"Make it Monday" forum - Trailblazers of Anchorage: Celebrating Women in Business, Past and Present

Trailblazers of Anchorage: Celebrating Women in Business, Past and Present​

In honor of Women's History Month, the Young Professionals Group hosts local businesswomen who will discuss their journeys, challenges, and triumphs in their respective industries. Through engaging discussions, the panel will explore the historical impact of women on Anchorage’s business community, the evolution of opportunities for female professionals, and the lessons learned from past generations. Attendees will gain insight into the resilience, innovation, and leadership of women shaping Anchorage’s economic future while honoring those who paved the way.

Panelists:

• Gretchen Fauske, Director of Special Programs & Strategy, Alaska SBDC
• Celeste Hodge Growden, President/CEO, Alaska Black Caucus
• Kirsten Halpin, CFA®, CAIA®, FRM®, Director of Investments at Alaska Wealth Advisor
• Trina Landlord, Director of Business Development, Future Elder

PLUS, a new member presentation by Cara Fox of ZenFox Solutions.
 

Gretchen Fauske, SBDC Director of Special Programs & Strategy
A marketing minded economic developer fueled by a passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, and small business, Gretchen is the SBDC Director of Special Programs & Strategy. She oversees the TREND, Buy Alaska, SSBCI Technical Assistance, and Mentorship programs, with more on the horizon! Prior to joining Alaska SBDC, she was the Associate Director for the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development, worked in the State of Alaska Division of Economic Development, for U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, and in the private sector.

Gretchen has worked on a number of award-winning economic development projects, spoken at TEDx Anchorage, and was named to Alaska’s Top Forty Under 40 in 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Whitman College and is currently enrolled in the University of Alaska Fairbanks Arctic and Northern Studies masters program, where she’s focusing on Arctic entrepreneurship. Additionally, Gretchen is a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach, and earned her “Advanced Design Thinking,” “Human Centered Strategy,” and “Business Innovation” certifications from IDEO U. She is a member of the Anchorage Downtown Partnership board, and previously chaired the Launch Alaska board and the Municipality of Anchorage Library Advisory Board.
 

Celeste Hodge Growden is a passionate advocate for the well-being and improvement of Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) and marginalized communities. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Celeste is recognized as an instrument of deep change, leveraging her exceptional ability to lead, listen, and empathize with individuals and groups to address and resolve complex community issues.

As the President and CEO of the Alaska Black Caucus since 2019, Celeste develops the organization's vision and strategy, establishes budgets, and collaborates with community partners to eradicate racism. Her leadership has been instrumental in mobilizing efforts that uplift and empower local communities.

Prior to her role at the Alaska Black Caucus, Celeste served as the Executive Director of Shiloh Community Development, Inc. from 2012 to 2019, where she was responsible for strategic and operational oversight, program development, and community partnership cultivation. Her experience in legislative affairs includes serving as a Legislative Staffer for both the Alaska State Legislature under Senator Bettye Davis and U.S. Senator Mark Begich, where she focused on racial and diversity issues and engaged with constituents to advocate for their needs.

Celeste's extensive experience in community outreach and equal opportunity initiatives began in the Mayor's Office of Equal Opportunity for the Municipality of Anchorage, where she managed discrimination complaints and advised the Mayor on racial and diversity matters. Her earlier roles also include serving as a Family Service Counselor and an Office Administrator, showcasing her diverse skill set and commitment to public service.

A graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage, Celeste holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and an Associate Degree in Business, Economics, and Organizational Management. Her dedication to social justice and community empowerment has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2018 The National HistoryMakers Award, 2022 Athena Award and the 2024 Alumni of Distinction Award from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Celeste is actively involved in various community organizations, having served as President of the NAACP Anchorage Branch, where she remains the longest-serving president. She has also contributed to initiatives focused on women's and children's issues, affordable housing, and youth development through her board service with organizations such as NeighborWorks Alaska, Business and Professional Women's North to the Future and First Tee Alaska.

Through her unwavering commitment, Celeste Hodge Growden continues to be a driving force for positive change, advocating for equity and justice for all.

Kirsten Halpin, CFA®, CAIA®, FRM®, Director of Investments at Alaska Wealth Advisors, brings a rigorous analytical approach to portfolio management and trading. Her extensive experience, including roles in investment and operations at Alaska Permanent Capital Management, is underpinned by her commitment to continuous professional development, evidenced by her prestigious industry designations. A skilled communicator, Kirsten excels at demystifying complex financial concepts, a talent she shares as an adjunct instructor at Alaska Pacific University. Kirsten's expertise is complemented by her dedication to community service as Treasurer for the Anchorage Community Land Trust.
 

Trina Landlord serves as the Director of Business Development at Future Elder, an Indigenous and female-owned full-service brand marketing and communications firm where she cultivates client relationships, builds community partnerships, identifies and pursues new business opportunities and writes proposals. Trina has worked in the development field for Alaska Native advocacy and Tribal health non-profits, managed an arts organization that provided a platform for Alaska Native artists and worked in non-governmental organizations and the private sector in the U.S. and abroad. Her work on Alaska Native issues earned her an Indigenous Fellowship at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland where she co-authored an Indigenous Human Rights Training Manual. She worked at a cultural embassy that promoted Alaska in New York City. She was selected as the first Alaskan to participate in the ExxonMobil-sponsored Global Women in Management in Washington, DC, which convened 28 women from over 20 countries for leadership development. Trina has served on the boards of the American Red Cross, Food Bank of Alaska and Alaska Native Heritage Month and was a volunteer radio host of ‘First Voices’ on KNBA 90.3. She was named one of Alaska Journal of Commerce's Top Forty Under 40. She is of Yup'ik heritage, originally from Mountain Village and resides in Anchorage.

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