Munaqtuġuut to support the well-being and self-determination of Alaska Native and Indigenous peoples and all who serve them.

Benjamin Mallott currently serves as President of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN), a position he assumed in October 2024. Previously the Vice President of External Affairs at AFN, Ben has also worked as a Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, focusing on policy areas affecting Alaska Natives and rural Alaska communities. Ben is also involved in several organizations, serving on the boards of the Alaska Humanities Forum, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Nature Conservancy of Alaska Board of Trustees, and his village corporation, Baan O Yeel Kon Corporation.

Esther Pitts, MBA, CPHRM, is the President and CEO of the Mat-Su Health Foundation, bringing more than 20 years of leadership in healthcare administration, nonprofit governance, and small business management. A proud Alaskan since 1991 and longtime Wasilla resident, Esther is deeply committed to improving the health and well-being of Mat-Su communities.

Valerie Nurr'araluk Davidson (Yup'ik) currently serves as Executive Director of Yuut Elitnaurviat - People's Learning Center preparing local people for higher wage jobs in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region through education, training and workforce development. Davidson has enjoyed a distinguished career in education, healthcare administration, public policy, governance and advocacy. Davidson previously served as the first Alaska Native woman in her roles as President/CEO of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, President of Alaska Pacific University, Commissioner of the Alaska Dept. of Health & Social Services, and Lieutenant Governor of Alaska (and first in the U.S.). Davidson has deployed her education and commitment to her Native peoples and Alaska to advance a collective and holistic approach to Self-Governance and the well being for all Alaskans.

Megan Cacciola is the Vice President of Programs and Grants at the Alaska Community Foundation, and the former Vice President of Programs at the Alaska Humanities Forum. She loves living and working in Anchorage, a place that has taught her what it means to grow roots.

Caroline Storm is a first-generation Canadian born to immigrant parents who valued education. Raised in both Canada and South Africa, Caroline has called Alaska home for the last 23 years. Although trained as an architect, after 25 years in practice, she ran for a State House of Representative seat in 2022 and despite not being elected, it set her on a path for advocacy and mission-driven work.

Mary K. Hughes is an active member of the Alaskan community. She has served as a member of the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska since 2002, just completing a 23-year tenure, and as a Director of the University of Alaska Foundation since 1990. She is also the chief executive officer of her family’s foundation, The John C. Hughes Foundation, whose mission is investment in 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Alaskans.

Erin Baldwin Day (she/her) is an Alaskan currently serving on the Anchorage Assembly. Her commitment to building an Anchorage that works for working people is informed by fifteen years' experience as a local policy advocate, community organizer, pastor, coach, and nonprofit leader. She lives by the mantra that the long moral arc of the universe only bends toward justice if the people do the pulling.

Shauna Hegna joined Koniag in 2016 and serves as President. A homegrown Alaskan, she holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Alaska and a graduate certificate in Alaska Native Executive Leadership from Alaska Pacific University. Shauna is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders and serving her community through board involvement.

Brennon Land is a member of LA25 and the Founder and Executive Director of the Alaska Children's Museum, an emerging children's museum in Anchorage.

For more than two decades, Jen Motyka has built a life and leadership legacy rooted in service, strategy, and community in Anchorage. As Owner of Blitz Solutions and Partner at AK Promo Co., she combines professional expertise with a passion for uplifting others, both through her businesses and her deep involvement in the community. Jen’s leadership has shaped and supported numerous local initiatives through her work on boards and committees of Linford of Alaska, the Anchorage Mayor’s Charity Ball, School Business Partnership, and Choose Anchorage Leadership, among many others.

Sara Buckingham, PhD, is a Licensed Psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Alaska Anchorage, where she serves as core faculty in the Clinical-Community Psychology PhD Program and co-directs the Center for Community Engagement and Learning. Her work bridges clinical, community, and cultural psychology in partnership with migrant communities to support culturally grounded approaches to mental health and well-being.

Shayne Nuesca is a nationally recognized multimedia storyteller and narrative strategist working at the intersection of digital media, culture, preservation and social change. Born in the Philippines and raised in Alaska, she draws on her experiences as a 1.5-generation Filipino (Ilokano) American to create spaces where people like her are seen, heard, and valued.

Tasha Pineda is an Anchorage-based leader dedicated to strengthening community resilience and supporting organizations that drive local impact. She brings nearly two decades of experience working across philanthropy, strategy, and public-sector partnerships to advance equitable outcomes.Tasha is known for her collaborative approach, deep commitment to place, and belief that lasting change grows from within communities themselves.

Raul Rovira is a graduate of LA19, a retired US Army Major, a former diplomat at the US Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, and a recipient of the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for more than 4,000 hours of volunteer service. He is currently an aquatics professional working as a lifeguard instructor trainer, swim instructor trainer, and waterfront director. He also leads crews in aquatic adventures through the Florida Keys Sailing Program.

Michael Fredericks is the owner of SALT, LLC, a design, facilitation and strategy firm based in Anchorage. She partners with organizations, Tribal entities, and foundations to strengthen governance, build strategic clarity, and foster meaningful stakeholder engagement. Michael is known for her ability to navigate complex dynamics with empathy, precision, and a deep commitment to equity and community-driven impact.

Rozlyn Grady-Wyche is a passionate educator, advocate, and community builder based in Anchorage. She serves as the President of the Alaska Coalition of BIPOC Educators and the Education Chair for the NAACP Tri-State Area Conference, leading work centered on equity, family engagement, and culturally responsive education. Her heart is in helping others find their voice, build power, and lead with purpose for the good of our communities.

Jasmin Smith is a community leader and entrepreneur passionate about investing in the next generation of community and business leaders. Jasmin launched her own small business, Baby Vend, in 2016, and has coached more than 650 entrepreneurs in owning and operating their own businesses across the U.S. In 2020, Jasmin helped launch the new Alaska Black Business Directory, and co-founded the Umoja Coworking and Incubators, a business services space focused on cultural empowerment and what role that plays in business development. Jasmin has also served as vice president of the Mountain View Community Council, third vice president of the Anchorage NAACP Chapter, and president of the Alaska Black Chamber of Commerce.

Karden Kelly is a special agent with the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Inspector General, where she has devoted over 22 years to fighting fraud in government programs and specializing in criminal theft investigations involving tribes and tribal organizations. She considers outreach to be an essential and rewarding part of public service and enjoys the collaborative environment in Alaska. Karden chose Alaska as home for her growing family, which now includes her LA 28 cohort and AKHF.

Kitty Farnham has enjoyed a diverse career and life in Alaska for over 40 years, working in Alaska's public, private and non-profit sectors. She thrives when supporting others and creating connections that inspire individuals, unleash new possibilities, and strengthen communities. She and her family love exploring all that Alaska has to offer, building connections while deepening our roots.