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.
The deadline for the 2023-2024 cohort has passed. Recruitment for the 2024-2025 cohort will begin in summer 2024. Visit this page and follow us on social media for the most current information!
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
What are the benefits of being a CIRI mentee?
- Gain valuable insight from subject matter experts in the area(s) of desired mentorship
- Form lasting relationships
- Play to strengths and identify areas of improvement and growth
- Gain exposure to a variety of viewpoints and perspectives
- Access professional-development resources and information
- Accomplish goals and gain confidence
- Receive customized coaching and encouragement
- Remove barriers and celebrate successes!
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
