The mission of the Conference of Young Alaskans is to connect young Alaskans to a rich history, a vibrant present and a thriving future. The conference will draw delegates from across the state to consider the challenges facing Alaska and her people. Together, delegates will develop an overall vision statement, goals and proposed courses of action in five issue areas.
COYA delegates represent the voice of Alaska’s next generation of leaders, demonstrating the potential and possibility of Alaskans putting aside their differences to work together for the common good. A major goal is to recreate the atmosphere of unity and cooperation that marked the struggle for statehood. At the same time, conveying to young Alaskans the many aspects of our history that together shape our future is a primary goal of COYA.
Delegates also receive a primer on current issues and, together, articulate a path for Alaska’s future. This is a learning opportunity and provides young Alaskans the chance to demonstrate leadership, facilitation, negotiation and strategic planning skills.
Meet the 2012 Delegates:
From Institute of the North (Showing 41 of 207 items)
- Jean Bennett Craig H.S. My name is Jean Bennett and I have lived in Alaska for my e…
- Drake Goodson Ketchikan H.S. Hello! My name is Drake Goodson; I live in Ketchikan, …
- Reid Magdanz Yale University Reid grew up a true resident of the Bush, spending his …
- Michelle Fernandez Anchorage Christian School Filipino born, Alaska grown. I lived i…
- Emmie (Emelia) Van Wyhe Kenny Lake School My name is Emmie Van Wyhe, and I’m a junio…
- Leonty Williams Sitka Tribe of Alaska My name is Leonty Williams. My Lingit name is …
- Wendi Castellon Kodiak H.S. My name is Wendi Castellon I am seventeen years old. I…
- Sharayah Foster The University of Arizona Sharayah Foster is currently a graduate st…
- Samuel McElwee UAS I was born on a working farm in rural Texas, but my family moved…
- Brianna Webb Administrative Assistant, Dental; UAF Community & Technical College My …
- Lauren Heyano Ploaris K-12 I grew up in South Naknek, Alaska and now live in Anchora…
- Hannah Atkinson Lewis & Clark College My name is Hannah Atkinson. Home has been Kotz…
- Joshua Proper University of Arizona School of Law My name is Josh Proper. I am an Ah…
- Adele (Helen) Solski Lathrop H.S. Adele Solski is currently a senior at Lathrop High…
- Krista Soderlund Oregon State University My name is Krista Soderlund and I am studyi…
- Samuel Gottstein Sen. Wilechowski’s Office Sam is a third-generation Alaskan, born…
- Paige Bowen Barrow H.S. I am the daughter of Sue and Guy Bowen. I was born and have…
- Sonia Christensen State of Alaska, Office of the Governor Sonia Christensen was born…
- Alissa Joseph ASDF&G Alissa Nadine “Anguksuar Qiuran” Joseph is the eldest daug…
- Glenn Gregoroff North Pole H.S./FFA Hello my Name is Glenn Gregoroff. I mostly go by…
- Jalene Herron Gonzaga University Jalene Herron was raised along the banks of the Kus…
- Penny Gage Rasmuson Foundation Penny Gage was raised in southeast Alaska in the comm…
- Matthew Robinson UAF/History Major I was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska. I gra…
- Clarissa Zeller UAF Her hometown is Red Devil, Alaska, that lays on the Kuskokwim ri…
- Jenna Schmidt UAF Hailing from Nome, Alaska, Jenna Schmidt is finishing her 5th year…
- Nathaniel Rubin Yale University Nathaniel Rubin is a freshman at Yale University. B…
- Jennifer Chaudhary UAA Jennifer Dianne Chaudhary was born on May 25, 1993 and grew u…
- Desiree Strickland Galena Interior Learning Academy My full name is Desiree Donna (A…
- Kirk Rose Anchorage Community Land Trust Kirk Rose is a proud partner in revitalizin…
- Chaylene Mills Valdez H.S. I am 16 years old, a junior at Valdez High School, in Val…
- Jeremia Schrock UAF Jeremia Schrock is an award-winning journalist based in Fairbank…
- William Willis Steller Secondary School I am a senior at Steller Secondary School. I…
- Elise Sorum-Birk UAS/ Juneau Montessori School Elise Sorum-Birk grew up between the …
- Jodie Gatti Ketchikan Charter Boats, Inc. Jodie Gatti was born and raised in Ketchik…
- Mylinda Johnson UAF Mylinda Sue Johnson was born in Fairbanks, Alaska in 1993. She …
- Ashley Sockpick KANA/Woody Island Tribal Hello All! My name is Ashley Sockpick, Eski…
- Bryant Hopkins UAF Bryant Hopkins is a senior at the University of Alaska Fairbanks…
- Shelby Fisher-Salmon Cruikshank School Neekhwanjit doonch’yaa shalak naii? Shoozhr…
- Jon Derman Harris Stanford University Jon DH was born and raised in Anchorage, and i…
- Kate O’Brien Spirit of Youth Kate spends her time searching for amazing teens acro…
- Timothy Treuer Harvard University I graduated in 2006 from West Anchorage High Schoo…
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