VIRTUAL MENTORING PROGRAM
CIRI’s virtual mentoring program provides mentorship in several areas—careers, culture and more—and cultivates a reciprocal relationship between mentor and mentee, where each participant develops his/her skills through a two-way transfer of experience and perspective.
The program runs roughly January through June. CIRI offers orientation, custom monthly workshops, mid-program check-ins, and support as needed.
Mentor Recruitment
Mentor recruitment for the 2026 cohort will run through Sept. 21, 2025. Mentors need not be CIRI Shareholders or Descendants; the opportunity is open to anyone (age 18+) who wants to help guide and nurture the next generation of Alaska Native leaders!
What are the benefits of being a CIRI mentor?
- Engage with and help develop the next generation of CIRI Shareholders and Descendants
- Hone your interpersonal and coaching skills
- Network with other professionals
- Take a deeper dive into your own profession
- Demonstrate leadership skills
- Explore new and innovative ways of thinking
- Gain personal and professional satisfaction
Mentee Recruitment
Shareholders and confirmed Descendants aged 18+ are invited to apply as mentees for the next program cohort (January–June 2026). Based on professional/personal goals and interests, mentees may choose who they would like to be paired with from the list of CIRI-selected mentors. The mentee application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Alaska Time on Nov. 2, 2025.
Benefits for mentees:
- Gain valuable insight from subject matter experts in area(s) of desired mentorship
- Form lasting relationships
- Play to strengths and identify areas of growth and improvement
- Be exposed to a variety of viewpoints and perspectives
- Access professional-development resources and information
- Achieve goals and gain confidence
- Receive customized coaching and encouragement
- Remove barriers and celebrate successes!
Mentee Recruitment
2026 mentee recruitment will run Oct.. 3–Nov. 2, 2025, after mentors have been selected. Prospective mentees will be able to request which mentor(s) they would like to be paired with based on relevant experience and shared goals and interests. Visit this page and follow CIRI on social media for the most current information.
2025-2026 COHORT MENTORS
Bristol Sanatu Lakshas
CIRI Shareholder
Iñupiaq
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.
Brittany Brown
CIRI Descendant
Iñupiaq
Brittany serves as director of process improvement at Bering Straits Native Corporation in Anchorage, Alaska. She has spent more than a decade working in leadership roles with Alaska Native corporations, community organizations and the private sector, with a focus on process improvement, corporate engagement and aligning business operations with strategic goals. Brittany is passionate about helping others grow in their careers and lives by encouraging them to pursue their passions with confidence. Outside of work, Brittany enjoys volunteering, fishing on the Kenai River during the summers and spending quality time with her family. She values the opportunity to mentor as a way to share knowledge, offer support, and help others create meaningful pathways toward their goals.
Bryan Hart
CIRI Descendant
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.
Byron Richards
Byron is an experienced senior commercial banker who spent 50 years with U.S. Bank in Seattle. He served clients in the Puget Sound area and Alaska, with revenues ranging from $25 million to over $1 billion, with various financing, treasury management, payment and investment needs. Byron retired in 2022 after holding several leadership and management positions. Mentoring has been a way for Byron to give back to the community and support others in their personal and professional growth, which is very important to him. Currently, he mentors undergraduate students at the University of Washington Foster School of Business and student athletes at the UW Athletic Dept. In addition, he is chairman of the finance committee at his church, enjoys reading inspirational leadership books and tries to play golf. As one of CIRI’s former bankers, he looks forward to engaging with CIRI’s young leaders and having fun getting to know them. Byron enjoys spending his free time playing golf, watching UW sports, reading leadership books, enjoying his beach cabin and spending time with his grandkids.
Cy Two Elk
CIRI Shareholder
Koyukon Athabascan/Oglala Lakota Sioux
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.
Diana Campbell
CIRI Shareholder
Gwich’in Athabascan/Alutiiq
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.
Frank McIntire
Frank McIntire is a volunteer coach and mentor. From his home base in Denver, Colorado, he serves as a business development and capture manager for established and growing companies nationwide. With a background in the U.S. Air Force (fighter pilot), business development/capture management, and volunteer coaching and mentoring, Frank brings leadership skills, company growth and development, and a commitment to “giving back” to CIRI’s virtual mentoring program. He is passionate about leadership development and enjoys supporting others in their personal and professional journeys, including coaching professionals in building strong companies. Outside of work, Frank is involved in sports, fitness, and volunteering to help high school seniors attend the U.S. service academies (Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy, Merchant Marine Academy and Air Force Academy ). He looks forward to connecting with mentees who are eager to learn, grow, and build their leadership skills and strong relationships within the CIRI community.
Janea Cordova
CIRI Descendant
Athabascan
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.
Jessica Greiner
CIRI Shareholder
Athabascan
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.
Kristina Randolph
Tlingit
Kristina is a Sitka native and a member of the Sitka Tribe of Alaska. Now based in Washington state, she works remotely as a Tribal engagement/talent partner for Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation. Kristina’s professional experience includes human resources, health care operations and leadership. She is experienced managing people and programs as well as implementing systems. Outside of work, Kristina enjoys watching baseball and is a diehard L.A. Dodgers fan. She also enjoys watching her own sons play baseball, as well as cooking and baking for her family. Kristina looks forward to connecting with a mentee who wishes to grow professionally in the areas of human resources, people management and/or leadership.
Molly Anderson
CIRI Shareholder
Siberian Yupik
Molly works as a registered nurse (RN) for Grace Medical Center, a standalone emergency department in southwest Baltimore, Maryland. Her background also includes working in both intensive care and step-down units. She has participated in various hospital committees and is trained in basic life support, advanced cardiovascular life support, National Institutes of Health protocols, forensic nursing, hospital first receivers operations, triage, charge and preceptorship. She holds a progressive care certified nurse (PCCN) designation. Additionally, Molly volunteers with Maryland Responds, an initiative for medical professionals to assist the community when required. She values education and helping others learn and achieve. She spends most of her free time hiking with her Labrador puppy, Mr. Crowley, and gardening and studying. Molly is looking forward to meeting her mentee, learning and growing together!
Patrick Johnson
CIRI Shareholder
Dena’ina Athabascan
Patrick serves as a cloud administrator for North Wind Group, a CIRI subsidiary. With a background in computer information systems and professional experience across cybersecurity, cloud technologies and IT management, Patrick brings strong technical expertise and a passion for leadership development to the mentoring program. He has been active in various CIRI programs, including the CIRI Participation Committee, and seeks out opportunities to share knowledge with and support his fellow Shareholders and Descendants. Outside of work, Patrick enjoys fishing, outdoor activities, and exploring ways to connect technology with community growth. He looks forward to working with mentees who are eager to learn, build confidence, and pursue their professional and personal goals within the CIRI community.
Peter Shoars
Peter is a lead Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) certified assessor at OSC Edge, a CIRI subsidiary, where he works to support organizations in achieving compliance with U.S. Department of Defense cybersecurity requirements. With extensive experience leading teams through risk management, risk assessments and enterprise-scale security projects, Peter is strongly focused on mentorship and collaboration. Earlier in his career, he managed a retail furniture store and worked as an estimator for a home building company—experiences that shaped his leadership and problem-solving approach. He is a proud father of two children, one married and one in college, and a grandfather to two grandchildren. Peter values giving back to others and is passionate about sharing knowledge that empowers people to grow their skills and confidence. He enjoys mentoring because it provides the opportunity to guide future leaders, share lessons learned, and encourage others to achieve their goals. During his free time, Peter enjoys football, tinkering on engines, and talking about going golfing.
Shane Hunter
CIRI Shareholder
Athabascan
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.
Tayler Jensen
CIRI Descendant
Athabascan
Taylor works as a computer numerical control (CNC) programmer/team lead (manager) for Doppelmayr USA Inc., a ropeway manufacturer based in Salt Lake City, Utah. His professional background includes machining, engineering and manufacturing. He is looking forward to helping his mentee achieve whatever goal he/she sets and being there for his mentee in any situation, without judgement or prejudice. During his free time, Taylor enjoys fishing, skiing, hiking, and learning about history and psychology. He is an artist in various mediums and enjoys graphic design, creative projects and learning.
Travis Helms
CIRI Shareholder
Seldovia Village Tribe
Travis grew up in Kodiak, Alaska, and now lives in Virginia with his two children. For more than 20 years, he has worked at the Smithsonian Institution. He currently serves as project director for Our Shared Future: Reckoning with Our Racial Past, a national initiative fostering dialogue, partnership, and equity. His career has included leadership roles on the award-winning “Americans” exhibition and the reopening of the historic Arts + Industries Building. Beyond the Smithsonian, Travis contributes to national museum organizations through editorial, planning, and advisory roles. He is passionate about elevating Indigenous voices and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Outside of work, he enjoys running, biking, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.
