2023 Alaska Young Professionals Summit

be another fail statistic.

Effective strategies for engaging with potential employers when applying and interviewing for a new role!

YOUR RESUME

Ensure your resume is up to date and lists all your skills, qualifications, education, experience, as well as other items such as, what types of technology and systems you are familiar with and volunteer activities you participate in. Many applicant tracking systems may not be compatible with certain images or fonts, so keep your resume formatting simple and try and use a more compatible fonts such as: Garamond, Calibri, Cambria, Times New Roman, Ariel, Georgia, and Helvetica. Avoid: pictures and tables.

A COVER LETTER

Utilize a cover letter! The cover letter is a great tool for candidates to use to highlight for an employer how your specific experience, education, and skills will translate into the role you are applying for. It is also an opportunity to let an employer know why you are interested in working for their organization.

LINKEDIN PROFILE

Ensure you have a LinkedIn profile and that you monitor your page regularly! LinkedIn is perhaps the number one source for employers to connect with potential candidates, so you want to make sure you have a profile that has been well thought out and lists your professional experience.

INTERVIEW PROCESS

When beginning the interview process with an employer, be prepared to go through several stages of interviews via several different meeting venues. Often companies will use phone, Zoom, and in-person meetings during the interview process and depending upon what stage of the interview the candidate is in.

BE YOURSELF!

It is important to be honest with potential employers during the interview process. Do not be afraid to address any experience or work gaps during an interview. This is your opportunity to demonstrate how you plan to gain the skills you need and be a successful contributor to their team. Employers appreciate honest feedback and they will be impressed that you took the time to address these types of topics during your conversation.

CHECK OUT OUR OPEN POSITIONS

CONFERENCE OUTLINE

FRIDAY, APRIL 21

DENA’INA CENTER

8:30 am - 9:00 am

Doors Open + Registration

9:00 am - 10:15 am

Welcome + Presentation #1

10:30 am - 11:15 am

Breakout A I Breakout B I Breakout C

11:15 am - 12:00 pm

Visit with the Vendors

12:00 pm - 1:15 pm

Lunch + Presentation #2

1:30 pm - 2:15 pm

Breakout D I Breakout E I Breakout F

2:15 pm - 3:00 pm

Visit with the Vendors

3:00 pm - 3:45 pm

Breakout G I Breakout H I Breakout I

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Awards Ceremony

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Keynote Reception + Prizes

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

DOWNTOWN BEAR PAW BAR & GRILL

10:00 am - 11:00 am

YPG Pitch + DOE Boost

11:00 am - 11:30 am

Brunch 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Presentation #3 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Networking 1:30 pm - 3:00

9:00 AM-10:15 AM............................................................................BREAKFAST

CHOOSE ANCHORAGE: A FRAMEWORK FOR OUR REVITALIZATION

Jenna Wright, Anchorage Economic Development Corp.; Florian Borowski, Providence Alaska Medical Center; Jack Bonney, Visit Anchorage; Jon Bittner, Alaska Small Business Development Center; Michelle Klouda, RIM Architects

In the midst of a national competition for workforce, it’s more important than ever for cities to position themselves as a place young adults and their families want to choose to make their home. Join YPG members for a panel discussion on AEDC’s Choose Anchorage initiative, which is aimed at reversing outmigration trends so that Anchorage can enjoy a robust, thriving and diverse economy for years to come. Sponsored by Global Credit Union and Uncle Herb’s

10:30 AM-11:15 AM............................................................................................................BREAKOUT

SESSION A (K1): PROTECT, PROJECT, CONNECT: EMPOWERING MILITARY INNOVATION IN THE ARCTIC

Lt. Col. Montanna Ewers; Lt. John Barry Sadler; Tech Sgt. Justin Crawford

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson prioritizes innovation as a way to connect with academia, industry, and government partners to solve defense-related problems. As neighbors to the Anchorage and surrounding communities, personnel stationed at JBER want to share their ideas and experiences to help the community and protect Alaska. Our Airmen push technological and cultural boundaries to make America the leader in air and space power. When empowered, Airmen are the competitive edge we have over our adversaries and the reason we are the world’s greatest Air Force. Empowerment begins with programs like Arctic Spark, a total force endeavor where we work with civilian and joint partners to bring innovation into the hands of the warfighter. JBER hosts three Air Force total-force wings, one Army Brigade and 55 other tenant units including 11th Airborne Division, U.S. Alaskan Command, 11th Air Force, Alaskan NORAD Command Region.

SESSION B (K2): 6 FACTORS FOR HIGH PERFORMING TEAMS

Karla Pierson, President & Founder, Candeo Partners, LLC

On teams that are not high performing, it’s unclear who is doing what, results are slow, rework is often needed, there’s difficulty communicating with some people more than others, and you can’t wait for the project to be over. It feels like drudgery!

So, how do you create a high performing team? There actually is a science behind it and it is replicable. When certain factors are in place, you can predict with confidence that a team will reach peak performance. On the flip side, when one or more of these factors are missing or low, the team will struggle and results will be inconsistent.

Candeo Partners shows you how to assess whether or not your team will perform and what to do to have them deliver based on the Six Factors for High Performing Teams.

SESSION C (K6): TREAT YO’ SELF: A PANEL ON MENTAL HEALTH & SELF-CARE IN THE WORKPLACE

Dr. David Huie, Point North Physical Therapy; Taylor Waldner, Alaska Behavioral Health; Heidi Weiland, Vibrant Living Mind. Body. Soul. How do you balance the stresses and anxieties of the workplace while prioritizing your mental and physical health.

11:15 AM-12:00 PM.............................................................................................................VISIT WITH VENDORS

THANK YOU SILVER SPONSORS:

12:00 PM-1:15 PM....................LUNCH + PRESENTATION #2 (TUB 3-5)

NEXT GENERATION LEADERSHIP

Dr. Jharrett Bryantt, Superintendent, Anchorage School District

What does it take to lead one of Alaska’s largest organizations as a member of the next generation? Dr. Jharrett Bryantt, superintendent with the Anchorage School District, will host a chat about charting a career course in leadership as a young professional.

Sponsored by Providence Alaska Medical Center and Moda Health

1:30 PM-2:15 PM..................................................BREAKOUT SESSIONS

SESSION D (K6): WHO RUN THE WORLD? WOMEN IN STEM

Alexandra Jefferies, PND Engineers, Inc.; Lauren Latchem, NANA Worley; Monick Estrada, PMP, GCI; Elizabeth Freeman, Alaska Resource Education; Moderated by: Ryann Swalling, KPB Architects

Has the glass ceiling shattered or are there still layers to break? Find out the formula for success and the challenges of navigating evolving industries from a multi-discipline panel of women in STEM.

SESSION E (K2): THE 24-HR WORK WEEK: NOT TIM FERRIS

CLICKBAIT, BUT ACTUALLY ACHIEVABLE

Meredith Noble, Learn Grant Writing

You go to work with the best intentions of deep, focused work, but before long email notifications, meetings, and phone calls chop your day up into chaos. If this is how most of your days look, then you would enjoy learning about how you can organize your days into what we call the 3 M’s: Management, Mission, and Money Days.

SESSION F (K1): BECOMING A DISRUPTOR: LEARNING FROM THE PAST

Jeff Galliher, Managing Partner, High Point Agency

Being part of Alaska’s business future comes with a great responsibility to carry the torch and learn from the past. All too often as young professionals we are so eager to shape the next generation and change that we can forget to learn from the amazing past businesses and leaders who have built this great state. So how can we honor and learn from the past while still transforming the future?

2:15 PM-3:00 PM..................................................VISIT WITH VENDORS

3:00 PM-3:45 PM..................................................BREAKOUT SESSIONS

SESSION G (K1): LAUNCHING YOUR BUSINESS WITH A MINIMAL VIABLE PRODUCT (MVP)

Chastine Lynch, DAVSC, DAC, DASSM, PMP, SSBBP, Upskilled Evolution

Minimal Viable Product (MVP) - Beyond the Beta. Discover how to test your new business or concept with an MVP. Discover how strategically identifying and launching an MVP will help your business grow and allow for quick adjustments to meet the market needs.

TRAVEL HACK.

Experiencing new places changes the way you understand the world. Club 49 changes the way you travel.

Visit the Hub to see benefits only for Alaskans.

club49hub.com

SESSION H (K2): ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP IN ALASKA

Chuck Seaca, Alaska Humanities Forum

Adaptive Leadership is a framework for understanding and solving complex problems that face organizations, businesses, and the community. Adaptive Leadership as a practice has reverberated around the globe since being introduced at the Harvard Kennedy School by Ronald Heifetz. It is now taught in business and graduate schools around the world and highly sought after by top business executives and government officials. This session - being led by the Director of Leadership Programs at the Alaska Humanities Forum who trained and then taught Adaptive Leadership at Harvard under the guidance of Heifetz himself - will provide insight into how Alaskans can tackle their greatest challenges effectively by practicing Adaptive Leadership.

SESSION I (K6): A SEAT AT THE TABLE: DISRUPTING THE VOICE OF BOARDS

Kim Waller, The Foraker Group

An introduction to Alaska Board Match, an online match tool created to help nonprofits establish diverse, inclusive, and welcoming board rooms. Hear about the innovative way the Foraker Group is facilitating pairing Alaskans with a passion to serve with local non-profit boards who can benefit from an energy revitalization.

4:00 PM-5:00 PM................................................................................................AWARDS CEREMONY (TUB 3-5)

Logan Burt, U.S. Representative Mary Sattler Peltola

5:00 PM-6:00 PM.................................................................................................KEYNOTE RECEPTION (TUB 3-5)

SPACE FOR DISRUPTION: INSIGHTS FROM A HUMAN SPACECRAFT SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Jessica Rae Vos, Spacecraft Systems Engineer, NASA

Learn from NASA Spacecraft Systems Engineer Jessica Vos how disruptive leadership can transform the work environment. Journey through space as she showcases what NASA is working on, and the lessons that can translate back to your everyday life to make you a stronger leader.

THANK YOU GOLD SPONSORS:

10:00 AM-11:00 AM.................DOWNTOWN

YPG PITCH + DOE BOOST

BEAR PAW BAR & GRILL

Jasir’s Jamaican Ginger Lemonad; Northern Seitan Company; VetNex

This is a great opportunity for Alaska-based innovative, scalable companies to pitch their business to a crowd of fellow young professionals, potential investors, business partners, and a panel of industry experts for a chance to win the $1000 grand prize courtesy of Furniture Enterprises.

11:00 AM-11:30 AM..................................................................BRUNCH

Sponsored by Wells Fargo and True North Federal Credit Union

11:30 AM-1:00 PM.....................................................PRESENTATION #4

BUSINESS PARTNERS: DISRUPTING THE DEFINITION OF POWER COUPLES

David McCarthy & Jason Motyka, Co-Founders, 49th State Brewing; Daniel Morris & Chris Morris, Owners, Alaskan Footprints; Jesse McCarty & Kyle Aramburo, Hybrid Color

Continuing our Power Couples series, this latest edition disrupts our norm and features business partners with varying dynamics and backgrounds. Learn how they navigate disruptions to their business and their partnership; and how they have become disruptors themselves.

1:30 PM-3:00 PM ..................................ANCHORAGE

TROLLEY TOURS

WIN ROUNDTRIP TICKETS 2

All 2023 Alaska Young Professionals

Summit attendees are eligible to be entered to win two round-trip tickets to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies!

Providing safe and reliable gas service to Alaskans requires a diverse workforce. From construction to customer service, ENSTAR has a job for just about any interest or skill.

EMILY BERLINER, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER/ FOUNDER, EBO CONSULTING INC.

Emily Berliner is a highly experienced Chief Operating Officer and founder of EBO Consulting Inc., a company specializing in business structuring and planning, document management, meeting support, regulatory and compliance, SOP development, and notary services. Her educational background in corporate finance and strategy, along with her Nonprofit Management Certification, has led her to excel in both for- and nonprofit sectors.

Emily’s expertise in nonprofit management, client retention, business sustainability, and professional development makes her a valuable asset for any small business or nonprofit seeking support. Her professionalism and ethical standards have been recognized by the Better Business Bureau and DotCom Magazine, as well as other awards and accolades. Emily’s determination, consistency, and resourcefulness has effectively evolved the company, enabling the team to provide top-quality services for their valued clients.

APRIL EIDE, OWNER, BAKER, INSTRUCTOR, NORTHERN WINGS CAFE

April is the owner, baker, and instructor at Northern Wings Cafe in south Anchorage. April designed and opened Northern Wings Cafe to be a place for teens (14 and older) to learn how to bake, make coffee, and the art of customer service. April wanted to give teens a learning opportunity that will help them as they prepare for life after graduation. Northern Wings Cafe will be celebrating its 2 year anniversary in April 2023.

April was born and raised in Colorado, and moved to Anchorage with her husband, daughter, and son in 2014. She began teaching cake decorating classes at Allen & Peterson, UAA, Michaels, and at in-home parties. In 2015, April was introduced to the PTA at her children’s elementary school, and has since developed a passion for the organization, holding the position of President in her children’s elementary, middle, and high schools. In 2019, she was elected the PTA President for the state of Alaska, after serving as a Region Vice-President.

April is a self-taught baker & cake decorator, and along with her volunteer work, has helped bring her vision of Northern Wings Cafe to a reality. Her determination, baking skills, and love of working with and teaching young people is the perfect ‘recipe’ for success.

April continues to volunteer and serve on committees to advocate for Alaska’s Youth.

MEGAN MILITELLO, CO-FOUNDER, ELEVATED OATS

Megan Militello is a dynamic entrepreneur, veteran, and community builder. After 10 years of military and civilian air traffic control, she followed her passion for healthy eating and helping others by launching Elevated Oats. This gluten-free granola company reflects Megan’s commitment to living an elevated and healthy lifestyle. Megan and her team have built Elevated Oats into a thriving business that has earned numerous accolades, including the 2021 Veteran Startup of the Year award. In her 2022 Ted Talk, “The Power of Starting Over,” Megan shares her personal story of reinvention and offers valuable insights into how to overcome setbacks and elevate your life through change.

JOIN THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP!

To become a member, attend one monthly meeting and one networking event (luncheon, mixer, etc.).

APRIL 28 - MONTHLY NETWORKING LUNCHEON 11:30 am-1:00 pm Waffles and Whatnot

MAY 9 MONTHLY MEETING

4:00-5:00 pm at the Anchorage Chamber Board Room

MAY 10 SOBER BOARD GAME NIGHT 5:00-8:00 pm at the Anchorage Public Library

MAY 20 ANCHORAGE’S HISTORIC TRUE CRIME FOOD TOUR

5:00-8:00 pm at the Anchorage Public Library

YPG EXECUTIVE BOARD ELECTIONS Applications due May 26th

At GCI, we pride ourselves on a remote first culture. By prioritizing support for remote work, we’re fostering a healthy work life balance for our employees beyond the work place. Interested in building a rewarding career and a better future for Alaskans?

Visit gci.com/careers

ALASKA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

BRITTANY BROWN, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, SITNASUAK NATIVE CORPORATION

Brittany Brown is Director of Marketing and Communications at Sitnasuak Native Corporation (SNC), with responsibility for internal and external communications, marketing programs, brand development, and community and government affairs.

Prior to joining SNC, she served in a variety of public relations and community development roles across the State of Alaska, including work with Fortune 500 oil & gas industry leaders, regional and village Native Corporations as well as State and Federal Government.

Brittany holds a Bachelors in Business Administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage and a Masters of Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M University.

With a majority of her career tied to economic development in Native Communities, Brittany has spent the last decade establishing a reputation for building and maintaining strong, trusting relations with communications and industry professionals to develop and promote shared visions and mutual benefits. She previously served on the Board of Directors for both the Alaska Native Professionals Association and Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council. During her time on those boards, she worked diligently to promote regional economic growth and build community involvement. She currently sits as a member of the Make-A-Wish, Washington & Alaska events committee where she assists in the planning and execution of local fundraising events. In her free time, you can find her traveling to new countries or outside enjoying Alaska’s great outdoors, camping, hiking and fishing.

IV Vitamin Infusion

ALASKA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

EMILY CHO, RASMUSON FOUNDATION

Emily Cho joined Rasmuson Foundation in August 2017 as a communications intern. She transitioned to a full-time position in November 2017 and was promoted in 2019 to serve as an associate on the external affairs team.

She was born and raised in Anchorage and attended Arizona State University. While at the university, she became active in the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community groups including the Asian Chamber of Commerce and the student-run AAPI coalition.

Emily continues her involvement today as an executive member of the Korean American Community of Alaska’s NexGen group, whose mission is to connect the younger and older generation of Korean Americans. Since 2017, she has volunteered as a teacher at St. Andrew Kim Parish’s Saturday school, teaching high school students the values of generosity, spirituality and community and assisting with activities and fundraising events.

She is passionate about helping her community, uplifting young people and connecting with her culture. She lives with her husband, Paul, and their 25 houseplants in Anchorage.

JENNY DI GRAPPA, FOOD BANK OF ALASKA

Jenny serves as the Chief of Philanthropy and Community Relations at Food Bank of Alaska, where since 2017 she has focused her fundraising efforts to help ensure children and families across Alaska have enough nutritious food for a healthy, active life. She has worked and volunteered in the non-profit sector for over 17 years, focusing her efforts on organizations that serve Alaska’s youth. She received her master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Alaska Southeast and a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Born and raised in Fairbanks, Jenny grew up helping her mom train for the Iditarod and Yukon Quest. Jenny was a founding member of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Young Professional Group in 2014 and has been actively engaged for almost 10 years. She is currently an Honorary Commander on JBER and also serves on the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness Advisory Council, ASD School Business Partnership board, Better Business Bureau Northwest + Pacific Advisory Committee, Alaska Ski for Women Assistant Director and helps grant wishes for Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington. In 2021, she was recognized as one of Alaska’s Top 40 Under 40.

2022/23 ALASKA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS EXECUTIVE BOARD

Chair: Jen Motyka, Blitz Promotions

Vice Chair: Logan Burt, Dimond Center

Community Service Chair: Melanie Pinales, ConocoPhillips Alaska

Membership Chair: DJ Jennings, Adulting Done Right

Communications Chair: Shaina Perry, Innovate

Secretary: Vlad Finko, Global Credit Union

Events Chair:Abigail McLagan, Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals

Director: Tosha Swan, Anchorage Chamber

SUMMIT Committee Members

Skye Nevada, Past Chair, The Bridge

Kathleen McArdle, Verizon

Jenna Wright, Anchorage Economic Development Corp.

The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in Alaska. Founded in 1915 by local business leaders, the Chamber today is a not-for-profit 501(c) (6) member-driven business organization representing nearly 800 companies and a regional workforce of approximately 50,000. For over 100 years, we have served as a resource where our members can gain business knowledge, insight, and strength as business professionals. anchoragechamber.org

GOLD SPONSORS:

SILVER SPONSORS:

LUNCH SPONSORS:

BREAKFAST SPONSORS:

RECEPTION BRUNCH SPONSORS: COFFEE BREAK SPONSOR:

SUPPORTING PROGRAM SPONSORS:

AWARD SPONSOR:

EXHIBITORS:

• 49th Freight

• Alaska Center for the Performing Arts

• American Legion Jack Henry Post 1

• Best Beginnings

• Candeo Partners

• Cook Inlet Lending Center

• Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Inc.

• Covenant House Alaska

• Credit Union 1

• Grand Canyon University

• Green Connection

• New York Life

• Photo Emporium

• Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska

• thread

• UAA College of Business & Public Policy

• U.S. Small Business Admin.