BSNC Welcomes 2026 Summer Interns

BSNC is excited to welcome this year's outstanding group of 16 interns who bring energy, curiosity, and dedication to their work. These emerging leaders are gaining valuable experience across BSNC's departments and companies.

Kiera Angnaboogok

Hello, I'm Kiera Ayayat Amisimaq Angnaboogok. My family is from Shishmaref and Wales, Alaska. I live in Eagle River, Alaska. My father is Edwin Ningealook and my mother is Vernae Angnaboogok. My maternal grandmother is Edith Pinson and my paternal grandparents are Daniel and Evelyn Olanna. I graduated from Mt Edgecumbe High School Class of 2026 and will be attending Fort Lewis College in the fall. I'm seeking a degree in Exercise Physiology. I love going fishing, as well as traveling and spending time with friends and family. I'm looking forward to learning more about networking and communication skills.

Shane Angnaboogok

My name is Shane Angnaboogok and my Iñupiaq name is Kokituk. My family is from Shishmaref and Wales, Alaska. My parents are Dallas Ningealook from Shishmaref and Vernae Angnaboogok from Wales. My grandparents, Daniel and Evelyn Olanna, are from Shishmaref, and my Aaka, Edith Pinson, is from Wales. I currently attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where I recently earned my associate degree in Process Technology. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in finance and economics. I have interned with Bering Straits Native Corporation during the summers of 2023, 2024, and 2025 in Operations and Risk & Safety. Through this internship, I hope to continue building my professional experience, strengthen my leadership and communication skills, and learn more about the different opportunities within BSNC.

Shana Atchak

My name is Shana Atchak, and my Yupik name is Qanrilaq. I am from Stebbins. My parents are Allen and Becky Atchak from St. Michael and Stebbins. I have 2 daughters, Alexandria and Ayla.

I am currently attending the University of Alaska Anchorage, where I am pursuing an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Development and an Associate of Arts degree in Alaska Native Studies. This summer, I will be interning at Alaska Industrial Hardware in Wasilla, where I hope to learn more about the retail business and gain professional experience. Last summer, I completed an internship with Environmental Management Inc. I enjoy staying connected to my Yupik culture and participating in subsistence activities such as camping, fishing, sewing, dancing, and gathering traditional foods.

Brewster Bohn

My name is Brewster Solomon Bohn and I am from Anchorage, Alaska, born and raised. My mom grew up in Nome and my father is from Michigan. My mom's side of the family is from the Village of Solomon. My grandma on my mom's side, Helen Curran Sr., was one of the

students at the school in Solomon that is now a B&B. I currently attend Montana State University, though I previously attended UAA as part of the Alaska Middle College School program in high school. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, with a minor in History. I'm looking to learn more about the field of work that I am going into and hope to come out of it understanding what to expect when I graduate and begin to pursue a career here in Alaska. My traditional name is Gummick, after my late grandfather. I am fluent in Spanish and speak a bit of German and Japanese as well. I hope to one day graduate and begin a career that connects to my home, such as work for the village of Solomon or the state of Alaska.

Ash Desarro

Hi my name is Ash Desarro and I am from Madison, Alabama. My family is from Unalakleet in the Nome Census Area. I currently attend the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, GA, majoring in Motion Media Design. Through this internship I would like to learn more about where my family comes from as well as how to design for internal communications in a company. My traditional name is Qugia, given to me by my grandmother. I also was a competitive archer for eight years. I am very excited and look forward to Interning this summer!

Beth Ivanoff

My name is Beth Ivanoff, and I am from Unalakleet, Alaska. My family is also from Unalakleet. My parents are Jacklyn Ivanoff, and my grandparents are Allen and Jobina Ivanoff. I am currently enrolled at the University of Alaska Anchorage, pursuing an associate's degree in Alaska Native Studies. Something I would like to learn more about from this internship is how BSNC supports Alaska Native people and communities through opportunities, programs, and economic development, how professionals work together to support shareholders, and how business decisions can positively impact communities across the region.

Joshua Ivanoff

My name is Joshua Ivanoff, I am from Anchorage with family from Unalakleet. My parents are Curtis and Kristi Ivanoff, and my grandparents are Henry and Betty Oyoumick. I will be graduating from Liberty University in May of 2027 with a degree in accounting and data analysis. I had the opportunity to intern last summer in the accounting department and will do so again this summer. After graduating, I plan on becoming a Certified Public Accountant.

Sarah Nanouk Jones

My name is Sarah Napalgalġia Nanuuġaq Nanouk Jones, Inupiaq from Unalakleet, and I am a second-year Fisheries, Wildlife, & Conservation Science major at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. I am specifically interested in fisheries biology, conservation, and sustainability. I enjoy spending time in nature, particularly during the summers and falls, when I hunt, fish, and pick berries in Unalakleet. My parents are Jolene Nanouk and Wesley Jones; my grandparents are Thresea and Peter Nanouk and Helen and Ward Jones. Through the BSNC Summer Internship Program, I hope to build and work on my leadership, public speaking, and networking skills.

Parker Kenick

I am Parker Kenick and I am from Nome, Alaska. My family currently lives in Nome but comes from King Island, Nunivak Island, and across the United States. My parents are Jake and Theresa Kenick. My grandparents include Raymond and Sylvia Penetac, Ben Labinski, and Leora Kenick. I graduated from Nome Beltz in 2022 and from the University of Alaska Fairbanks this spring with an Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology. I plan to go back to earn a certificate for Automotive Technology. Through this internship I would

love to gain some shop experience and get familiar with that field before I go to school for it.

Ashley Maxwell

Hello my name is Ashley Maxwell. I'm from Anchorage, Alaska and my family is from King Island. My parents are Ricky and Brenda Maxwell, my grandmother is Lillian Tiulana. I'm currently attending the University of Alaska Anchorage and am seeking a Marketing degree.

I'm looking forward to learning more about how BSNC balances business goals while supporting shareholders and communities. My traditional name is Okbaok and Adoyuk.

I previously interned in the Media and Communications department last summer with BSNC. Something interesting about myself is that my family has a dance group that has been sharing their songs and dances for generations.

Isaiah Nayokpuk

Hello, my name is Isaiah Avery Keok Nayokpuk. I was born in Fairbanks and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, with family connections from Shishmaref and Chefornak. I was raised by Percy and Sheila Avugiak. My grandmother, Arlene Avugiak, is originally from White Mountain and my grandfather, John Avugiak, is from Chefornak. Percy and Inez Nayokpuk are my grandparents on my mom's side of family. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration at Alaska Pacific University (APU).

This will be my third internship with BSNC, and I look forward to continuing to grow my understanding of business operations and learning more about how Native Corporations serve their communities.

Jolene Okleasik

My name is Jolene Okleasik, my family comes from Teller, Qawariaq, Brevig and Little Diomede. My parents are Barbara Menadelook and the late Isaac Jr. Okleasik. My maternal Grandparents are Emily (Adam) and Norman Menadelook Sr. My late paternal Grandparents are Agnes (Kakaruk) and Isaac Okleasik Sr. I'm currently attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks remotely and am seeking a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. I'd like to learn more about corporate business practices and just gain more work experience. My traditional name is Uqasaaq (named after Cecilia Topsekok). My goal is to become educated in Business Management and work in our region; we need more homegrown management.

Riley Snider

My name is Riley Snider and I am from Anchorage. My family is originally from St. Michael, and we are of Yu'pik descent. My mom, Alisa Wedin, works in the Communications Department at Bering Straits Native Corporation, and my great-grandmother, LaVerne Snider, is from St. Michael.

I recently graduated from West Anchorage High School and will be attending the University of Puget Sound this fall, where I plan to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Through this internship, I hope to gain firsthand experience in the professional world and continue developing skills that will help me in my future career.

Krista Spath

Hello I'm Krista Spath and I'm from Anchorage, Alaska. My family is from Shishmaref. My mom is Jennifer Snigaroff. My grandma was Viola Seetomona and my grandfather was Max Seetomona. I went to the University of Alaska Anchorage and recently graduated with a degree in Music Education and a minor in Anthropology. I am interning at Central Recycling Services and hoping to gain experience so I can eventually make my way to working in a school setting.

Alexa Wedin

Hello, my name is Alexa Wedin. I have called the Anchorage Municipality my home since I was born. My parents were both raised in Soldotna, Alaska, and moved to Anchorage as young adults to attend the University of Alaska Anchorage. I am a Bering Straits shareholder descendant, as my grandmother is a Bering Straits shareholder. I am currently attending Liberty University in pursuit of my Bachelor'sdegree in government. After graduating with this degree, I hope to attend law school to become an attorney. I am eager to learn more about law by understanding other people's experiences in the career field. Additionally, this internship program provides an opportunity for me to be immersed in the culture of my state and my people.

Madeline Wedin

My name is Madeline Wedin and I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. My parents are Benjamin and Jessica Wedin. My paternal grandmother, Debra Wedin (née Snider), is Native and her mother, Larvene Sullivan, was from St. Michael, Alaska.

I am currently attending the University of Alaska Anchorage, where I am studying Dietetics and Nutrition. My goal is to become a registered dietitian and work in healthcare, serving communities across Alaska. Alongside my college studies, I also study music and play piano.

Through this internship, I hope to learn more about Bering Straits Native Corporation and gain a deeper understanding of the work they do. I am especially excited to work in Shareholder Development and learn more about that process. I am also looking forward to being part of a team and gaining communication and collaboration in a professional work environment.

Something interesting about me is that I am an identical twin. My twin and I look very alike, but we have different personalities!