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 for six months, generally October through April. CIRI offers program orientation, custom monthly workshops, mid-program check-ins and support as needed.
Mentor Recruitment
Mentor recruitment for the 2024-2025 cohort will run through Aug. 30, 2024. 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
2024-2025 mentee recruitment will begin in fall 2024, after mentors have been selected. Prospective mentees may request which mentor(s) they wish 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.2023-2024 COHORT MENTORS
Chris Chord (Aleut/Unangax and Alutiiq/Sugpiaq)
Superintendent, Orcas Island Health Care District
Areas of mentorship: health care/public health, project management
Fun fact: enjoys trail running and snowboarding
Katharine Corcoran (Yup’ik and Athabascan)
Account manager and design project manager, SpaethHill
Areas of mentorship: international branding and marketing, law
Fun fact: enjoys gardening and volunteers at an apothecary museum
Fred Elvsaas Jr. (Aleut)
General manager, NANA Construction; board vice president, Seldovia Native Association
Areas of mentorship: business management, career development
Fun fact: avid fisherman
Brandy Gallagher (Inupiaq)
Manager II, Southcentral Foundation’s Behavioral Health Clinic
Areas of mentorship: management, marketing, exploring career pathways/growth opportunities
Fun fact: enjoys snowboarding
Ildi Geuss
Senior director of strategic projects and initiatives, Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI)
Areas of mentorship: project management and planning, public relations, marketing, public speaking
Fun fact: active member and leader of Toastmasters International
Caleigha Gotthardt (Inupiaq and Dena’ina Athabascan)
Business services coordinator, Indigenous Peoples Set Up Shop/Anchorage Community Land Trust
Areas of mentorship: small-business ownership, art
Fun fact: accomplished ivory carver
Shane Hunter (Athabascan)
Chief financial officer, S&B James Construction; board member, Cook Inlet Tribal Council
Areas of mentorship: finance, administrative operations
Fun fact: can juggle and ride a unicycle at the same time
Daniel Jensen
Director of Energy, Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI)
Areas of mentorship: college and career exploration, professional development, energy development
Fun fact: former competitive skier
Allison Knox (Athabascan)
Owner, AK Communications & Consulting; board member, 90.3 FM KNBA
Areas of mentorship: health services, administration, public relations, radio and media
Fun fact: Alaska Dance Theatre board vice president
Tonie Protzman (Oneida)
Licensed professional counselor, CEO of Protzman Consulting
Areas of mentorship: counseling, psychology, Indigenous consultation practices, lobbying
Fun fact: enjoys yoga and meditation
Michelle Sparck (Cup’ik)
Director, Get Out the Native Vote
Areas of mentorship: politics, law, consultation with Native entities
Fun fact: owns skin care company ArXotica with her sisters
Rebecca Viste (Pima)
Oil contract specialist, Santos Ltd.
Areas of mentorship: oil and gas industry, contract management, purchasing, management
Fun fact: enjoys volunteering in her community
