In late February, I traveled above the Arctic Circle to Kotzebue, Alaska, the hub of the NANA Region, along with Mamie Karmun, director of shareholder programs at Akima. Our goal was to connect with NANA shareholder students and introduce them to the career pathways available through Akima and the NANA portfolio of companies.
With temperatures dipping into the -50s, we made our way to Kotzebue Middle High School’s for its annual career fair. This event brings together students and educators from across the region’s remote villages, creating a unique opportunity to engage with shareholders from various villages in one place.
Alongside other NANA companies and regional organizations, we spoke with students about internships, career paths, and opportunities across Akima. We were joined by our colleague Haisini Fitisemanu from Pegasus Aviation Services, who shared insights into aviation careers in Anchorage. The event also offered opportunity to connect with partners from NANA North, the Alaska Technical Center, the Aqqaluk Trust, and others — all working toward a shared goal of creating opportunity for NANA shareholders.
The students — especially the seniors — were engaged, thoughtful, and well-prepared with questions that sparked conversations around future career paths. Students who stopped by Akima’s table got Akima-branded notebooks and pens, bags, and pencil cases, plus informational brochures about our programs. One of our goals for visiting the region was to get kids familiar with the opportunities that will be available to them in the future.
The career fair coincided with the 1A regional basketball tournament, which Akima and NANA sponsor. You could feel the energy and excitement in the gym as the student teams took to the court. In a region where outdoor sports are limited by climate, basketball brings communities together. Seeing the stands full of families and supporters underscored just how important events like this are — not just for athletics, but for connection.
Trips like this reinforce why Akima invests in outreach across the NANA Region. Every conversation helps build awareness, relationships, and a pipeline of future talent.
