Alaska Boards & Commissions Leadership Program

Lead for Change in Your Community✨

We’ve officially concluded the first-ever cohort of the Alaska Boards & Commissions Leadership Program (ABCLP), a program designed to empower Alaskans to step into leadership and serve on local and state boards and commissions. ABCLP participants received a small stipend, one-on-one mentorship, and hands-on support to lead with confidence and purpose.

We aim to open applications for our next cohort in January 2026— stay tuned! You can sign up for The Alaska Center Education Fund’s email list to be notified when applications open and get updates on future programs.

Our Mission

Local boards and commissions influence decisions that directly impact our communities’ access to public health, parks, arts, education, and more. Yet many Alaskans, especially Alaskans from underrepresented communities, don’t feel prepared or welcomed to serve in these roles. We’re changing that by breaking down barriers and empowering, strengthening, and educating diverse leaders. We aim to increase diversity and representation on boards and commissions by prioritizing the support and recruitment of women, people of color, and other individuals with underrepresented identities; while we work together to create a network of values-aligned and community focused leaders. Our goal is to build a more reflective, inclusive, and effective government – one participant at a time.

Who Should Apply?

This program is for Alaskans who want to lead change in their communities. Whether you’re stepping into leadership for the first time or building on experience, ABCLP will support your growth and prepare you for meaningful service.

What Participants Will Gain:

  • Valuable knowledge about municipal and state-level boards and commissions, as well as help applying to serve
  • One-on-one mentorship from experienced local leaders
  • Group sessions with topics and presentations that will enhance leadership skills and help eliminate barriers and fears
  • A network of like-minded community members and local leaders committed to making a difference

Program Requirements

To successfully complete the program, participants are expected to:

  • Attend the program kick-off event
  • Attend and participate in all program sessions
  • Connect with mentors at least 3 times during the program
  • Complete all assignments and surveys 
  • Submit at least one official application to municipal or state boards/commissions
  • Attend the graduation celebration

    *While attendance to all events and sessions is required, we understand that life happens – if you’re unable to attend an event or session, please let the program manager know as soon as possible. Attendance conflicts may affect your eligibility to receive the program stipend.

Contact Us

For more information about the program, reach out to:

Emme Peavy

📧 Email: emme@akcenter.org
📞 Phone: 907-759-5806

Interested in being a Mentor?

We’re seeking a diverse group of community-minded individuals with leadership experience – leadership takes many different forms, and we welcome all kinds and levels. Be prepared to share knowledge, experiences, guidance, and encouragement. Mentors will need to connect with their assigned program participant a total of 3 times throughout the duration of the program. 

If you’re interested in being a mentor, please email Emme Peavy at emme@akcenter.org.

Our Appointed Leaders

“The Boards and Commissions Leadership Program connected me with a supportive network and provided me with the skills – and the confidence – I needed to step into public leadership.”

“The Alaska Center is a driving force for an all-inclusive, diverse, transformative organization, anchored in giving ordinary citizens a voice to participate in our community and democratic discourse. I am glad to have participated in the Boards and Commissions training at AKC. Today, I am a member of the Municipality of Anchorage Board of Ethics and hope to utilize the knowledge and information I acquired during the training for a meaningful transformative change in our community.”

“Thanks to the training, exposure, and mentoring I received at the Alaska Center Education Fund Boards and Commissions training program, I was appointed to the Housing, Homeless and Neighborhood Development Commission (HHAND) in August of 2025. Training in conducting board meetings and coaching through mentoring were key aids to my success at the commission.”

“The Alaska Center Education Fund provided me with the kind of information I needed to confidently step into public service at the local level. I realized that before the Boards and Commissions training I was more nervous about serving locally, even after 15 years of working with Federal Agencies. It’s because of the intimacy we have with our own small communities, our neighbors, and being in service to those we see in the grocery store every day. The program eased my fears and built up the excitement inside of me. I was selected to serve on a local commission, and at my second meeting I was nominated to become the chair. I highly recommend this training!”

“Through the Boards and Commissions program, I gained a solid foundation to understand the civic landscape and the confidence to step into engagement opportunities with clarity and purpose. This experience has not only expanded my awareness of how decisions are made, but also strengthened my commitment to bringing community voices into those conversations.”

3350 Commercial Dr, Ste 101
Anchorage, AK, 99501 

(907) 274-3621

© 2025 The Alaska Center Education Fund