UAA Alaska SBDC's Gretchen Wieman Fauske named to Anchorage ATHENA Society, Class of 2026

UAA's Alaska SBDC is proud to share that Gretchen Wieman Fauske, director of Strategy and Special Programs, has been selected as a member of the Anchorage ATHENA Society, Class of 2026.

Each year, the Anchorage ATHENA Society, in partnership with the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, recognizes outstanding women for their leadership and excellence in business, meaningful community service beyond their professional roles, and their dedication to helping other women reach their full potential. Induction into the ATHENA Society honors sustained impact, integrity, and a commitment to lifting others.

Gretchen's career reflects a consistent focus on strengthening Alaska's economy while expanding opportunity for women and entrepreneurs. At Alaska SBDC, she leads strategic initiatives that remove barriers, build practical pathways for business growth, and connect people to the tools they need to succeed.

She founded the Alaska SBDC Summit, now in its third year, bringing together entrepreneurs and partners from across the state to explore innovation and real-world business solutions. She identified the need for and launched SBDC's first Credit Counseling Program, which provides up to 12 months of individualized coaching to help small business owners strengthen credit and access capital. Most recently, she created the Take Wing Initiative, a pilot program that connects survivors of gender-based violence to confidential business advising and credit repair services, recognizing entrepreneurship as a pathway to long-term economic stability and independence.

Throughout her career, Gretchen has intentionally advanced women's leadership and economic participation. Her research and public storytelling on women's entrepreneurship and Alaska's gender pay gap helped translate complex data into accessible insights that informed community conversations and programming. She has mentored emerging leaders, supported women founders through accelerators and workshops, and created platforms that elevate women's voices and expertise.

Gretchen is also a trusted leader in nonprofit governance. She has served as board chair for every organization she has supported, including Launch Alaska and the Anchorage Downtown Partnership, guiding organizations through growth, executive transitions, and complex challenges with steady leadership and long-term vision.

Her work has received national and statewide recognition, including multiple Awards of Excellence from leading economic development organizations and recognition as an Alaska Journal of Commerce Top Forty Under 40. She continues to invest in lifelong learning through her graduate studies in Arctic and Northern Studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where her research focuses on entrepreneurship and economic development in Alaska's northern communities.

Across all of her work, a clear theme emerges. Gretchen builds systems that help others succeed. She opens doors, strengthens organizations, and creates opportunities for women and entrepreneurs to lead with confidence.

Alaska SBDC is honored to celebrate Gretchen's induction into the Anchorage ATHENA Society and grateful for the leadership she brings to Alaska SBDC and communities across the state.