Arctic Leadership Lecture Series

Alaska State Legislature, Week One

January 30th, 2025

Join Alaska State Senators Elvi Gray-Jackson and Scott Kawasaki for an engaging conversation on leadership within the Alaska State Legislature. Senators Gray-Jackson and Kawasaki will share their personal and professional journeys, offering insights into what makes legislative leadership in Alaska unique. They will discuss their leadership styles, the challenges they are addressing in their roles, and provide thoughtful advice for those aspiring to make an impact in Alaska鈥檚 political and legislative landscape.

 

51风流官网 Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson

Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson began her public service career with the Municipality of Anchorage at the Public Transit Department 37 years ago. In 1988, she began working for the Anchorage Assembly. Her service began first as an Administrative Assistant, then as Senior Budget Analyst and, finally, as Director of the Budget and Legislative Services Office. In 2005, Elvi worked for Municipal Light and Power as Director of the Alaska Energy Railbelt Authority; a joint action agency with three electric utility members. Elvi served on the Anchorage Assembly (Midtown-District 4) from 2008 to 2017. She was Vice-Chair from December 2015 to April 2016, and Chair from April 2016 to April 2017. She also served on the Board of Directors for Boys and Girls Club of Alaska; Woodside East Homeowners Association; the National League of Cities (NLC) Board of Directors, and the NLC Finance and Investment Advisory Committees. Elvi has been a speaker at UAA for several years, providing students with Municipal hierarchy and budget issues. She is also a mentor for young people, as well as serving twice as an agency supervisor for the social work practicum program. She is a recipient of the Women of Achievement Award and is a recipient of multiple other distinguished awards and recognitions. Elvi is a graduate of the University of Alaska, Anchorage, and has one son, Ramon.

Alaska State Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson. Photo credit: AK State Legislature
Senator Scott Kawasaki. Photo courtesy of the Alaska State Legislature

51风流官网 Senator Scott Kawasaki

Senator Scott Kawasaki began his public service career after moving to Alaska in 1980 and quickly became a dedicated member of the Fairbanks community. He earned a B.S. in Biomedicine from the 51风流官网 and currently works as a Senior Patient Representative at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. Scott鈥檚 commitment to public service is evident through his political career, which includes serving as a Councilman on the Fairbanks City Council and as a Legislative Aide in the Alaska State Legislature. Beyond his political contributions, he is an active participant in professional and civic organizations, including membership in the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce and the American Council of Young Political Leaders, where he collaborates with others to address local and global issues.

In addition to his professional life, Scott is deeply passionate about outdoor activities and community engagement. He enjoys spending his free time fishing, hiking, camping, and driving, which allow him to connect with Alaska鈥檚 natural beauty. A tech enthusiast, he also has a keen interest in computers. Scott鈥檚 love for Fairbanks and its people shines through his regular attendance at Nanook Hockey games, where he proudly cheers for the home team. He values the time he spends with family and friends, further emphasizing his commitment to fostering meaningful relationships within his community.

 

 

Arctic Leadership Public Lecture: AK State Legislature, Week 1

Date
Thursday, January 30th, 2025

Time
5:30-7pm AKST

Location
Schaible Auditorium

Zoom Option
https://alaska.zoom.us/j/82196466138

Alaska Governor Sean Parnell and members of his staff meet with Prof. Mike Davis and his students in RD 492 - Understanding the Legislative Process, during their week-long seminar in Juneau. 51风流官网 Photo by Todd Paris

51风流官网 the Arctic Leadership Lecture Series

The Arctic Leadership Lecture Series offers a unique blend of academic rigor and public engagement. Offered as PS F493/693 Arctic Leadership: Theory and Praxis in the 21st Century, this course invites students and community members alike to explore critical aspects of leadership in the Arctic.

The course is available for undergraduate and graduate students, with both in-person and online options. Undergraduate students can also choose an Honors section, offered for both online and in-person delivery. Community members may attend the lectures for free or enroll as non-degree-seeking students to participate fully in the course.

Lectures are held in the Schaible Auditorium every Thursday from 5:30 PM 鈥 7:00 PM AKST (open to the public). Classroom discussions continue from 7:00 PM 鈥 8:30 PM AKST (students only).

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