About Me

Raised in Alaska on a street once lined with crabapple trees and a snowball’s throw from the city jail–life has been an adventure.  I’m no maverick, but just a gal who does things most every other Alaskan woman does:  Has a career, is a mom, and takes advantage of the natural wonders of our state.

Over the years I’ve conducted diagnostics on businesses, rebranded nonprofits, and successfully collaborated with organizations.  In my younger days, I shot 2 caribou, a moose, a springbok and a zebra.  Trudging on mossy tundra, I packed a moose’s hindquarter several miles, and have camped in a tent next to sled dogs at near freezing temperatures.  When the weather was good, I fished in the ocean, streams or riverbanks, have been clam digging, dipnetting for smelt, crabbing, and gathered salmon from a fish wheel.  One hot sunny day, I sunbathed on a river boat in my bikini and have been tubing, water-skiing and driven a jet boat.  Rafting down rivers and kayaking have been highlights of my life.

I lived in a rural town where not every household had a flush toilet. Departing from Teller, I traversed 60 miles in a canoe to an Eskimo town that used to be a gold transfer point for miners and trappers.  On that trip, I saw a Native Elder collecting duck and goose eggs in an old Folgers coffee can and too many trumpeter swans to count.  A few years ago you could have found me snowmaching in ravines or hills, and picking blueberries by motorcycle on an off-road trail.  At 2:00 am I skinned an Arctic Hare on my kitchen counter with just a knife without any help.

As a nonprofit executive I negotiated with Federal and State officials on legislative issues, aided in getting bills passed three times and lobbied for over 14 million in federal and state funds.  I challenged federal officials when negotiating contracts. Previously, I guided businesses through innovative ways of  improving their revenue streams.

Aviation, the arts, and serving on boards are threads in my life.  I once helped guide a 1930′s Luscombe aircraft over the Anchorage Bowl.  Another time, I landed on a gravel bar in a hardy and stylish Husky A-1.  And, I even set foot on a Boeing BBJ fit for royalty that was adorned with gold, marble, glitz, amenities and private luxurious accomodations.

Oh, yes, I also was a pageant contestant.  When I was skinnier, I placed 1st Runner-up in the Mrs. Alaska-America pageant.   It truly does shape one’s character and build self-esteem (for you pageant haters).

Currently, I’m President of my own company, designing highly functional, creative and visually stimulating spaces that combines use of architectural features with an artistic approach.  I’m also an advocate for senior citizens.

And, no, I’m not running for political office.