Keeping tribes connected with double UAA degrees

Kalani Tucker is well-versed in the art of connection - her job revolves around it. As the tribal and board relations manager for Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC), she oversees governance for CITC, supports the board of directors and executive leadership, and serves as the point of contact for all eight tribes in the region.

Tucker has already received two degrees from UAA: her B.B.A. in 2019 and her M.B.A. in spring 2026. She's immensely grateful to UAA for the opportunity to get a good education in the field she was interested in while staying close to home, especially since she always intended to stay and work in Alaska after graduating. Both of her brothers also went to UAA, so it was an easy decision to become the third Seawolf in the Tucker family.

Some of her fondest memories are of studying: Study rooms with her friends, cramming for tests in the Spine and staying in the library until it closed. "I remember music playing over the speakers telling us it was time to go, and we'd walk out in the winter to it being pitch black and freezing," she laughs. She was also part of Native Student Council and the Generation Action club, both of which kept her busy with events on campus.

She learned a lot during her time as a student, and not just in the classroom. "When things are challenging or it feels like you're swimming against the current, it's really important to use the resources available to you." Her advice for students interested in a tribal career is to start building connections before you graduate, whether that's in the form of student clubs or making connections with faculty. It's all about staying in touch with people and using those connections. "Anchorage is a small town and you can really use that to your advantage sometimes, especially in business."

Tucker was honored to be included in this year's Alaska Top Forty Under 40 list, something she said came as a pleasant shock. "The crazy part is that I sat down in January 2025 to write out goals for myself, and getting Top Forty Under 40 was one of my long-term goals. I definitely didn't expect to cross it off so quickly, but I'm so proud. I used to see other business leaders getting the award, and I would think, 'I'm gonna get on that list some day.'" She originally thought she'd have to go out of her way to be on the list, but she was pleasantly surprised to learn that CITC nominated her without her having to ask.

Though she's already earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees, Tucker is excited to keep coming back for additional classes and certificates. She even says there's a possibility she'll come back to teach someday! "I hope to keep my relationship with UAA lifelong; that's for sure."