About Us
The Alaska Center Education Fund is dedicated to Educating, Empowering, and Engaging all Alaskans for a brighter future in our state.
© 2025 The Alaska Center Education Fund
Meet Our Staff
Meet our team of passionate staff who stay busy year-round to advance our mission. With diverse talents, experiences, and deep connections to Alaska’s communities, we work together to build a thriving, just, and sustainable Alaska for future generations.
Chantal de Alcuaz
Co-Executive Director
AK Center Education FundChantal organizes events and campaigns to help raise the financial resources to support the mission of The Alaska Center and The Alaska Center Education Fund. She loves building relationships with supporters who share our values and vision and inviting them to participate in our work. Chantal is grateful every day to work for an organization that is helping to build a powerful movement of engaged Alaskans to fight the climate crisis and build a democracy that represents all people. Originally from Yokut lands, she earned her BA and MA at the University of Notre Dame. Previously, Chantal has worked in political fundraising and direct service nonprofits serving unhoused families. She lives on Dena’ina lands and enjoys spending time with her family in their backyard farm, cooking, playing music with friends, and traveling around the globe and in the Alaskan backcountry.
Victoria Long-Letter
Co-Executive Director
AK Center Education FundVicki is a critical partner in ensuring the organization runs efficiently and effectively and drives toward our vision. Vicki oversees our operations and finance department while also managing our youth programs, Trailside Discovery Camp and AYEA.
With a passion for outdoor education and youth leadership, Vicki strives to make a difference in the world. In 2017 Vicki moved to Alaska to work for The Alaska Center/The Alaska Center Education Fund and was blown away by AKC/EdFund’s commitment to creating a thriving, just, and sustainable Alaska for future generations. Previously Vicki worked as an educator, trainer, and mentor to youth and young adults. Born and raised in Felixstowe, England, Vicki now lives and works on the lands of the Dena’ina people, where she and her family are avid fisherfolk, hunters, and rugby players.
Kyla Kosednar
Advocacy Director
AK Center Education FundKyla is a lifelong Alaskan and UAA alum. She started volunteering with The Alaska Center in 2015, as a member of the organization’s Volunteer Leadership Committee. Working alongside community organizers, she helped fight the Pebble Mine, the Chuitna Mine, and engage community members during state and local elections. In 2016, she became the Deputy Canvass Director and has knocked on thousands of doors all across the state. She is passionate about giving Alaskans a voice and has spent countless hours talking to community members about the issues they care about. When she isn’t scrolling through social media, she enjoys fishing, hiking, and solving puzzles.
Alison Lum
Development Director
AK Center Education FundAs the Development Director, Alison is dedicated to implementing equitable and inclusive fundraising practices. She strives to ensure that community and equity are reflected in all fundraising efforts. Drawing from her wealth of experience in community development, philanthropy, and grant-making, spanning both the public and private sectors, she actively supports the Center’s vision of fostering a thriving, just, and sustainable Alaska for future generations.
Born and raised in Hawai’i, Alison and her family now reside on Dena’ina lands. They have deep family ties to Alaska and are grateful to be living full-time in its wide-open spaces, breathtaking beauty, and wild abundance.
Debbie Hackenberger
Finance Manager
AK Center Education FundAs the Finance Manager Debbie brings over 20 years of expertise in bookkeeping to The Alaska Center. A wizard with the numbers with a knack for knowing what needs to go where in the accounting her journey reflects a steadfast commitment to precision and operational efficiency, empowering The Alaska Center to achieve financial success.
Beyond her career, Debbie is the proud owner of two dogs, deriving immense joy and companionship from them. Debbie also has a creative side writing short stories, which allows her to explore diverse narratives and share meaningful experiences. She firmly believes that a well-rounded life enhances professional performance, and endeavors to harmonize her passion for finance with a love for storytelling and the delight of pet companionship.
Carissa Larson
Communications Manager
AK Center Education FundCarissa is Sugpiaq/Alutiiq and has roots in Kodiak and the Bristol Bay region. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Hawai’i Pacific University and brings valuable communications experience from her Native Corporation background, as well as her entrepreneurial venture, Alaska Exquisite Travel.
In her role as Communications Manager, Carissa is responsible for spearheading and enhancing our communication strategies. She is dedicated to advancing The Alaska Center’s mission and is committed to elevating our outreach efforts.
Ayden Nichol
Democracy Fellow
AK Center Education FundOriginally from Concord, Massachusetts, Ayden graduated this past spring from Bowdoin College in Maine. He has worked on multiple political campaigns and spent a year at American Promise, a nationwide nonprofit working to pass a constitutional amendment to limit the power of money in politics. His work experience also includes two summers as a cook, guide, first responder, and host for long-distance hikers at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s backcountry huts in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. At Bowdoin, Ayden studied political science and studio art and competed on the varsity cross-country ski team. He also spent four months in Nepal, studying development and gender issues and learning conversational Nepali. As the Alaska Center’s Democracy and Civic Engagement Fellow, Ayden looks forward to working with Alaskan communities to help realize a more just and vibrant future.
Emme Peavy
Leadership Development Program Manager
AK Center Education FundEmme is an Afro-Indigenous lifelong Alaskan with roots in Wainwright, Alaska. She values nature, culture, justice and community. She has a background in social work and direct services, and has spent the last 7 years working for local nonprofit organizations. She is passionate about empowering people and advocating for marginalized groups. Emme is able to embrace her passions while working at The Alaska Center Education Fund as she builds fellowships of local leaders. When she’s not working she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going on nature walks, cooking, and car-camping. Emme has a vision of a just and inclusive future for her daughter and many more generations to come. She honors and lives on Dena’ina lands.
Kristal Perez
Development Associate
AK Center Education FundKristal works closely with the Development Director on fundraising events to support Alaska’s climate and democracy. She also advocates for a diverse and active donor program through acknowledgment and appreciation. Kristal is grateful for a hard-working team that engages the community and strives for a better Alaska. She came to this organization after taking a gap year to travel around the United States in a campervan. Kristal holds an International Studies degree and a Dance minor from the University of Alaska Anchorage, which have both helped her foster an interest in politics, translation, diversity, and immigration law. Outside her role at AKC, she enjoys dancing in nature, adventuring with her dog Couscous, and visiting her family in Puerto Rico. She was born and raised on Taino lands and now lives and works on Dena’ina lands.
Leila Pyle
AYEA Program Manager
AK Center Education FundLeila is the Program Manager for Alaska Youth for Environmental Action – aka AYEA! She is a lifelong Alaskan who grew up in Kodiak and now lives in Fairbanks. She is a proud alumni of the AYEA program herself and before coming to this role, volunteered with AYEA for several years as an adult mentor. Leila has worked in a variety of outdoor and place-based education and youth leadership programs across Alaska and is passionate about helping young people connect to the lands and communities they are a part of. In her role with AYEA, she works to uplift youth voices in the climate justice movement and help young people gain the skills and confidence they need to work for a better future for Alaska.
Leila holds a BA in Art from Reed College and is an artist and community organizer.
Felix Rivera
Partnerships Coordinator
AK Center Education FundFelix (he/him) is the Partnerships Coordinator for The Alaska Center. He works with several key coalitions on strengthening relationships to achieve a renewable, affordable, and pro-worker future for all Alaskans.
At heart, Felix is a gamer and overall nerd, policy wonk, and organizer who moved up to Alaska in 2008 from San Antonio, Texas after he graduated high school. He currently serves on the Anchorage Assembly and has a long history of non-profit service in Anchorage, having volunteered to serve on a variety of boards whose missions include youth recidivism, immigration justice, and LGBTQIA+ equality and more.
Felix graduated from Alaska Pacific University in 2011 in liberal studies with a focus on journalism and decided to stay in Anchorage, having fallen head over heels with the community and Dena’ina land he now calls home.
Cindy Tapia Ruiz
Trailside Discovery Camp Director
AK Center Education FundCindy manages registration, curriculum, staff hiring, and program logistics for Trailside Discovery Camp. She loves having the opportunity to be a part of inspiring our future leaders to create a more sustainable Alaska.
Raised in Alaska, she ran wild on the beaches and forests and grew up swimming in Alaskan lakes. Cindy believes that her children and all children deserve a thriving, just, and sustainable future. At The Alaska Center Education Fund, she can bring that vision into every aspect of her work. With a background in education and human development, she has worked as a teacher, mentor, and director of childcare and youth programs. Initially a journalism major, her path was changed after traveling in poverty-stricken areas in Mexico. There she discovered that her true passion lies in breaking down barriers to education and working with youth.
When not working, she spends as much time as possible outdoors with her family, fishing, hiking, and camping. Born on the lands of the O’odham Jewed and Hia-Ced O’odham peoples in Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Mexico, Cindy now lives and works on the unceded lands of the Dena’ina people.
Lisa Torstenson
Trailside Discovery Camp Manager & Administrator
AK Center Education FundLisa is the Trailside Discovery Camp Manager & Administrator, where she works to create an equitable, joyful and welcoming outdoor education space for local youth. A lifelong camper, she is excited to encourage the next generation of environmental stewards and increase access to Trailside’s programming. She earned her BA in Political Science & International Relations at Carleton College and has previously worked in political organizing and neighborhood development.
Since moving to Alaska from Minnesota in 2021, she has loved exploring the outdoors through nordic skiing, splitboarding, backpacking and sea kayaking. She has also been working on her landscape drawing skills, which she finds very fun even if she isn’t very good yet.
Meet Our Board
Our volunteer board provides leadership, governance, and support The Alaska Center Education Fund. Our work is guided by a multi-year strategic plan to achieve our vision of a thriving, just, and sustainable Alaska for future generations.
* Asterisks denote The Alaska Center crossover board member
Sarah Alvarez
Secretary
Anchorage
Sarah’s two greatest passions are Alaska and education. She recently joined the Alaska Center Education Fund board because its mission focuses on both! The Education Fund’s integrated approach is educating and equipping Alaskan kids to be confident environmental advocates, empowered community leaders, and thoughtful stewards of our land.
Sarah has experience working with non-profits across all sectors as a senior fundraising consultant for CCS Fundraising, and international philanthropic solutions firm. CCS partners with organizations of all sizes and varying missions to exceed their philanthropic goals, and subsequently making a meaningful impact on their communities. While she loves all of her clients, her favorites are those whose missions are rooted in education, opportunities for students and families, and those committed to leveling the playing field for historically disenfranchised communities.
Prior to fundraising consulting, Sarah spent 15+ years in education – first as a special education teacher, then as an elementary school principal. She is a Teach For America alumna (NYC’04!) and has taught or held leadership positions in the New York City, Los Angeles Unified, San Jose Unified and satellite areas, and Anchorage public school districts.
As a “sourdough” Alaskan, Sarah loves everything about the Last Frontier. She particularly loves to hike in the Chugach with her two dogs, camp in new places in her vintage 1962 Aloha travel trailer, and geocache while doing both.
Gail Cheney
Vice Chair
Juneau
Dr. Gail Cheney is a member of the Tlingit and the Haida Nations. Her Tlingit name is Aan Shaa Wat Gee, she is Raven, Kaach.adi, her crest is the Fresh Water Marked Sockeye. Gail’s Haida name is Yahl kii wahl daang and is Eagle, Tiits Gitee Nei, and the Hummingbird is her crest. She was born and raised in Kake, Alaska. She holds a PhD in Leadership and Change and a Master of Arts in Business Management from Antioch University. Gail received her Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Studies and Planning/Environmental Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1994.
Dr. Cheney has 20 years of progressive professional experience in multiple industries, including academia, non-profit, environmental, Alaska Native for-profit regional, village, subsidiary businesses, and social enterprise corporations, along with other consulting experience. Currently, Dr. Cheney is the Sr. Director of Organizational Development at Tlingit and Haida Central Council has held this position since 2020. In addition, Gail is a committee member on CBJ’s Systemic Racism Review Committee. She believes that we, collectively, have the power to create a sustainable future for Alaska.
Gavin Dixon
Treasurer & Secretary*
Anchorage
Gavin’s time with the organization has its roots as a member of Alaska Youth for Environmental Action, where he worked on air quality campaigns and fundraising efforts to support the recovery of the community of Banda Aceh after a devastating Tsunami.
Gavin has worked for over ten years fighting the impacts of climate change and developing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects for rural Alaska Native communities. Most recently his time has been spent as a Project Manager overseeing the relocation of the Yup’ik community of Newtok, which must move to a new location due to the accelerating impacts of climate change.
In his free time, you can find Gavin sharing his passions for biking, skiing, paddling and running with friends and loved ones through the unique and irreplaceable wilderness of Alaska.
Harry Need
Board Director
Anchorage
Harry W. Need is a father, husband, VW van knuckle-banger, ski patroller, and aspiring fly-fishing expert. As a seasoned relationship development professional, he guides potential benefactors and their advisors in transforming values and passions into impactful contributions to the University of Alaska. With a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage and accreditation as a Certified Fundraising Executive, Harry excels in philanthropic leadership while remaining deeply involved in his community. He serves as vice president of the South Addition Community Council and has held past leadership roles in the Fairview Community Council, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Alaska Chapter.
Raegan Nicholson
Board Director
Mat-Su Valley
Raegan was raised in the Mat-Su community, which allowed her to spend her youth exploring and connecting with nature, forging a deep appreciation for the traditional lands of the Ahtna and Dena’ina peoples. Raegan believes in the power of providing our youth with opportunities to connect with the lands on which they live and play.
Developing a passion for civic engagement through volunteering at local Mat-Su nonprofits led Raegan to join The Alaska Center Education Fund’s board in 2024, where she seeks to further live into her values of community, equity, and personal fulfillment.
Raegan currently works in Grants Management at the Mat-Su Health Foundation to combine her love for civic engagement with the desire to be the change she wants to see in the world. When she is not working, she can most likely be found outside with her two dogs, with her nose in a book, or trying out a new sourdough recipe!
Becky Judd
Chair
Anchorage
Becky joined the Alaska Center’s Education Fund board in 2021 to further her commitment to increasing opportunities for Alaska’s youth. Her environmental roots go back to the 1970s as an outdoor program instructor for 6th graders. She believes it is critical to provide outdoor experiences for all children and youth so they can develop an appreciation of nature and public lands. She’s been an active supporter of AYEA since its beginnings because of its youth-led principles and passionate advocacy efforts. Her enthusiasm for the Education Fund stems from its ladder of engagement for school-age to young adults to become the next generation of public land stewards and environmental justice advocates.
While Becky’s bachelor’s and master’s degrees were in education, most of her 40 years in Alaska have been devoted to adolescent health, the prevention/health promotion, and youth development fields. She began as a health educator and started a youth coalition that grew to over 100 chapters statewide. She has been working with youth in schools, outdoor challenge programs, after-school programs, and 20 years with the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, as their Adolescent and Resiliency Specialist.
Becky has served on several youth-serving boards, co-founded the Spirit of Youth organization and the Anchorage Youth Development Coalition. She also co-authored the book, Helping Kids Succeed~ Alaskan Style. She provided leadership to the statewide Developmental Assets initiative, with the Association of Alaska School Boards, and launched the Youth Friendly Business Recognition Program and the Youth in Governance statewide initiative with AYEA.
In 2013 Becky started her own business, Strength-Based Strategies to provide training and assistance on best-practice approaches and evaluation in prevention programming and youth development. More recently, she developed an online, self-care course for frontline service providers at risk of burnout.
When Becky isn’t volunteering you will probably find her gardening, hiking, biking or paddling in Prince William Sound.
Contact Becky at bjuddak@gmail.com.
Interested in joining our board?
The Alaska Center Education Fund Board of Directors is accepting applications for new board members. Currently, we are seeking additional board members from specific regions — the Interior, Southeast, and Southwest — to enhance our statewide perspectives and representation. Ideal board candidates support the mission, priorities, and strategies of The Alaska Center Education Fund, and will be willing to leverage their networks to support positive changes focused on our mission throughout the state.
Our volunteer board provides leadership, governance, and support to The Alaska Center Education Fund. Our work is guided by a multi-year strategic plan to achieve our vision of a thriving, just, and sustainable Alaska for future generations. We need thoughtful individuals to join us in this work. Our board meets monthly in Anchorage with a virtual teleconference option. In addition, board members participate in committee work. Alternatively, if you are interested in participating in a more focused way, contact us to become a part of one of our committees.
For more information and to apply (attach cover letter and resume or CV), please send your application to Becky Judd at bjuddak@gmail.com.