PLEASE JOIN US IN WELCOMING OUR 2026 YAH EXECUTIVE COHORT!
CIRI Shareholders Darla Graham (Yup’ik) and Jennine Jordan (Iñupiaq) began their respective tenures in October.
DARLA GRAHAM
Yup’ik
A CIRI employee since 2014, Darla has served Shareholders and Descendants in a variety of roles, most recently as the director of CIRI stakeholder engagement. Throughout her time with CIRI, Darla has implemented and managed Shareholder and Descendant programs and opportunities; led relationship-strengthening efforts with Cook Inlet villages and Tribes; and advocated for Tribal interests at the regional, state and national levels. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Western Governor’s University, an MBA from Alaska Pacific University (APU) and a graduate certificate from APU’s Alaska Native Executive Leadership Program. In addition to being a CIRI Shareholder, Darla is an enrolled member of the Ninilchik Village Tribe.
“I submitted my application for the Yah Program because, although I have a strong grasp of the ANCSA mission aspect of CIRI, I am eager to enhance my knowledge of the business side. The current growth phase of our Company is exciting to me, and I am eager to learn more about our strategic acquisitions that yield the highest cash returns for our Shareholders. I aspire to develop into a more well-rounded leader with a comprehensive understanding of how we can strategically advance toward fulfilling our Company’s mission.”
–Darla Graham
JENNINE JORDAN
Iñupiaq
Jennine most recently served as the business research and support specialist for Diné Development Corp., which aims to generate sustainable prosperity for the Navajo Nation by providing services for the federal government. Jennine holds bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and Latin American studies with a minor in American Indian studies from the University of Arizona, master’s degrees in public policy and dispute resolution from Pepperdine University, and a graduate certificate from APU’s Alaska Native Executive Leadership Program. In addition to being a CIRI Shareholder, she is a shareholder of Bering Straits Native Corporation and Unalakleet Native Corporation and an enrolled member of the Native Village of Unalakleet.
“I decided to apply for the Yah Program as it offers a remarkable chance to advance my professional leadership goals while being deeply committed to the Alaska Native community and the mission of CIRI. My objective is to utilize my current experience to cultivate the executive-level skills required for a position within the CIRI Enterprise. I have a passion for learning and feel truly privileged to receive mentorship from the leaders at CIRI.
-Jennine Jordan
