impactful. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that what we do helps shape Alaska’s future. I have made lifelong friends through this work and there is nothing better than that! Where do you see resource develop- ment in Alaska in 50 years? I see a future where Alaska continues to be a global leader in responsible resource develop- ment supported by a highly skilled, homegrown workforce. Technology will play a bigger role, but the need for people trained, knowledgeable and connected to their communities, will remain just as important. Education will be key to making that future possible. What do you see as our biggest chal- lenges? And opportunities? One of the biggest challenges is awareness. Many students and teachers simply don’t know about the breadth of opportunities available in resource development. At the same time, that’s also our greatest opportunity. By improving access to information, experiences and training, we can build a strong pipeline of Alaskans ready to step into these careers. What keeps you awake at night? Making sure we’re reaching all students. I’m always thinking about how we can do more to ensure every student has the opportunity to under- stand the importance of our natural resources and explore how they can have a future in those industries. Also, funding to sustain the work we are doing. What does AMA mean to you? AMA represents connection to me, bringing togeth- er industry, education and community. AMA has always been there for me as I have grown as an educator and as a leader. The staff and members are a huge support for me as a person and for ARE as an organization. Deantha and her team have been there for me per- sonally and professionally more than I could ever thank them for! Many members are on speed dial for me and my team for random rock questions, tours, to hold big
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 48 educators to Alaska’s resource industries through relevant, engaging and balanced education. I want every student, no matter how remote their com- munity, to have access to experiences that help them understand the opportunities available to them. That means expanding hands-on programs, strengthening partnerships with industry and sup- porting teachers with tools and training that bring real-world context into their classrooms and them out of the classroom. Do you have new or different plans for 2026 and beyond? We’re focused on scaling our impact. That includes expanding programs like Amped on Energy, Rockstars and career exploration opportunities so more students can participate. I am hoping to hire a Southeast coordinator, much like Naomi Mitchell in Fairbanks, to educate students, host programs and strengthen our partnerships in the region. We’re also working to expand partnerships with industry and organizations across the state to ensure students are seeing the full picture of explo- ration, extraction, transportation and the associated careers. Another priority is building more pathways for students to transition from awareness into training, certifications, and ultimately, employment. Who was your mentor in resource devel- opment and education, and what did they teach you that remains true today? I’ve been fortunate to learn from many people across both education and industry. In my early education years, my principal Eric Larsen was who showed me what it really meant to show up for students. In resource development, my cousin Todd Winkle was the first to open doors for me to under- stand how our natural resources and the environ- ment can coexist, and how important that message is for people to hear. My teaching partners over the years (too many to name) have all added to my teaching philosophy and practices. My mentors in the resource development industries really are the trade association (AMA, RDC, Alliance,
AOGA) staff and members — which I know is a LOT of people, but that is where I have made my connections and get my information to be able to share all the great work our industries are doing. What lessons have you learned that you want to share with AMA members? One lesson that has stayed with me is that educa- tion is most impactful when it’s relevant and con- nected to real life. When students understand the “why,” everything changes. One of the other biggest lessons is that engage- ment matters. When industry shows up, whether that’s through classroom visits, site tours or men- torship, it makes a lasting impact on students. Last, is that we have to meet students where they are and help them see themselves in these careers. The earlier we can make those connections, the stronger our future workforce will be. What was one experience you will never forget? Seeing a student have that “aha” moment on a site visit, and they realize, “I could do this,” is some- thing that never gets old. Those moments are powerful because they can completely change a student’s trajectory. Being part of that is something I’ll never forget. What do you love most about the work you do? The people. From educators to industry profession- als to students, this work is built on relationships. I love being able to bring those groups together and create opportunities that are meaningful and "From educators to industry profes- sionals to students, this work is built on relationships. I love being able to bring those groups together and create opportunities that are mean- ingful and impactful. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that what we do helps shape Alaska’s future. "I have made lifelong friends through this work and there is nothing better than that! "
nuggets of gold, auction items, guest speakers and SO MUCH MORE. Anything else you want to share? I’m excited about the future and the role ARE can play in it. Alaska has incredible opportunities ahead, and by investing in education and our young people, we’re investing in the long-term strength of our state. On a personal level, raising my kids here keeps that perspective front and center for me. Like so many Alaskans, I want them to grow up to understand- ing the value of our resources, the importance of responsible development and the opportunities that exist right here at home. It’s not just the work I do, it’s the future I’m helping build for my own family and for communities across Alaska.
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THE ALASKA MINER - THE MAGAZINE OF THE ALASKA MINERS ASSOCIATION
SPRING 2026 | ALASKAMINERS.ORG
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