Please join us in welcoming CIRI’s first cohort of Yah executives! Jacinda Mainord (Inupiat) and Lexi Qass’uq Trainer (Cup’ik/Yup’ik) began their respective tenures in December 2024.
Jacinda has served Alaska Native/American Indian organizations in a variety of roles, including most recently as director for an Alaska Native-owned 8(a) Small Disadvantaged Business. In addition to being a CIRI Shareholder, she is an enrolled member of the Curyung Tribe of Dillingham and a shareholder of Bristol Bay Native Corporation. She was also a participant in CIRI’s virtual mentoring program (2022-2023 cohort). Jacinda holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from George Fox College and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Portland State University. She is based in San Antonio, Texas.
“When I learned about the new Yah Program, I was proud to be a CIRI Shareholder. I am thankful that CIRI is investing in Shareholders and Descendants to prepare them for executive-level opportunities across the CIRI enterprise. I chose to apply to this program to bring my technical and business management experience to the next level while achieving my goal of empowering Alaska Native communities now and in perpetuity.”
-Jacinda Mainord
Lexi’s employment background includes both city government and Native-serving organizations. She hosts “The Cultural Tourism Podcast,” which fosters connections between travelers and local Indigenous populations through cultural-tourism education. In addition to being a CIRI Descendant, Lexi is a shareholder of Calista Corporation, the Alaska Native regional corporation for Southwest Alaska. She holds a bachelor’s degree in strategic communications from the University of Alaska Anchorage and a master’s degree in emergency management from Arizona State University. Lexi is based at CIRI’s Anchorage office.
“I applied to the Yah Program to deepen my connection with my Alaska Native heritage while growing as a leader within the Alaska Native and CIRI communities. This program offers a unique opportunity to bridge my personal and professional identities, advocate for and uplift our people, and ensure the long-term effects of my work reflect the honor and values of our ancestors.”
-Lexi Trainer
During their first year, Jacinda and Lexi will complete one joint project and one individual/creative project to demonstrate their foundational knowledge of CIRI, develop executive-level competencies and prepare for other placements within the CIRI enterprise. Throughout the program, they will receive mentorship from CIRI’s CEO and executive leadership team.
CIRI will begin recruiting for our next Yah Program cohort this summer. The ideal candidate will be mid-career, with some business and on-the-job supervisory experience, and have a demonstrated interest in Alaska Native people and cultures. A bachelor’s degree is required, and a master’s degree is preferred. Candidates may be based in Anchorage or Washington, D.C., or fully remote (frequent and regular travel required). For a full job description, visit the CIRI website.
