A Letter from our Co-Chair

Dear Friend,

If you find yourself asking, like myself and many others, “What can I do? How can I help?”

I want to remind you that Alaska Women Ascend has helped over 400 women across the state get involved and find answers to those questions. Our alumnae are now legislators, mayors, assembly members, board members, community activists, non-profit leaders, and mentors.

When I ran for State House in the rural Interior during 2020, AWA gave me the confidence, knowledge, and network to believe I was going to win! Unfortunately, that was not the case. But that run for office opened doors and developed relationships for me that I could never have imagined.

Due to the support systems and supporters I had while running for office, I was appointed by President Biden to serve as the Alaska State Director for USDA Rural Development. Now, I am serving as the Executive Director of the Alaska Public Interest Research Group.

I am excited to announce that I’ve recently joined AWA as Co-Chair, alongside Suzanne Little, because I’m deeply committed to the cause of encouraging and supporting women leaders in our state.

There are two critical changes that we’re working on this year:

  1. First, we’re moving our training to an in-person event that takes place over a weekend. Now, more than ever, we need to build our community, support one another, and make those genuine connections that can only be formed when we’re in the same space. We’re working on the details and will share more information soon.

  2. When I lost my race in 2020, it wasn’t easy to process. I went from an all-encompassing, full-speed-ahead campaign to not knowing what was next. That support network that was there when I was running wasn’t there after I lost. I want AWA to be that support network for women, so they can process and make plans for what’s next.

Whether you’re ready to run for office, lead an issue campaign, or you’re just trying to answer the question “what can I do,” Alaska Women Ascend will give you the tools, skills, and support to turn intention into action. You don’t need to have it all figured out — you just need to take the first step.

Join us. Add your name to the growing community of AWA alumnae and discover what’s possible when we lead together.

We hope to see you in our next training.

In Solidarity,
Julia Hnilicka