Miriam Aarons

39

Hometown: Unalakleet/Dillingham/Anchorage

Current City: Anchorage

Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science, Columbia University

Community Work: Board of Directors, Alaska World Affairs Council; Former board member, Anchorage Cops for Community; Board of Directors for the Anti-Defamation League Pacific Northwest Chapter

Family: I am a mom to four sons, including twins, who keep me on my toes! I also have a twin sister (yes, I am a twin with twins) who is a Registered Nurse and she has done really meaningful and impactful work, including through the pandemic. My younger sister is an Assistant Professor of Geosciences and she is an advocate and mentor for students historically excluded from earth science. I am the daughter of Dr. Charlie Aarons (retired) and the late Martha Anagick Aarons of Unalakleet.

What is your favorite place in

Alaska and why? Anywhere with my boys.

Name the person you respect and why

My late mother Martha Anagick Aarons was an incredible role model. She treated everyone with the same high level of dignity and respect, no matter who they were or what they were going through. One day, when I was about 17 years old, we were driving through downtown Anchorage when she saw her cousin sitting in the snow, looking like she was struggling. My mom pulled over, got out of the car, dropped to her knees and gave her cousin a big loving hug. My mom happened to be wearing a long, beautiful fur parka that day and I’ll never forget seeing that moment. She lived Inuit values through her actions, always made time for those in need and she was a huge source of strength and support for our large extended family.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby

away from work? When I am not cooking or cleaning, I love being outside.

V.P. / Corporate Communications, Bering Straits Native Corporation

What was your first job? My first job was commercial fishing with my dad in Bristol Bay at 11 years old. For six long weeks, I picked fish, cleaned, watched the radar and occasionally drove the boat. My mom was also a commercial fisherwoman (herring) and I learned a lot from my parents about making the best of working in challenging environments.

What has been your most rewarding commu-

nity service? I really enjoy serving on the Alaska World Affairs Council Board of Directors. Their programming is incredible.

In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to

be the most fulfilling? Building out BSNC’s

Summer Internship Program was a very professionally fulfilling experience for me. This program has directly and positively benefited the lives of dozens of young shareholders and descendants, and I am filled with pride every time I see a former intern working for BSNC. BSNC’s new Shareholder Development Department now does an excellent job leading this program, and it is wonderful to see it continually grow and improve.

Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give on maintaining a

good work-life balance? Everything you do, you’ll do better with a good night’s sleep. “

A rising tide floats all boats.