With the goal of providing professional and personal development for CIRI shareholders and descendants, CIRI’s inaugural Virtual Mentoring Program kicked off Oct. 8. Mentor and mentee pairs will meet virtually and communicate regularly for the program’s six-month duration.
Matches were chosen based on compatibility and personal and professional objectives, with participants spread across the country. Mentee interests include Alaska Native culture, architecture, education, health care and sports statistics, as well as developing skills like communication, leadership and professionalism. Both mentors and mentees will have a chance to learn about CIRI and its family of socially-driven enterprises, as well as Alaska Native culture and history.
CIRI hosted a kick-off orientation in early October and will facilitate monthly workshops. Orientation provided an opportunity for matches to meet via Zoom and for CIRI to explain the participation timeline and assist in creating a development plan. Participants will have the opportunity to network, form lasting relationships, and take advantage of resources and information to benefit their personal and professional advancement.
Since the program takes place virtually, location is not a limiting factor; CIRI is pleased to offer this program to our shareholders and descendants wherever they may live. We look forward to sharing more about the CIRI Virtual Mentoring Program in the months ahead!
HOW TO APPLY
Applications for the CIRI Virtual Mentoring Program are accepted year-round. Participants must be 18+ and can live anywhere in the world. Mentee applicants should be CIRI shareholders or descendants; prospective mentors can come from the broader community.
The second cohort application deadline is April 30, 2022. Both mentees and mentors must commit to the program for six months. To apply, complete the online application form at ciri.com/mentorship.
MENTOR: TIA HALE
At a glance:
- CIRI shareholder
- Labor and delivery nurse
- Currently pursing a master’s degree at the University of Alaska Anchorage
Tia currently works as a labor and delivery nurse at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. She holds bachelor’s degrees in both exercise and sports science and nursing. Tia and her family moved from Anchorage to Oregon in 1997, and she moved back to Alaska with her husband and children 20 years later. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in nursing at the University of Alaska Anchorage and working to balance a career, parenthood and graduate school. After she obtains her master’s degree, Tia plans to become a commissioned corps officer with the U.S. Public Health Service.
MENTEE: ANNALISE SCHLAFER
At a glace:
- CIRI descendant
- Student
- Currently pursuing a master’s degree at the University of San Diego
Current graduate student and aspiring health-care worker Annalise is working toward a master’s degree in nursing, with the long-term goal of becoming a nurse practitioner, doctor or advanced clinician. Her goal in joining CIRI’s Virtual Mentoring Program is to find a mentor who works in health care and can offer advice and perspective. Annalise is also interested in learning more about CIRI and the Alaska Native community.
Main Objectives:
- Personal and professional development
- Networking and relationship-building
- Improve stress-management and communication skills
- Learn about CIRI and Alaska Native culture; become more involved in her corporation and gain a deeper understanding of her heritage
