Born and raised in Cordova, Alaska, Rachel Kallander grew up with the motto “know who you are, know who you represent.” Rachel carries that motto with her today, and it drives her work on behalf of Alaska and the Arctic. As the founder and executive director of Arctic Encounter, Rachel convenes the largest annual Arctic policy and business conference in the US today. With over 1,000 attendees this year—including Ambassadors, US Senators, dignitaries, indigenous and youth leaders—Arctic Encounter convened panels on important topics ranging from climate change, energy development, healthcare, and more. Also the founder and CEO of Kallander & Associates, Rachel works to effectively engage the issues and opportunities affecting Alaska and the Arctic through bipartisan policy development and creative collaboration. From working with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to owning and publishing the 114-year-old Cordova Times, Rachel’s goal is to make sure that when it comes to Alaska and the Arctic, the health of the environment and the people are a key part of the conversation.
Rachel joins hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson to discuss her passion for the Arctic region and how growing up in a fishing family in Alaska anchors her mission. Tune in to hear about Rachel’s journey form working with Senator Murkowski (R-AK) to becoming the publisher of Prince William Sound’s oldest newspaper, the Cordova Times, established in 1914. And don’t miss the story of being named an Honorary Consul to Alaska by the government of Iceland! Tune in now!
