CIRI descendent Jorie Zilys is the new tribal grants and scholarships coordinator for Cook Inlet Tribal Council's Educational Services Department, now located in the same office as The CIRI Foundation. CITC offers higher education scholarships to eligible CIRI shareholders and their descendents, as well as vocational training or certification grants for eligible Alaska Natives living in the Cook Inlet region. In addition, she administers the Alyeska Match Scholarship for selected students who are planning a career on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS).

She guides students through the application process and keeps steady track of their progress. At the same time, she encourages them in their educational endeavors, and helps them to seek the resources necessary to succeed in school.

Zilys, whose family is from Unalakleet, is of Inupiaq heritage. Born and raised in Anchorage, she's an East High School graduate. In addition, she has attended the University of Alaska Anchorage and Charter College. She's thankful for the support she's received from CITC's Educational Services Department and The CIRI Foundation for past scholarships she's received and for helping her make the transition to her new job.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading novels and appreciates artwork, particularly paintings. She says her favorite author is her own mother who has inspired her to realize the importance of fulfilling her educational and career goals, which is why she's proud to be part of an organization that helps Alaska Native people further their educational aims and advance their careers.

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