Pathway journeys and experiences
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As many young Alaskans are shaping their future by participating in opportunities, their actions have the potential to inspire others. This page highlights community members who are embarking on each of their journeys to develop the skills needed to make the world a better place. Each action taken is a step towards a larger goal but with each internship, fellowship, or job, pieces of experience can lend a hand to those searching for it.
Analisa Mayo-Ramos
“It’s fun to apply everything you’re learned… to your day to day life, to better understand the world around you.”
Analisa Mayo Ramos is Koyukon Athabascan from Stevens Village, Alaska and she is an undergraduate student at The University of Texas at San Antonio studying Physics. While she may be dealing with fundamental components of the universe, her involvement in this field of science is huge, especially as an Alaska Native. This virtual interview highlights her internship experiences and why she continues to pursue a degree in this challenging yet rewarding field.
Brandon Rustad
“Always move forward no matter what life throws at you. Always have something to fall back on.”
Brandon Rustad is an Athabaskan Alaskan Native born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska. He is a Journeyman Electrician in the IBEW, as well as an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin Parkside.
Jennifer Ochoa
“I like figuring out how things work. That’s what got me into physics. We need more people in STEM. Indigenous. Minorities. Women. There are very few women in STEM fields.”
Jennifer Ochoa is a senior at the University of Texas in San Antonio, where she studies physics and geology. Born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, her parents are Shirley and Gary Lee. An Inupiaq, she is an enrolled tribal member of the Evansville Tribe. She has lived in San Antonio for over ten years with her husband, Ben, and two sons. A non-traditional student, she returned to school after her sons were older. She previously worked for nine years as a medical technician. She will obtain her diploma in the spring of 2023. She intends to pursue a graduate degree and work for NASA in the future as an astrophysicist/geologist.
Tatiana Ticknor
“Being connected to who you are and learning about your culture really improves your mental health and makes you do better in school.”
Tatiana Ticknor is Dena’ina, Lingit, and Deg Xing, and is the Unguwat Resilience and Connection Program Coordinator for the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
Ticknor has served on a number of youth boards, committees, and panels, including the First Alaskan’s Institute Elders and Youth planning committee; the Aspen Institute’s Champions for Change Youth Board; and the Anchorage Johnson O’Malley Board.
Ticknor’s demonstrated advocacy for improved education, fighting systematic racism, and working on environmental issues resulted in numerous honors. Her notable achievements include receiving the 2014 First Alaskans Institute Community Doer Award; serving as a member of the 2015 Center for Native American Youth Champions for Change; serving as president of the East High School Native Youth Leadership Club; an appointment to the Municipality of Anchorage Youth Commission; and being named a Top 25 Under 25 United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY), 2017 UNITY Earth Ambassador and a 2021 WESTAF Emerging Leader of Color.
In 2015, Ticknor was one of four youths selected nationwide to participate in a panel with former President Barack Obama at the 5th Annual White House’s Tribal Nations Conference in Washington.
Ticknor’s hobbies include supporting the Native Youth Olympics, snowboarding, and learning and teaching her Dena’ina Athabascan language.