Mentorship Program

Cy works as a construction manager V for the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) Division of Environmental Health and Engineering (DEHE). In this role, he provides leadership and support to a team tasked with managing construction of $30 million to $40 million dollars in annual throughput. Cy spent much of his career working outside in the construction field, primarily in Alaska. Transitioning from construction field work to construction office work was made possible by higher education with generous support from The CIRI Foundation. Cy holds a Master of Business Administration from Alaska Pacific University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in global logistics and supply chain management with a minor in accounting and an associate degree in small business management from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

While working at ANTHC, Cy has led or been instrumental in multiple programs that provide engagement and professional development opportunities for stakeholders. These programs, which have been the creative output of leadership-development programs within ANTHC, include a 3-D print contest, DEHE leading the engineering track at ANSEP’s statewide Acceleration Academies, and a water treatment virtual reality application.

As the chief financial officer of Talley Riggins Construction Group, Jessica manages finance and accounting tasks and collaborates with the organization to guarantee the financial implementation of the company’s operational and strategic objectives. With 20 years of experience in corporate finance, strategy, public equity, capital markets and consulting, she offers a unique viewpoint on business and financial operations, along with a strong belief in creating value for both internal and external stakeholders.

Prior to Talley Riggins, Jessica worked in various finance functions for both public and private companies, earning several awards from “Institutional Investor” magazine. Along with their four grade-school children (including triplet boys), Jessica and her husband live in Rockwall, Texas. Actively involved in her community, she serves on the boards of directors for The CIRI Foundation and The Hope Bag Mission and helps coach Little League cheer and baseball.

Bristol is visual effects artist working on “Never Alone 2” at E-Line Media. She is currently based out of Sequim, Washington. Bristol grew up all over Southcentral Alaska, including Anchorage, Valdez, and Kenai, before moving to Washington to pursue a degree at Digipen Institute of Technology where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in digital fine arts and animation in 2020. Since then, she has worked on projects such as “ARK: Survival Evolved – Genesis 2” and “Techtonica,” along with her current project. Bristol is a lifelong learner and continues her education through Iḷisaġvik College’s Inupiaq arts program.

In her free time, Bristol is an avid multi-disciplinary artist who enjoys beadwork, weaving, sewing and gardening. She just wrapped up her first exhibit piece, “Akutuq Net Necklace,” which was shown at the Healing Our Roots exhibit hosted by the Fishbowl Gallery in Seattle. Through all her work, both professional and personal, Bristol’s passion lies in uplifting Indigenous voices and art, and she is excited to share that passion and experience with the CIRI community.

Bryan owns his own business as a coach and coach trainer. He holds a Master Certified Coach credential and owns a coach training company accredited by the International Coaching Federation. He trains approximately 200 coaches a year and the company continues to grow annually. Living in Northwest Indiana, Bryan runs his business remotely supporting clients and coaches across the globe. Bryan’s vision is to establish coaching for every high schooler in the world, giving young people a strong foundation in awareness, decision making and empathetic communication. Bryan’s career as a coach began with supporting the development of those starting out on their college and career journey. He is looking forward to returning to this focus in a way that connects him back to his heritage as CIRI Descendant. Outside of work, Bryan spends time with his family on his 55-acre homestead where they play board games, take care of animals and enjoy being in the woods together.

Shane owns his own business as a fractional chief financial officer. He is a licensed certified public accountant (CPA) in the state of Oregon and has worked in accounting and finance for over a decade. As a mentor, Shane believes in helping mentees achieve their personal and professional desires through empowerment and goal setting. He brings entrepreneurship, strategic planning, leadership, reflection, and networking skills to the mentorship program.

Shane is also a board member and committee member for Cook Inlet Tribal Council, a CIRI designated Tribal organization, and many other not-for-profit and governmental organizations. He is excited to mentor individuals who are curious, open to new challenges, and want to take their skills and careers to the next level. Outside of work, Shane enjoys investing, trading, participating in triathlons, juggling and unicycling.

Diana is a member of the Native Village of Venetie and currently serves as communications director for Fairbanks Native Association. Diana is an experienced news reporter, science writer, photographer, editor, web designer, videographer, teacher and creator. She brings project management, team building, small-group communications, speechwriting and more to CIRI’s virtual mentoring program.

A lifelong student of Alaska Native and Indigenous cultures, Diana embraces her heritage wholeheartedly and is committed to sharing her knowledge with others. She is deeply grateful to CIRI for creating space where Shareholders and Descendants can grow, connect and inspire one another. Diana has several hobbies outside of work, including cooking, gardening, reading, sewing and beading.

Janea is a full-time student at Pikes Peak State College in Greeley, Colorado. Her journey, which includes a background in health care and general management, has equipped her with valuable leadership skills and a forward-thinking perspective. Passionate about higher education and learning, Janea finds fulfillment in supporting the personal and professional growth of others. She actively contributes to her community through homeless outreach and by assisting students with addiction via a collegiate recovery program.

In her personal time, Janea enjoys camping, boating and traveling with her family. She is enthusiastic about connecting with mentees who are motivated to learn, grow and build strong relationships within the CIRI community.