2024 Alaska Young Professionals Summit

THE NEXT FRONTIER

ALASKA’S INCOMING LEADERS

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Strategies for Success in the Evolving Job Market

Let Alera ConnectHR guide you as you enter the workforce.

Embracing technology, building an online presence, and remote work mastery for effective talent acquisition.

Embracing Digital Transformation

In today’s dynamic job market, embracing technology isn’t just a choice—it’s a necessity for career growth. From mastering digital tools to adapting to remote work setups, professionals must actively engage with technological advancements to stay relevant and competitive.

Cultivating Your Online Presence

Building a solid personal brand online is no longer optional; it’s a vital aspect of career development. By strategically curating your digital footprint and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn and professional networks, you can amplify your visibility, attract opportunities, and establish credibility in your field.

Leveraging Technology for Skill Enhancement

Technology isn’t just changing how we work; it’s also revolutionizing how we acquire and refine skills. Through online courses, virtual workshops, and interactive learning platforms, professionals can continuously upskill and stay ahead of industry trends, positioning themselves as valuable assets in the digital age.

Thriving in Remote Work Environments

Remote work has become increasingly prevalent, presenting challenges and career advancement opportunities. By mastering remote collaboration tools, cultivating effective communication practices, and maintaining a proactive mindset, professionals can thrive in remote work environments and unlock new avenues for professional growth.

CONFERENCE OUTLINE

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

THE BRIDGE CO.

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Networking Reception

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

DENA’INA CENTER

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Registration + Breakfast

9:00 am - 10:00 am

Welcome + Presentation #1

10:15 am - 11:00 am

Breakout Sessions

11:00 am - 11:30 am

Visit with the Vendors

11:30 am - 12:15 pm

Breakout Sessions

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Presentation 2 + Lunch

1:45 pm - 2:30 pm

Breakout Sessions

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Visit with the Vendors

3:00 pm - 3:45 pm

Breakout Sessions

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Keynote Reception + Awards + Prizes

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

HOTEL CAPTAIN COOK

10:00 am - 11:30 am

Presentation #3 + Brunch

11:45 am - 12:45 pm

Speed Networking

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Trivia

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THURSDAY,

APRIL 4 - THE BRIDGE CO.

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM.......................................NETWORKING RECEPTION

Stop by and get a taste of what Keynote Speaker, Alaska Lizzie, has in store for you all - both figuratively and literally. Lizzie is partnering with Lexa Gokey, Executive Chef of The Bridge Co., to create a special treat.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 - DENA’INA CENTER

9:00 AM-9:15 AM..................................................WELCOME (TUB 3-5)

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

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski; Kathleen McArdle, President/CEO, Anchorage Chamber of Commerce

9:15 AM-10:00 AM............BREAKFAST + PRESENTATION #1 (TUB 3-5) CAREER THE POWER OF WORDS: HARNESSING AI POTENTIAL THROUGH PROMPT ENGINEERING

Kyle Easterly, CTO, Pango Technology

Enjoy a live demonstration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude AI assistants. Attendees will learn advanced “prompt engineering” techniques to get the most out of these tools.

10:15 AM-11:00 AM.............................................BREAKOUT SESSIONS

CAREER (K1): TIME MANAGEMENT AND PRIORITIZATION: THE BIRTHPLACE OF YOUR SUCCESS

Elena Ball, Sales Engineer, Mechanical Sales Inc.

Many of us struggle with figuring out how to use our time so that we are able to do all of the things we care about. In this presentation, we will go over prioritizing and the mind set necessary to tackle the things that matter to us the most. After all, success is not only a choice but a state of mind!

COMMUNITY (K2): ALASKA’S JOURNEY TO ECONOMIC DIVERSITY THROUGH ARTS

Michael Howard, Executive Director, Alaska Creative Economies

Anchorage, at just over 100 years old as a city, is having a coming of age moment. We are actively debating how we can best diversify, expand, and grow Anchorage’s economy while promoting Anchorage as a world class city that attracts newcomers who will decide to stay and raise families here. We’d like to take a look at potentially underrecognized economic drivers including music and the arts, and discuss ways that these sectors have an impact on Anchorage’s city brand, and as a driver of tourism and quality of place. Themes we’ll touch on include Anchorage’s history, economy, identity, and new opportunities to diversify and thrive.

COMMUNICATION (K6): THINKING OUT OF THE BOX

John Sharify, Atwood Chair, Journalism at University of Alaska, Anchorage

When reporting on a story, I push myself to think out of the box. Why? Because, the unexpected, the unconventional way of telling a story is more likely to get the viewers attention and keep their attention and make them feel something.

11:00 AM-11:30 AM.............................................VISIT WITH VENDORS

11:30 AM-12:15 PM

CAREER (K1): OVERCOMING FEARS FOR CREATORS

Diana Rogers, Owner, DR Photography

SESSIONS

Thriving in a creative field presents unique challenges, especially when it’s your own business. The sting of rejection feels personal, and pricing becomes intertwined with self-esteem. How can you conquer fears like raising your prices, venturing into uncharted territories, or stepping out of your comfort zone? Join us for an insightful discussion where we unravel the eight most common fears that creators face and explore effective strategies to overcome them. It’s time to empower yourself and navigate the path to success with confidence.

COMMUNITY (K2): THE ANCHORAGE ECONOMY: GOOD, BAD, OR WEIRD?

Nolan Klouda, Executive Director, University of Alaska Center for Economic Development

The Anchorage economy is wrestling with inflation, workforce shortages, and a tight housing market. It also happens to have the best job market we’ve seen in at least a generation. Let’s talk about that means for our city’s future, and how it might impact your career.

COMMS (K6): MEDIA TRAINING AND PUBLIC SPEAKING 101

Brittany Thurmbacher, Account Executive, and Emily McLaughlin, Vice President, Thompson & Co.

As a young professional, stepping into a public-facing role can be both exciting and daunting. Whether it’s a media interview or a speaking opportunity, there are essential skills to prepare before stepping in front of the camera or on the stage as your company’s spokesperson.

Thompson & Co. Public Relations, Alaska’s leading public relations, advocacy and digital communications firm, will unveil the fundamentals for young professionals to represent themselves and their companies well. From mastering communication techniques to crafting compelling stories, T&C will share the skills necessary for commanding the stage, navigating media interviews and making lasting, positive impressions.

12:30 PM-1:30 PM ...................LUNCH + PRESENTATION #2 (TUB 3-5)

COMMS STOP WORKING SO HARD: THERE’S AN EASIER WAY

Meredith Noble, Co-Founder and CEO, Learn Grant Writing

You’ve probably heard the grumblings of seasoned pros lamenting that young people ‘just don’t know how to work these days.’ But with burnout rates skyrocketing, it’s clear we’re doing more than our fair share. In this eye-opening presentation, discover how we Young Professionals are redefining work – and we’re not just working smarter. Uncover the secret techniques Meredith has harnessed to fast-track her success and surpass even her wildest dreams. Plus, get ready to bend reality yourself with three hands-on activities you can dive into right on the spot.

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.

1:45 PM-2:30 PM........................................................BREAKOUT

CAREER (K1): CHILL OUT: OVERCOMING WORKPLACE STRESS

Woodrie Burich, Founder & CEO, The Integration Group; Christopher Dietrich, PA-C, DSc, Medical Director, Orion Behavioral Health Network; Kari Bernard, PhD, PA-C, BCC, Owner, Bernard Work Wellness, Director –The College of Idaho Doctor of Medical Science program; Dr. Jeanne Brady, PsyD, LPC

Today, we are diving into the crucial topic of managing stress in the workplace through mindfulness techniques. Our esteemed panelists will share their insights, strategies, and experiences to help us navigate and thrive in challenging professional environments. Let us discover effective ways to achieve success while maintaining mental well-being.

COMMUNITY (K2): IMPACTFUL CLIMATE ACTION: FROM RISK MANAGEMENT TO COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

Jennie Morawetz, Partner, Kirkland and Ellis LLP

High-level overview of how businesses are thinking about climate change, both in terms of voluntary action as well as new regulation, with a few takeaways on potential professional implications/opportunities.

COMMUNICATION (K6): NAVIGATING THE NEW FRONTIER: SOCIAL MEDIA TRENDS & NEW BEHAVIORAL MARKETING INSIGHTS AMIDST THE AI REVOLUTION

Corey Hester, Harvard Law School

This presentation delves into the evolving landscape of marketing through social media platforms, highlighting the increasing role AI plays in shaping strategies for individuals, organizations, and community engagement. Attendees will learn how behavioral insights, storytelling, AI, and algorithms can elevate organic social media marketing efforts, making them more effective.

Attendees will get a first look at the latest findings on new social media trends and data, both generally and specifically within the Alaskan market. Participants will walk away armed with the latest digital tools and strategies, empowering professionals to implement real-time solutions that drive engagement and growth.

2:30 PM-3:00 PM........................................................VISIT WITH VENDORS

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

CAREER (K1): THINK LIKE A FLY FISHER: A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE ON SAFETY, RISK, & LEADERSHIP

Daniel Hoffman, Principal, Hoffman Consulting

While the concepts of safety, risk management, and leadership must continuously be addressed within today’s evolving workforce, extensive repetition of topic-areas and standardized approaches used to address major themes often leads to boredom and disinterest amongst workplace audiences.

In challenging his audience to “think like a fly-fisher,” presenter Daniel Hoffman leverages his career experience in public safety and private industry risk management to examine three critical topic areas: 1) Workplace Risk Assessment; 2) Effective Team-Building; and 3) Management of Changing Conditions.

Each of these topics will be addressed within the framework of Daniel’s unique “angler’s orientation,” where powerful analogies and metaphors from the world of fly-fishing are used to effectively illustrate and underscore critical concepts. Audience members will be kept engaged and entertained through the use of appropriate storytelling, combined with stunning video and still-photo imagery, all taken from the presenter’s personal lifetime of experience as an Alaskan fly fisherman.

COMMUNITY (K2): VOICES OF COMMUNITY: PODCASTERS PANEL ON

EMPOWERING PERSPECTIVES

Blaze Bell & Justin Williams, What’s Up, Alaska!?; Jeff Landfield, Alaska Landmine Radio; Kyle Reading & Steven Cornfield, Go Fix Yourself

Step into the dynamic world of podcasting with our panel of accomplished podcasters at the 2024 Alaska Young Professionals Summit. In this engaging session, discover how harnessing the power of the podcast medium can not only elevate your business but also enrich your community. Our expert panelists will share their insights, experiences, and strategies on how podcasting serves as a catalyst for empowering diverse perspectives, fostering meaningful connections, and driving positive change. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, a budding professional, or a community advocate, join us to explore the transformative potential of podcasts in amplifying voices, building bridges, and shaping a brighter future for all.

COMMUNICATION (K6): THE IMPORTANCE OF GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP AND DIPLOMACY FOR YOUNG LEADERS AND PROFESSIONALS

Dara Yin, Diplomat in Residence Northwest, U.S. Department of State Young leaders and professionals in Alaska should seek ways to ensure their voice is heard in global affairs and to develop important international relationships. Diplomacy occurs at multiple levels of government and across various sectors of society. Locally-rooted diplomacy contributes to a prosperous and vibrant community. Cities with international cultural, professional, academic, and philanthropic networks tend to attract like-minded contributing residents. The exchange of ideas with international counterparts sparks innovation, provides incentives for travel back and forth, and creates an impact both abroad and at home. Diplomat in Residence for the Northwest Dara Yin would share his experiences working with local leaders and young professionals from around the United States and across issues and sectors from his tours in Poland, Vietnam, Colombia, India, and North Macedonia.

4:00 PM-5:00 PM..................................KEYNOTE RECEPTION (TUB 3-5)

FROM THE KITCHEN TO THE BOARDROOM: LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP AND RESILIENCE FROM MASTERCHEF TOP 10 FINALIST

Lizzie Hartman, Season 13 MasterChef Finalist

Join Lizzie Hartman, also known as Alaska Lizzie and a finalist from Season 13 of MasterChef, as she shares her journey from the culinary world to becoming a successful entrepreneur in Alaska. In this engaging presentation, Lizzie will impart valuable insights and strategies for success, drawing from her experiences on the hit TV show and as an Alaskan businesswoman and community champion. Learn how to find your gift, step out of your comfort zone, harness your passion, embrace challenges, and cultivate resilience in pursuit of your ultimate goals. Whether you’re an aspiring chef, entrepreneur, or corporate professional, Lizzie’s story will inspire and empower you to reach new heights in your career.

5:00 PM-5:30 PM........AWARD CEREMONY + GRAND PRIZE (TUB 3-5)

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 - HOTEL CAPTAIN COOK

10:00 AM-11:00 AM......... BRUNCH + PRESENTATION 3 (FORE DECK)

CAREER POWER COUPLES: PASSING THE TORCH

Jenna Wright & Bill Popp, Anchorage Economic Development Corporation; Carol Gore & Gabe Layman, Cook Inlet Housing Authority; Melanie Hooper & Barb Dubovich, Camp Fire Alaska;

WCassidi Cameron & Tim Dillon, Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District

As sixty-eight million baby boomers have begun to leave the workforce, they’re creating a massive amount of opportunity for younger executives to grab the leadership torch and run with it. Younger leaders will bring new thought leadership and innovation to businesses, nonprofits and local governments, but may also experience organizational challenges that come from lack of institutional knowledge. In this panel, you will hear from four “power couples” who worked closely together during a CEO transition. They’ll share their journey and provide advice on how to best position yourself to take advantage of the changing demographic tide.

11:45 AM-12:45 PM.....................................................................................

SPEED NETWORKING (FORE DECK)

Break the ice with us during breakup season! Rotate through a series of brief, yet impactful, introductions. Bring your best elevator pitch, a stack of business cards, and your most memorable takeaways from Friday’s sessions. Whether you’re looking to forge new partnerships, seek career advice, or simply connect with likeminded individuals, this event is your ticket to expanding your professional network at the speed of light (or at least at the speed of the Aurora Borealis).

1:00 PM-2:00 PM..................................................................................................................

TRIVIA (FORE DECK)

Whether you’re a history buff, a wildlife enthusiast, or just looking for a fun way to unwind after a day of professional development, our Trivia game has something for everyone. Form a team with people you just met, bring your A-game, and get ready to compete for bragging rights and prizes from (TBD). Don’t miss this chance to showcase your smarts and connect with your peers in a relaxed and entertaining setting. See you there!

Trivia Categories:

• Friday Takeaways: Recap the insights from the Summit’s Friday sessions.

• Famous Alaskan Towns: Guess the town from its claim to fame.

• General Alaska History: Test your knowledge of Alaska’s past.

• Hobbies/Alaska Facts: Discover fun facts about Alaska and popular local hobbies.

• Alaska Wildlife: Identify Alaskan animals in our photo round.

HEATHER KELLY, FOUNDER/CEO, HEATHER’S CHOICE

Heather was born and raised in Alaska, where she still calls home today.

A two-time NCAA National Champion in women’s rowing and voted CRCA/ Pocock All-American her senior year, she still considers herself an athlete and loves everything from CrossFit to weight training to long walks in the woods.While studying at Western Washington University she earned a degree in Evolutionary Nutrition and went on to study at the Institute for the Psychology of Eating to become a certified eating psychology coach. Heather believes we all have a relationship with food, and that it’s important to cultivate a healthy, satisfying relationship with our diet for long-term health.

She is the founder and CEO of Heather’s Choice® which produces healthy, lightweight, packable meals and snacks for adventurers worldwide. Every product is handmade in their dedicated gluten-free kitchen in Anchorage, Alaska. The Heather’s Choice mission is to put good food in everyone’s pack, no matter where their adventures may take them.

Fun facts? Heather has a Czech German Shepherd named Jango who can do lots of cool tricks, her favorite wine is Argentinian Malbec, she’s rafted the Grand Canyon six times since 2011, and won’t say no to a river trip.”

ZACHARY MASON, CEO, NORTH STAR TUTORS AND FRONTIER TUTORING

In August 2020, Zachary was a student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks studying computer science, applied mathematics, and theater when he realized there was a desperate need for educational support in his hometown of Fairbanks. Students were struggling with returning to school during COVID-19, and in an effort to help, he started North Star Tutors as an online tutoring provider.

Since then, North Star Tutors has grown into Alaska’s largest educational support provider offering tutoring, SAT/ACT prep, and music lessons, and when North Star Tutors purchased Anchorage’s Frontier Tutoring in June of 2023, Zachary used the opportunity to relocate to Anchorage as well.

Zachary has also long been involved in the non-profit sector, having spent five years on the North Star Youth Court board and three years on the board of Fairbanks Light Opera Theatre. For fun, Zachary loves singing karaoke, performing in musicals, traveling, and spending time with his fiancée.

LANCE MCMULLAN, CEO, SITKANA

Lance McMullan is the founder and CEO of Sitkana, a company developing technology to create low-cost electricity using ocean currents.

Lance grew up in Austin, Texas, where he spent most of his free time fishing in nearby rivers and creeks. He was fascinated by the underwater ecosystem, so when he was nineteen, he moved to Anchorage to study marine biology at Alaska Pacific University. The next summer, he worked as a salmon fishing deckhand in the fjords of Southeast Alaska, based out of Sitka. This is where he first felt the immense power of Alaskan tidal currents, and he knew the ocean’s energy could help transition the world away from fossil fuels.

This experience inspired a decade-long journey through mechanical engineering (B.S. University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2015), and the shipyard and energy industries. He has worked as a mechanic on both wind turbines and naval vessels, and he was a scheduling engineer for the nation’s largest wind energy fleet.

Now an inventor, engineer and renewable energy professional, Lance has returned to Alaska ready to make ocean energy a reality. Lance lives in Juneau with his wife Julia and their two cats. Depending on the season, they enjoy kayaking, slacklining, climbing, hiking, and skiing.

JAYMIE HERBERT, HUMAN RESOURCES EMPLOYEE AND LABOR RELATIONS PROGRAM MANAGER, MEA

Jaymie Herbert is the Employee & Labor Relations Program Manager at Matanuska Electric Association (MEA). In her role, she is dedicated to fostering transparency and empathy in all interactions with employees and managers. Alongside her responsibilities at MEA, Jaymie serves in the Alaska Air National Guard, with nearly 16 years of service.

Jaymie’s journey from a foster child in California to her current positions required a high level of resilience and determination. Two percent of foster youth in the nation complete higher education, she enlisted in the US Air Force to access educational opportunities. Despite the odds, Jaymie achieved and surpassed her academic goals, obtaining two associate’s degrees, a bachelor’s degree, and a master’s degree. Her passion for making a difference in people’s lives, Jaymie found her calling in the field of Human Resources, serving both in military and civilian roles. In this capacity, she has found fulfillment in positively impacting individuals and their families. Her technical expertise and proactive mindset allow her to achieve positive results, even in situations that pose challenges for others. Through her innovative approaches, backed by thorough research, she regularly achieves successful outcomes.

Outside of her career, Jaymie prioritizes spending time with her family. Drawing from her own challenging upbringing, she is dedicated to supporting her children in accomplishing any goal that they want to achieve. Alongside her husband Corey, they serve as their children’s greatest cheerleaders. She believes that through determination, grit, and positive encouragement individuals can accomplish great achievements!

MELANIE LUCAS-CONWELL, 49TH STATE ANGEL FUND DIRECTOR, MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE

Melanie Lucas-Conwell is the Director for the 49th State Angel Fund (49SAF), a government venture capital fund investing in early-stage Alaska-based startups. In this role, she leads investment due diligence, fund operations and ecosystem-building programs. She also leads the Anchorage C-PACER clean energy and resilience financing program.

Prior to 49SAF, Melanie worked at companies across venture capital, renewable energy, real estate investment, and circular economy, including at Google for seven years. She serves on the boards of Health TIE and Alaska World Affairs Council, on the Mayor’s Anchorage Economic Revitalization and Diversification Advisory Committee, and as Honorary Commander for the 176th Wing MOF Squadron. Born and raised in France, she holds an M.B.A. in Sustainable Finance from the Presidio Graduate School and a B.A. in International Relations from the University of San Diego, where she rowed for their Division 1 Crew team.

STEPHANY PIPPIN, PUBLIC AFFAIRS, 11TH AIR FORCE, JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON (JBER)

Ms. Stephany A. Pippin is the Public Affairs Specialist, 11th Air Force, JBER, Alaska. She is responsible for providing trusted communication advice and counsel to the senior leaders of the 11th Air Force and maintaining public trust and support within the surrounding communities. She promotes Airmen morale and readiness, and global influence and deterrence through the release of timely and accurate information to Airmen, their families, other governmental organizations, and the public.

Prior to her current position, Ms. Pippin was the Public Affairs Specialist for the 673d Air Base Wing, JBER, Alaska. She built relationships between the surrounding community and installation leaders increasing public awareness and understanding of the mission.

Before entering public service, Ms. Pippin was the Marketing Specialist for Kratos Unmanned Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer specializing in high-performance aerial target system and advanced unmanned tactical aerial platforms.

During both public and private sector positions, Ms. Pippin has been a military spouse since November 2010, travelling the world with her family from Ramstein Air Base, Germany to JBER.

IBEW

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H

H Stronger

H Training & apprenticeships

ibew1547.org

2023/24 EXECUTIVE BOARD

Chair: Logan Burt

Dimond Center

Vice Chair:

Jenna Wright

Anchorage Economic Development Corp.

Communications

Chair: Vlad Finko

Alaska Wealth Advisors

Events Chair: Abigail McLagan

Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals

Community

Service Chair: Melanie Pinales

ConocoPhillips Alaska

Secretary: Sarah Lanners

Green Connection

Membership Chair: Jamie Lytton Neuroversion

Director: Erica Schneider

Anchorage Chamber

Summit Liaison: Tosha Swan

Anchorage Chamber

Thank you, 2024 YPG sponsor:

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-forprofit 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

THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 SUMMIT SPONSORS

KEYNOTE SPONSOR:

SILVER SPONSORS:

GOLD SPONSORS:

LUNCH SPONSOR:

RECEPTION BRUNCH SPONSOR:

NETWORKING RECEPTION SPONSORS:

COFFEE BREAK SPONSOR: SUPPORTING PROGRAM SPONSORS: AWARD SPONSOR:

PLUS! EXHIBITORS:

• ADN/Peak to Peak

• Alaska Railroad

• American Cancer Society

• Best Beginnings

• Big Brothers Big Sisters

• Cook Inlet Lending Center

• Credit Union 1

• Diplomat in ResidenceNorthwest (AK,OR, WA) US Dept. of State

• IBEW Local 1547

• LaborMax Staffing

• Photo Emporium

• PMI Alaska

• Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska

• thread

• Weidner Apartment Homes