Our Staff
Chantal 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.
Kyla 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.
Carissa 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.
As 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.
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Vicki 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.
George is a passionate advocate for social change with a strong focus on community development. Born and raised in New York, George has called much of the East Coast his home. Having swapped South Carolina for Alaska, George and his family now live, work, and play on the lands of the Dena'ina people.
A results-oriented professional with exceptional analytical abilities, George utilizes his extensive background in finance, human resources, and management to provide strategic insights that drive sound decision-making and contribute to the long-term success of The Alaska Center and its mission. When he's not working, George can be found coaching community softball and t-ball, fishing, exploring the Alaskan backcountry, and spending time with his family.
Kristal 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.
Alyssa Quintyne is the Interior Organizing Manager at The Alaska Center on (Chena Dene lands in Tanan, colonially known as Fairbanks). She works to create a space of strength and empowerment for people to protect and build what they love. On our team, Alyssa plays an influential role in the Solarize Fairbanks initiative, increasing voter engagement in local elections, guiding our Equity and Inclusion work, and supporting other projects around town. She believes that every person is capable of creating the futures we all deserve to live right now. Her job is to help us get it done.
She and her parents came a long way to Alaska. Her entire family is from Barbados but was stationed in Fort Wainwright in 2001, where she was raised. During her time, Alyssa has built an extensive community organizing background of 12 years. With a BA in Political Science, she’s done a wide variety of research and advocacy work, both locally and internationally. Researcher, painter, violinist, curator, and avid napper are some of the other titles she carries. Alyssa strives to use her skill to give back and help build the community she loves.
Marlowe works as the Program Coordinator for Alaska Youth for Environmental Action. They are dedicated to activating and equipping young people with the training, knowledge, and networks they need to become the next generation of Alaskan leaders. Marlowe came to youth engagement work as a youth organizer and has worked with AYEA in various capacities since 2021. When they aren't working, Marlowe can be found hanging out with their pets or taking care of plants. They are also studying Community & Place-Based Education at Alaska Pacific University. Marlowe was born and raised on unceded Dena'ina and Ahtna lands in the Matsu and currently lives and works on Dena'ina lands in Dgheyey Kaq'/Anchorage.
Cindy 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.