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AWARD FINALISTS
Leadership Awards
Nancy Durham
Nancy Durham is an Emergency Operations Manager and urban planner whose leadership reflects the core values of the ATHENA Leadership Award. Since beginning her career in emergency management during Hurricane Katrina, she has led complex, multi-agency planning efforts and advanced community resilience initiatives across Alaska. Known for her collaborative, service-driven approach, Nancy brings together public agencies, first responders, and community partners to strengthen preparedness and empower teams to work toward shared goals.
Naomi Mitchell
Naomi Mitchell is a dedicated Fairbanks community leader with a lifelong commitment to education, literacy, and mentorship. As president of Delta Kappa Gamma since 2019 and a library board member, she has championed scholarships, literacy initiatives, and facility improvements that serve families across the Interior. Her volunteer work spans youth literacy programs, senior services, and workforce development boards—reflecting her belief that strong communities are built through collaboration and service.
Lael Oldmixon
Lael Oldmixon serves as Executive Director of the University of Alaska Scholars Program and the Education Trust of Alaska, overseeing Alaska’s 529 education savings plans. She is deeply engaged in local, state, and national leadership roles, supporting education access, philanthropy, and community wellness. A Leadership Fairbanks graduate, Lael also champions health and fitness initiatives that benefit Alaska’s trails and communities.
Tracy Vanairsdale
A lifelong Alaskan, Tracy V. is President of Bettisworth North and has spent her career shaping spaces that strengthen Interior communities. Raised in Fairbanks, she returned home after earning her architecture degree to invest her talents locally. Inspired by her mother’s legacy of service, Tracy actively volunteers with organizations supporting food security, public broadcasting, and youth athletics, and was named 2025 Business Leader of the Year by the UAF College of Business.
Young Professional Award
Ashley Carrick
Ashley Carrick is a fourth-generation Alaskan and a second-term member of the Alaska State House, elected at age 30. With a background in nonprofit leadership and public service, she now serves in the tri-partisan House Majority Coalition, chairing two committees and serving on five total. Ashley brings a strong commitment to community advocacy, thoughtful governance, and the future of Interior Alaska.
Meredith Maple
Meredith Maple is a historian, nonprofit executive, and community leader who has made Fairbanks home. As Executive Director of the Fairbanks Children's Museum since 2019, she has expanded access to hands-on learning for families across the Interior. Meredith also serves on the Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board while raising her two children and championing education and civic engagement.
Brenna Schaake
Brenna Schaake is the External Affairs Superintendent for Kinross Alaska, leading community relations and philanthropy for major mining operations statewide. In just four years, she advanced from specialist to superintendent, overseeing investments in education, healthcare, and rural engagement. A civic leader, mentor, and Miss Alaska USA 2024, Brenna also leads statewide breast cancer awareness efforts and was honored with a legislative citation for her service.
Organizational Award
Fabulous Feminist
Fabulous Feminist Fundraiser (FFF) is a volunteer-led nonprofit advancing intersectional feminist change across Alaska. Through annual fundraising events, FFF has directed thousands of dollars to grassroots organizations supporting women, youth, and cultural communities. With strong roots in Fairbanks and Juneau, FFF blends celebration with impact—uplifting emerging leaders and organizations closest to the work.
UAF Rural Student Services
Since 1969, Rural Student Services at the University of Alaska Fairbanks has provided culturally responsive advising and support for Alaska Native and rural students. RSS fosters academic success, leadership development, and cultural connection through holistic programming and strong community partnerships. Its work strengthens both student outcomes and the cultural richness of the university and the Interior.
Young Native Fiddlers
Young Native Fiddlers is a 501(c)(3) organization empowering Alaska Native youth—especially girls and young women—through music, culture, and leadership development. Founded in 1997, the program builds confidence, perseverance, and pride while creating pathways for students and parents to step into leadership roles. Today, YNF’s impact spans generations, strengthening cultural connection and community leadership across Alaska
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