At my core, I’m driven by the power of community-led change. I firmly believe that where a person lives and grows has a profound impact on their quality of life and life expectancy. This week, during the Alaska Public Health Association Health Summit, I’m reminded of the important work I get to support as part of the Strategy Group at Rasmuson Foundation.

I’m constantly thinking about the long game for Alaska—how can we address the challenges Alaskans face today, tomorrow, and even 10 years from now? It’s inspiring to know that hundreds of Alaskans are coming together this week to reflect on this very question and I’m excited for the meaningful conversations and collaborations ahead!

No matter the approach, we know Alaskans are always the key to effecting real change across the state. Our strategic grantmaking efforts are often long-term, strategic initiatives intended to bring systems-level change to Alaska. For the past several years, that has included prioritizing efforts to end homelessness, continue the momentum of the Alaska Long Trail, and support equitable access to broadband efforts. All of these are multi-year projects, and we’ve worked with partners across the state, with a shared vision for Alaska.

These strategic grants reflect the Alaska we live in, and the place we hope it becomes. In 2024, these grants helped open tiny homes for homeless elders with the In Our Backyard project and supported organizations like Covenant House Alaska, Fairbanks Neighborhood Housing Services, and more who are doing the hard and important work in their communities every day to create pathways to housing for Alaskans experiencing homelessness.

I think of projects like the Alaska Long Trail, and it excites me to imagine an Alaska with an expanded world-class trail system connecting communities from Seward to Fairbanks. Projects like the Long Trail uplift Alaska –– celebrating our incredible landscapes and wildlife while honoring the desire of Alaskans to travel and play in the place we call home.

One of our 2025 initiatives, supported by our board of directors in June of last year, is the University of Alaska’s Arctic Leadership Initiative. This initiative recognizes the importance of our state’s representation in the Arctic. So many Alaskans are already leaders in this space, and the more we can do to support and uplift them, the better off Alaska is. With the continued changes in this region, we’re investing in Alaska-trained Arctic leaders, advocates and scholars who can make a global-scale impact.

I’m continually energized by the variety of efforts taking shape across the state, many of them grassroots and community-led. As the Foundation enters its 70th year, I look to my colleagues who are driving change and am humbled and motivated by their commitment to our shared future. I’m looking forward to working with you all in 2025, and beyond. 💙