BSNC hired nine interns for its 2020 Summer Internship Program. The internship program provides interns valuable experience in the workplace and trainings/workshops on BSNC’s corporate business structure and history, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, speed mentoring with Alaska Native leaders and education on Alaska Native policy issues in addition to many others.
While many other companies canceled their summer internship programs, BSNC made it a priority to host its internship remotely. Through the company’s smooth transition online, BSNC was able to provide the valuable internship program to its shareholders and descendants. Adaptation and resiliency are key values held by BSNC.
BSNC descendant Annalise Contreras is an intern in the Shareholder Development Department and a sophomore at University of Alaska Anchorage, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Speech Pathology. She was born and raised in Nome and is currently living in Anchorage.
BSNC descendant Charlotte Flynn is a second year intern in the Business Development Department and a junior at Northern Arizona University, majoring in Strategic Communications with a minor in Applied Indigenous Studies. She is living in Anchorage and her family is from Nome and King Salmon. “This internship has helped me grow as a young professional and learn about my heritage. I’ve been able to apply whatI’ve learned in school to a real business environment. I’m grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been given through Bering Straits and everyone here truly cares about my growth and success. I would highly recommend this internship.”
BSNC descendant Faith Itta is an intern in the Legal Department and is pursuing a degree in Social Work and a minor in Public Health at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Her family is from Shishmaref but she currently lives in Palmer.
BSNC descendant Allie Ivanoff is an intern in the Communications Department and a freshman at the University of Oregon majoring in Journalism with minors in Music and Native American Studies. She is from Unalakleet.
BSNC descendant Breanna Kakaruk is a Proposal Compliance intern and currently a senior at Oregon State University, double majoring in Management and Business Administration. She is from Anchorage and her family is from Shishmaref.
BSNC shareholder Degnan Lawrence is a second- year intern in the IT Department. He graduated this spring with a degree in Computer Engineering from Harding University. He grew up in Nome and lives in Anchorage.
BSNC descendant Hannah Lowery is a second-year intern in the Operations Department and a junior at Arizona State University majoring in Nursing. She is living in Eagle River but has family from Teller and Wales.
BSNC descendant Cillian McDonagh is interning in the Business Development Department. He was born and raised in Anchorage with family ties in Nome. He is currently a junior at Bowdoin College majoring in Government and Economics and minoring in Music.
BSNC descendant Tristan Merchant is interning in the Shareholder Development Department and currently is a freshman at Portland State University, majoring in Health Science. She was born in Nome and moved to Wasilla.