Leadership Anchorage

McKinley Alden was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. They have spent the last ten years putting down roots in Alaska, from leading small community arts endeavors in Fairbanks to participating in Alaska Native language learning cohorts out of Kodiak. Their primary area of work is endangered language conservation. They are a student of Sugt’stun (Alutiiq), learning alongside friends, colleagues, and Elders while supporting community efforts to support and strengthen Indigenous languages. They hold a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of Alberta. Since 2023, Dr. Alden has worked with the Bristol Bay Foundation, first consulting on the development of language education programs and now serving as a linguist and Alaska Native Education Program manager. They are also an instructor in the Alutiiq Studies program at Kodiak College and sit on the National Indian Education Association's Native Educator Education Development Committee. Outside of work, Dr. Alden is a painter, illustrator, writer, and avid reader. They work primarily in acrylics, oils, and digital media, and tend to write what they most enjoy reading: literary fiction, fantasy, horror, and poetry. Their favorite novel is Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. Dr. Alden now lives in Spenard with their two black cats, Polo and Juno.

Marlene Alonso is the Mental Health Counseling Coordinator at Project Access Anchorage, where she works to expand access to behavioral health services for uninsured and underserved Alaskans. She is passionate about reducing barriers to care and advancing trauma-informed, community-centered approaches to mental health. A proud first-generation Cuban American and military spouse, Marlene’s commitment to service is rooted in her own lived experiences navigating systems of care and advocating for others. Her professional background spans the nonprofit, legal, and behavioral health sectors, where she has focused on building partnerships, improving systems, and supporting individuals and families facing complex challenges. Marlene earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Saint Leo University and plans to pursue a Master of Social Work. She hopes to become a licensed clinical social worker and continue creating meaningful change through leadership, advocacy, and accessible mental health care. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her wife and her close-knit family, exploring Alaska, and building meaningful connections within her community. She is honored to be part of the Leadership Anchorage program and looks forward to learning from and serving alongside fellow community leaders.

Waqaa, hello. My name is Cheri Alstrom and my Yup'ik name is Larapciq. I am from St. Mary's and Pilot Station. My parents are Morris Alstrom and Theresa Nick. I have two lovely children named Aaron and Dahlia. I'm excited to be part of this cohort, hope to have a wonderful learning experience and meet new people.

Mavis Boone is a proud Samoan woman, born in American Samoa and raised in the Independent State of Samoa, where her strong sense of identity, family, and service continues to shape her leadership. As the eldest of five siblings and the eldest grandchild, she developed a deep sense of responsibility from an early age. Known as “Aunt Maz,” she is a devoted aunt to seven nieces and nephews, her “heart in human form.” Since relocating to Alaska in 2015, Mavis has dedicated her career to improving health and well-being for underserved communities. She currently serves as the Director of Programs at the Pacific Community of Alaska, where she leads culturally grounded health, wellness, and civic engagement initiatives serving Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities across the state. With over a decade of experience spanning legal practice, public service, and community-based leadership, Mavis specializes in systems navigation, workforce development, civic engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. She leads initiatives that address systemic barriers, advance mental and behavioral health, strengthen preventive health education, and build community capacity through culturally responsive outreach. Beyond her professional work, Mavis is passionate about entrepreneurship and hopes to build businesses that create opportunity while celebrating Pacific Island culture. She has a particular interest in the food industry, with a vision of sharing authentic Pacific flavors, fostering cultural connection, and creating lasting economic opportunities for her community. Her leadership is grounded in equity, cultural integrity, service, and a commitment to empowering communities through workforce development and local leadership.

Mandy Clark is Sugpiaq and proudly serves her community through her role as a Recruiter with her Bristol Bay Native Corporation. She is passionate about connecting talented individuals with meaningful career opportunities and supporting the growth and success of the organization and its people. Mandy values the importance of Native culture, community, and service, and takes pride in contributing to the mission of her corporation. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, creating lasting memories, and staying connected to the people and traditions that are most important to her.

Katherine Cooper is the Chief Operations and Finance Officer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska. A self-proclaimed spreadsheet nerd, she oversees the day-to-day numbers and logistics that keep the organization running smoothly. For Katherine, the best part of the job is making finance approachable- she loves helping stakeholders to understand the story behind the numbers. She is also very invested in helping others to find stability and sustainability with their personal and business finances. Before transitioning to the nonprofit sector, Katherine spent nearly a decade with Locally Grown Restaurants in Anchorage, managing individual operations and mentoring newer managers as they grew into leadership roles. Growing up in Ketchikan, Katherine’s deep love for the state eventually drew her back home to Alaska in 2012, when she settled in Anchorage for the long haul. Dedicated to community care, she has looked for unique ways to invest in her neighbors over the years: volunteering to counsel tenants facing eviction in San Francisco, building homes with Habitat for Humanity in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, serving as Treasurer for the Mountaineering Club of Alaska, and spending four seasons on search-and-rescue patrol with the Denali National Park Service. When she isn’t looking at spreadsheets, Katherine is usually outside running, biking, skiing, hiking, backpacking, or rock climbing. She lives in Anchorage with her partner, twin boys, and two dogs.

Lisette Dalere is a proud Latina dedicated to uplifting the voices of marginalized communities. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences with an emphasis in Environmental Science from the University of Alaska Anchorage and has furthered her education through studies in Chicano and Indigenous literature and history, nonviolent communication, and facilitation. Professionally, Lisette partners with rural Alaska Native Tribal communities to support Tribal sovereignty and human rights as they confront the accelerating impacts of climate change. Her work is guided by each Tribe's unique priorities and values, and centers Alaska Native voices. She advances community-led climate adaptation efforts by providing technical assistance, securing grant funding, fostering cross-sector partnerships, and facilitating sharing circles. Rooted in her Mexican American identity, Lisette is deeply engaged in community building. She founded Latino Book Club to create a welcoming space where Latine and Hispanic community members engage with Latine literature while reflecting on their shared culture and individual identities. Through thoughtful facilitation, she fosters meaningful dialogue, strengthens community connections, and cultivates belonging.

Tamara Davis is the Program Manager for the HIV/STD Program at the Alaska Department of Health, where she leads statewide efforts to prevent HIV and sexually transmitted infections while working to improve access to care and strengthen partnerships across Alaska. Originally from Germany, Tamara moved to Alaska and quickly developed a deep appreciation for its resilient communities, breathtaking landscapes, and the people who make the state so unique. Before stepping into her current leadership role, Tamara served as both a Disease Intervention Specialist and a supervisor, experiences that shaped her collaborative leadership style and reinforced her belief that lasting change happens through trust, compassion, and strong relationships. She is passionate about bringing people together—from healthcare providers and Tribal organizations to local public health partners and community agencies—to improve health outcomes and reduce barriers to care. She believes that some of the best solutions come from listening, learning, and building meaningful partnerships. Outside of work, Tamara is a therapeutic foster parent who believes that investing in children and families is one of life's greatest privileges. She shares her home with a lively crew of beloved pets, is an avid reader who never seems to have enough books, and enjoys traveling, exploring Alaska, and spending time with her family. She is always looking for opportunities to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. Tamara is honored to be part of Leadership Anchorage and looks forward to learning alongside a diverse group of leaders who share a commitment to strengthening Alaska's communities through collaboration, service, and meaningful connections.

Drew was born and raised in Wasilla spending much of his childhood biking the Valley’s maze of roads, running trails at the UAF Experimental Farm, swimming in Matanuska Lake, or sledding down Hatcher Pass. His love for Alaska is tied to the land itself and the way that growing up here shapes not only one’s daily experiences, but one’s identity and relationship to the world. A graduate of Wasilla High School and Gardner-Webb University, Drew’s educational and professional journey has taken him to North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Oregon, Costa Rica, England, Jordan, and beyond — yet always back home to Alaska. Drew currently serves the Municipality of Anchorage as the Deputy Ombudsman and takes to heart the office’s mission to seek fair and equitable solutions to the issues, conflicts, and complaints experienced by Anchorage residents and municipal public servants. Before stepping into this role he worked for the Urban Land Institute, served as Program Director for the Anchorage Sports Association, worked special education for the MSBSD, and was a legislative aide in Juneau at the Alaska State Capitol. Across all chapters of his career, Drew has carried forward the positive values found in the Mat-Su Valley: a commitment to community, a deep love for people and place, and a belief that to hold public office is to hold the public trust.

Nicole Hallingstad is Tlingit and Norwegian, and a proud daughter of hometown Petersburg / Séet Ká Kwáan in Southeast Alaska. Tired of losing her tiny doll shoes as a girl, Nicole built a tiny shoe rack of glued toothpicks and thus began her career of being an enthusiastic problem solver. Her first job in high school was working as an assistant in Petersburg’s local Tlingit & Haida office. It lit a fire in Nicole to support the success of others and help build healthy communities. She gained her Bachelor of Arts at the University of AK – Fairbanks, and Master of Arts at the University of CA – Berkeley, both in history. From an early career in communication hardware, to executive positions at Sealaska Corporation and the National Congress of American Indians, Nicole sought to bring people together through meaningful connection around common challenges. She began her management effectiveness consulting firm in 2018, naming it A&A Solutions after the first letter of each of her grandmother’s names. Her Tlingit grandmother Amy Yax Yeidí Hallingstad was a fierce Native rights warrior. Her Norwegian grandmother Alma Wallen was one of the co-founders of Petersburg’s Little Norway Festival. Although they have long since passed, her grandmothers inspire her to see the strength in culture every day. She promotes her own shared Alaska Native values in the workplace, applying respect, reciprocity, innovation, and accountability as business principles. Nicole is now the Manager of the Center for Climate and Health at ANTHC applying holistic approaches to the determinants of Alaska Native health, including disruptions and health factors related to climate change. She works and lives with her husband Kevin Henrickson on the lands of the Dena’ina and Athabascan peoples in Anchorage, Alaska. She is a big movie nerd and can usually name that tune in 5 notes or less. Her own shoes remain largely scattered about her entryway floor.

Victoria Hillwig is a finance and operations professional with more than 17 years of experience in higher education administration at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She serves as Fiscal and Contracts Manager for the Alaska Airlines Center and Avis Alaska Sports Complex, overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, contract administration, procurement, and event settlements for community and entertainment events. Throughout her career, Victoria has held leadership roles in research administration, fiscal management, human resources, and executive support. She is also the co-owner of Greatland Studios, a local video production company, where she contributes expertise in accounting, financial analysis, and business operations. Victoria holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, an Associate of Arts in Accounting, and a Certificate in Bookkeeping from UAA. In May 2026, she earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Known for her collaborative leadership style and strategic approach to problem-solving, Victoria is passionate about building efficient processes, supporting organizational growth, and strengthening community connections. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, staying active, gardening, and keeping up with her six-year-old daughter, Annabella, silly Bernedoodle, Leo, and playful tuxedo cat, Luna.

Destiny Breeze Key is the Board, Events, and Operations Coordinator at Bristol Bay Foundation, where she supports board governance, organizational operations, event planning, and community-centered initiatives that strengthen educational opportunities for Bristol Bay students. Destiny is Alaska Native, Dena’ina Athabascan from the Native Village of Tyonek and Chiricahua Apache from the San Carlos Apache Tribe. She is also a U.S. Navy veteran, having served four years as a Master-at-Arms in Security Forces. Her experiences in the military, higher education, and nonprofit sector have shaped her commitment to service, advocacy, leadership, and community care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Behavioral Health from Alaska Pacific University, where her senior project focused on suicide prevention and support resources for American Indian and Alaska Native veterans in Alaska. Destiny has also worked as a Certified Veteran Peer Support Specialist, supporting veterans through crisis intervention, benefits navigation, and culturally responsive peer support. Destiny is passionate about Indigenous leadership, veteran wellness, education, and building stronger systems of support for underserved communities. She is excited to be part of Leadership Anchorage and looks forward to growing as a leader while building meaningful relationships across the community.

Heidi Kritz is a collaborative leader dedicated to strengthening communities through relationship-building, service, and meaningful engagement. Rooted in her Yupiaq cultural values and traditions, she is passionate about creating opportunities that connect people, strengthen communities, and support future generations. Her professional experience spans communications, program coordination and development, and community outreach, where she has worked to foster partnerships, empower emerging leaders, and advance community-driven initiatives. Heidi believes effective leadership begins with listening, building trust, and bringing people together around shared goals. As a member of the Leadership Anchorage Class of 2027, Heidi looks forward to learning alongside fellow leaders, expanding cross-sector partnerships, and contributing to a stronger, more connected Anchorage.

DJ Lieberman serves as the Elder Care Services Administrator for the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, where he supports programs that help elders across the Aleutian and Pribilof region access resources, remain connected, and age with dignity. His work focuses on elder services, community outreach, transportation, food security, dementia awareness, and building partnerships that strengthen support for rural Alaska communities. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, DJ moved to Alaska after graduating from Miami University. He began his career in housing and youth services, bringing experience in case management, advocacy, and community-based programming. He holds a bachelor’s degree in American Studies, with minors in Gerontology and Sociology, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. DJ is passionate about service, cultural connection, and creating practical solutions that meet people where they are. Outside of work and school, he enjoys live music, exploring Alaska, and spending time with his animals, including his dogs Denali and Eska and his cat Diego.

Rose McAdoo is a field operations leader and pastry artist whose work transforms scientific research into immersive edible experiences. Working at the intersection of art and storytelling, she collaborates with researchers, educators, and public agencies to create large-scale dessert installations and participatory events. Whether sculpting a three-foot tardigrade cake for the American Museum of Natural History, teaching cake workshops in prisons, or developing desserts at Denali Base Camp that communicate Alaskan glaciology, her work invites people to expand their understanding through taste, texture, and personal experience. Her creative work has been featured by NPR, The New York Times, Forbes, High Country News, and Grist. Alongside her artistic career, Rose has spent more than a decade leading teams and operations in challenging environments. Her background includes glacier guiding and outdoor leadership in Alaska, supporting remote food access across the state, and managing complex logistics for the U.S. Antarctic Program. Most notably, Rose managed NASA's Long Duration Balloon Facility on the Ross Ice Shelf, coordinating operations across scientific personnel and interagency leadership teams to support high-altitude astrophysics research in one of the world's most extreme environments. After years of seasonal work around the globe, Rose recently made Anchorage her permanent home and now manages a field camp for the hardworking Interior Trails team. She is thrilled to deepen her investment in the community through Leadership Anchorage.

Amber Rene'e Morrison-Waters is the Founder and Executive Director of H-O-M-E (Here, Our Mission Empowers), an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization she is building from the ground up to restore dignity and create lasting transformation for individuals in Anchorage. Born and raised in Alaska, she lives in the very community she serves, bringing a unique perspective and deep, ground-level expertise to housing stability and behavioral health as a certified program facilitator and skilled program creator. Amber’s leadership is driven by her own lived experience, resilience, and firsthand success navigating complex community systems. Her work focuses on creating sustainable, vocational pathways toward long-term growth for individuals navigating recovery and transition. By turning real-world experience into structured programs, she builds systems that help people overcome barriers and find stability. Born out of her roots in the Mountain View neighborhood, Amber’s mission is to turn community passion into high-impact civic action. As a member of Leadership Anchorage Cohort 30, she looks forward to using executive strategy to build partnerships, scale her organization's impact, and ensure no one in her community is left behind. Above all, she is fueled by her deep love for her husband, children and her family who inspire her to build a stronger legacy for the next generation

Stephanie M. Nichols, J.D., is the Founder and CEO of Insight Consulting, LLC, a leadership consulting firm that partners with individual leaders, businesses, academic institutions, local and state governments, and nonprofit organizations. Insight Consulting helps leaders and organizations thrive by building trust through executive advising, improving employee retention, and strengthening internal strategic communication. Stephanie previously worked as a vice president and attorney at GCI and was also the Founder and Executive Director of Seattle University School of Law’s Alaska Satellite Campus. She created and taught courses in Alaska Native Law, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), and Alaska’s Legal History. Stephanie was born and raised in Fairbanks and received a degree in Accoutancy from the University of Notre Dame and her Juris Doctorate from Seattle University. Prior to her work at GCI and the Law School, Stephanie was in-house counsel for the Squaxin Island Indian tribe outside Olympia, Washington. In 2019, Stephanie was selected as a Marshall Memorial Fellow as part of the German Marshall Fund’s flagship leadership program. Her fellowship, postponed by the pandemic until 2022, took her across Europe, including into eastern Europe soon after Russia’s most recent invasion of Ukraine. Stephanie is the Vice Chair of the Alaska Common Ground board and has been a longtime presenter for the Alaska Supreme Court’s Color of Justice Program.

Toni Peter is the Supply Chain Strategy & Integration Lead at ConocoPhillips Alaska, where she helps bring clarity and momentum to complex supply chain challenges by aligning people, processes, and priorities. With over a decade of experience in oil and gas Supply Chain, she is known for building trusted partnerships, simplifying complex decisions, and delivering results that balance business goals with responsible operations both in Alaska and the L48. Toni holds a Master’s Degree in Management from Harvard University and an Undergraduate Degree from the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State. She is passionate about strengthening connections across Alaska’s business landscape and contributing to solutions that support both economic and community resilience. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring Alaska’s outdoors, and giving back to her community through local volunteer efforts. Toni is excited to join Leadership Anchorage’s 30th cohort and engage with leaders committed to shaping Alaska’s future.

Anthony was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska and currently serves as the Emergency Manager at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Prior to this role, he served the State of Alaska as the Earthquake, Tsunami, and Volcano Program Manager and nationally as the National Earthquake Program Managers Chair, advocating for 26 states participating in seismic safety across the United States. More than anything, Anthony is an Alaskan who is proud to show up for his community on both their hardest and best days. Anthony believes the best emergency plans are built on relationships, and he has spent years building them across Alaska and beyond. A proud UAA and UAF alumnus, he is always willing to lend a hand, give back, and be a voice for issues that often go unheard. Family, friends, and his dog Luna are a big part of Anthony's life. When not working, the three of them can most likely be found outdoors together. Anthony is currently pursuing a PhD in Natural Resources and Sustainability. His dissertation, Community-Centered Shelter Operations: Integrating Traditional Knowledge with Human Security Principles in American Indigenous Evacuation Management, challenges the expectation that Indigenous communities must adapt to federal frameworks rooted in Western ideologies. Drawing from firsthand experience during Typhoon Merbok and Typhoon Halong, his research argues that federal frameworks should be rewritten to adapt to Indigenous communities rather than the other way around.

Suparat Prasannet is a lifelong Alaskan, the daughter of Thai immigrants, and an advocate for education, community engagement, and public service. She served as Miss Alaska 2025, traveling across the state and working with students, educators, and community leaders through her community service initiative, ECHO (Equity, Curriculum, Hope, and Opportunity). Inspired by her experience growing up in a bilingual household and benefiting from Alaska’s public education system, Suparat is committed to expanding educational opportunity for future generations. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business and Data Analytics at the University of Alaska Anchorage and is grateful to use scholarships earned through the Miss Alaska Scholarship Organization to continue her education. Suparat serves as Treasurer for the Asian Alaskan Cultural Center, supporting programs that celebrate Alaska’s diverse Asian cultures through performance and community engagement. A lifelong Thai dancer and volunteer, she is passionate about strengthening connections through cultural education and service. In her free time, Suparat enjoys rock climbing, playing the violin, and spending time with her puppy. Through Leadership Anchorage, she looks forward to learning from fellow community leaders, building meaningful connections, and contributing to a stronger Alaska.

Dj is a lifelong Alaskan, growing up in Kenai and spending time in Kotzebue, Fairbanks, and Wasilla before settling in Anchorage. After serving four years in the U.S. Army, he earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. His nonprofit communications journey began as an intern at the national office of a major conservation organization in Washington, D.C. His love for Alaska and its community brought him right back. Since then, Dj has worked in administrative and communications positions in Alaska-focused environmental, youth behavioral health, and community impact nonprofits. In 2025, Dj joined Camp Fire Alaska as Director of Marketing and Storytelling. At Camp Fire, he uses his creative skills and passion to share and expand the impact of afterschool, summer, and rural community programs. Committed to being of service, Dj has served on the board of a local inclusive health organization serving the LGBTQIA2S+ community. He also recently wrapped up 5 years volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska. In 2024, he was recognized with half of their Big and Little of the Year award. Joining Leadership Anchorage’s 30th cohort coincides with his first year in the MBA program at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Dj enjoys hiking, biking, paddling, photography, dabbling in mosaics and collage art, and entertaining his two cats, Byrne and Kiki.

Will Walker is a housing advocate, civic connector, and attorney working toward a more livable, affordable, and deeply connected Anchorage. Originally from Orlando, Florida, Will has lived around the country, including North Carolina, Washington D.C., and Michigan, before putting down roots in Anchorage more than four years ago. He currently works on homelessness prevention through the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness and previously ran the Alaska Court System's Eviction Diversion Program. Trained in law with a background in public interest work, alternative dispute resolution, and community advocacy, he brings a systems-oriented and omni-partial approach to some of Anchorage's most pressing challenges. Will is an active advocate before the Anchorage Assembly on housing policy and urban development, and is passionate about the civic infrastructure that makes cities worth living in: walkable neighborhoods, third places, and the community groups that knit them together. Outside of work, he enjoys soccer, contra dancing, mountain adventures, photography, and the ongoing project of building community wherever he lives.