Angel Edwin
Ahtna Global
Angel Edwin is an Ahtna Special Forces participant with Ahtna Global’s Business Development department. Her parents are Douglas and Jessica Rock. Her grandparents are Clarence and Katherine McConkey. She grew up spending time between Anchorage and Copper Center, Alaska and is currently living in Anchorage while attending the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). She is pursuing a BBA in Economics. She is a member of the Taltsiine (Water) clan. Ahtna Global’s Business Development department was so impressed with Angel Edwin’s outstanding contributions and work ethic, that they are having her continue to work for the department part-time while attending school.
Why did you choose your major?
I had a teacher that really liked economics, and we spent time having lengthy conversations about it. I loved my high school economics class.
What made you want to join the Ahtna Special Forces and what excites you about the program?
I wanted to join the program because I know Ahtna is very invested in shareholder enrichment and I knew they were going to do everything they could to make this a valuable experience. I am excited about the knowledge and experience I’m going to gain throughout this program.
What knowledge or skills do you hope to gain through the program?
I would like to learn more about the inner workings of the Ahtna family of companies and I would like to hone my professional communication, business, and teamwork skills.
How do you see the program preparing you for your future career goals?
I see the program providing me with the connections, experience, and knowledge I am going to need when pursuing my goals.
In what ways would you like to create value as an Ahtna Special Forces participant?
I want to be as useful as I can to the people I am or will be working with and complete the tasks that will free up management’s time to focus on more important things.
What role has Ahtna played in your educational and/or career pursuits?
Ahtna has supported me in my educational goals through scholarships. Ahtna has also inspired me to work toward a career focused in business as I have seen the for-profit business side and how my family and community benefit from Ahtna’s success.
Who has been an inspiration to you in your educational and/or career pursuits and why?
My mother, Jessica Rock, is an inspiration to me. She went to college and worked with two kids at home and I really admire her determination. I think it’s because she raised my brother and me to hold education in very high esteem that I am going to college. She fostered a desire in my brother and me to learn and grow. I think that I am where I am today because of this.
What are your goals after graduation?
After completing my undergraduate degree, I would like to go to law school.
What have been defining moments in your educational/career path and what have you learned along the way?
I think that starting my college career has been very defining. I went into the year with doubts about if I was going to be successful. Because I was able to complete my first year of college, I believe in myself now more than I did. My first year of college improved my time management and ability to prioritize tasks. I have more confidence in myself and my abilities.
What motivates you?
Working towards a better future for myself, my family, and the Ahtna community.
Do you have any volunteer or community service experience that you would like to share?
I enjoyed being the secretary of the Native Student Council at UAA this past semester. I liked going to the events we volunteered at, attending the meetings, and keeping a record of them.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy reading, listening to music, going for long drives, and visiting with my family.
Clarence Edwin
Ahtna, Inc.
Clarence Edwin is an Ahtna Special Forces participant with Ahtna’s finance department. His parents are Stanley Edwin and Jessica Rock. His grandparents are Clarence and Katherine McConkey. He grew up spending time between Anchorage and Copper Center, Alaska and is currently living in Anchorage while attending the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). He is in his first year of college and is studying Construction Management. He is a member of the Taltsiine (Water) clan. Because of Clarence Edwin’s exceptional work, he will continue to do special projects for Ahtna Global’s Business Development department.
Why did you choose your major?
After high school I worked for Ahtna Construction for a few years as a laborer in the laborer’s union. I enjoyed the construction field and talked with many of the higher-ups, like the site supervisors and construction managers, about their jobs. This inspired me to go to school so that I could have a career like theirs.
What made you want to join the Ahtna Special Forces and what excites you about the program?
I wanted to join the ASF because I needed experience in the office. I have previously only worked construction, so learning about the way things work in an office environment is exciting.
What knowledge or skills do you hope to gain through the program?
I hope to gain a lot of general knowledge about the processes and systems in an office environment. I also hope to learn about the culture of working at Ahtna.
How do you see the program preparing you for your future career goals?
I see the program preparing me to have a larger sense of what is expected in an office job, and generally getting an idea of what having a professional career is like. I believe Ahtna will also provide me with networking that could prove valuable in the future.
In what ways would you like to create value as an Ahtna Special Forces participant?
I think having a new perspective on things can be beneficial, and I hope to use my experience to bring a distinct point of view. While I was working in the field, I was not afraid to ask questions about even the most common things, which caused people who were very used to the way things always happen to think about it in a different kind of way.
What role has Ahtna played in your educational and/or career pursuits?
Ahtna has played a huge role in my self-sufficiency. Ahtna Construction gave me my first real job after high school. Ahtna has also given me scholarships so that I can attain a higher level of education, and now Ahtna has given me a position as an ASF so that I can continue to support myself while attending school.
Who has been an inspiration to you in your educational and/or career pursuits and why?
Members of my family have given me a ton of inspiration and motivation to chase my educational goals. My mother most of all, who graduated with a BBA and MBA both focusing in management. Her drive and will to better herself and her communities were a huge factor in me seeking a higher education.
What are your goals after graduation?
After graduation I plan to work for a Native company, preferably Ahtna, so that my future time and effort will go towards Ahtna and our people.
What advice do you have for Ahtna youth?
My advice would be to work hard, work smart, pay attention in school, and never be afraid to ask questions. Learn as much as you can when you are young.
What have been defining moments in your educational/career path and what have you learned along the way?
There was a defining moment in my career, when I worked my last hitch as a laborer for Ahtna Construction. I came to the sudden realization that I did not want to spend the rest of my life doing manual labor, which pushed me to pursue a higher education. While studying for exams and working on projects in my first semester, I have learned that working in an office setting is mentally taxing, and can be just as exhausting as working manual labor, which gave me more respect for those who have chosen professional career paths.
What motivates you?
Looking to the future is a large motivator for me. I want to ensure that the Ahtna people are knowledgeable in our culture, respectful of our land, and that they are prosperous.
Do you have any volunteer or community service experience that you would like to share?
When I was younger, and going to school in Anchorage, my mother would bring us to Copper Center so that we could volunteer for the clean-up day. I think it is important that people are respectful of the land we have and take good care of it for the future generations.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy building things. In high school I took a carpentry class, which helped me as a laborer, but has also helped me to help my family whenever they needed a new shed or smokehouse.