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Radhika Krishna Director of Operations, Anchorage Community Land Trust Hometown/Current City: Anchorage Education: B.A. in philosophy, Grinnell College; MBA, Alaska Pacific University Community Work: I’ve had the privilege of volunteering for many wonderful organizations in Anchorage! From 2015 to 2018, I served on the Mountain View Community Council as Secretary and Treasurer, during which time we passed the Mountain View Targeted Neighborhood Plan, started a volunteer day as part of the annual Mountain View Community Clean-Up, and worked with neighbors to advocate for and build assets like new parks and playgrounds. I’ve also served on the Alaska Institute for Justice Board of Directors, on city commissions, and have helped with many of the wonderful community events hosted by the Anchorage Community Land Trust. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? Exploring our beautiful state! What was your first job? My first professional job was actually at the Anchorage Community Land Trust, where I still work! I joined the team (which was three people at the time) in 2013, as an Americorps VISTA, and have been with the organization ever since in a variety of roles. It’s been a joy to see the organization grow over that time, and to have worked with our wonderful team for so many years. What has been your most rewarding community service? I cherish participating in aspects of community service that are often overlooked - like serving on community councils!
In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? I don’t know if I can choose just one! The great thing about being at ACLT for the last decade is getting to see all of the various projects and programs we’ve started, from just an idea to where we are now. In my time as Director of Programs, we started our two major programs:
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Set Up Shop and Grow North Farm. Grow North Farm is now a beautiful site for commerce and community gatherings that is well known across the city. Set Up Shop has now served close to 300 small business owners from our core neighborhoods with training, business services, access to lending, and help with real estate - and now, some of our first graduates have launched their shops on our main commercial corridors. Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give on maintaining a good work-life balance? I’m blessed that my job is to be in the community - it always feels balanced when I get to be not just an employee, but also a neighbor and community member!
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I realize I don’t know very much. None of us knows very much. But we can all learn more.
– Octavia Butler
