YPG "Make it Monday" Takeover - The Road Less Traveled: Career Path Disruption

Following big shifts in the workspace, marketable employees leave jobs for better opportunities. Sometimes that means a complete career change to achieve work flexibility, better benefits, and less stressful environments. A panel of local professionals will share what pushed them to take the leap and the lessons learned.

Moderator: Jen Motyka, YPG Chair, and Chief Innovation Officer, Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals

Panelists:

• Dimitrios Alexiadis, Founder/CEO, Get-By
• Laura Dean, Financial Advisor, Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC - Ray Clark
• Logan Ketterling, IT Operations Manager, CITC Enterprises Inc. (CEI)
• Abigail McLagan, Partner, Marketing & Sales Executive, Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals
• Skye Nevada, Operations Manager, The Bridge
• Chad Ringler, Founder/Brewer, Brewerks

YPG "Make it Monday" forum Takeovers are open to all Anchorage Chamber members and non-members of all ages.
 

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Dimitrios Alexiadis wouldn’t be where he is without the love & support of his family, friends, and community. He has spent the last 8 years reintegrating into the Anchorage community without reoffending. After formalizing his education at UAA he has gone on to work in many roles in our community. He is a volunteer for the Learning Inside Out Network, and a member of the Anchorage Reentry Coalition Steering Team. He is also the Founder & CEO of Get-By, the gig app for businesses who understand the nuance of reentry and who are willing to give people who don’t mind showing up and working hard a second chance. He’s thrilled to be here! 



 

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Laura Sturdevant Dean graduated from the US Air Force Academy in 2011 with a Bachelors in Political Science. She later earned a Masters in Intelligence Studies from American Military University in 2016. During her eight years as an Air Force Intelligence Officer, Laura was a key player on numerous occasions, such as pinpointing a new adversary trend in which her report was used by the US Embassy in correspondence with the country to prevent further occurrence. Upon leaving the military, Laura became a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch. In 2022, Laura joined Ameriprise Financial as a Financial Advisor, where she utilizes the skills learned as an Intelligence Officer to help her clients prepare for the unknown of the future. She loves to travel with her husband, Colin, and son, Clark, and explore all that Alaska has to offer.

In her free time, Laura serves as an Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Board Member and Chair of their Ambassador Council. In 2022, Laura was awarded the Chamber’s prestigious Volunteer of the Year Gold Pan Award. Laura also served as a Board Member for the Alaska World Affairs Council and American Legion Jack Henry Post 1. She is an Honorary Commander for the JBER Command Chief and continues to champion efforts to improve the lives of veterans and active duty military. Her efforts have been lauded by national leaders of the American Legion and she has received the prestigious Gold Brigade award two years in a row. 
 

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Logan Ketterling is a lifelong Alaskan, born and raised in Anchorage. While not working he typically is out hiking, fishing, or snowboarding in the winter. Currently the IT Operations Manager for Cook Inlet Enterprises, Inc., an administrative subsidiary of Cook Inlet Tribal Council, he recently transitioned career fields from Insurance Sales to Information Technology Management. While initially he expected the fields to be worlds apart, he’s found that despite their differences, there’s commonality found across many industries. 
 

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Abigail McLagan is an Alaska REALTOR® with experience selling over 50+ pieces of real estate at auction; from raw land to residential, commercial, foreclosures, and more. She earned her Auction Marketing Management (AMM) designation with the National Auctioneers Association in 2021 hot on the heels of two municipal auctions for the Kenai Peninsula Borough. Her zest and zeal, combined with her skills in technology, analysis, online marketing, graphic design, and attention to detail make Abigail an absolute asset to every one of her clients throughout the state of Alaska and beyond.




 

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Skye is a lifelong, third-generation Alaskan who has dedicated her life to promoting and increasing involvement within the community. As a graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage, College of Business and Public Policy, she cemented the belief that involvement at any level, whether at home, school, or in the workplace, leads to positive growth and development through authentic and open relationships.

After spending five years in HR for oil and gas and a short stint in the non-profit sector, Skye has returned to her roots as the Operations Manager of Bridge Seafood and Catering. She serves in multiple leadership positions within the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce including the Municipal Activity Committee, the Board of Directors, and previously with the Young Professionals Group. Skye is also an active board member and volunteer leader of many organizations and charity events such as Stand Together Against Rape (STAR) Alaska, the UAA Alumni Association, the Petroleum Club of Anchorage, UAA’s College of Business and Public Policy, the annual Mayor’s Charity Ball, and many more. When not encouraging others to be active community members, Skye finds encouragement for herself out on the water while kayaking with family and friends.
 

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Chad Ringler moved to Eagle River, Alaska in 1985, a military brat, like many others at that time. After graduating high-school, he attended both the University of Alaska, Fairbanks and Anchorage campuses, achieving first, a degree in Biological Sciences, and over a decade later, Civil Engineering.

Throughout his career, Chad has worked as a laboratory technician, performed Osteoporosis research in a clinical setting, and as a Civil Engineer.

In 2020 he began the steps to open his own brewery, Brewerks. Leaving engineering behind, he opened his doors to the public November 2021, serving fresh, locally made beer to Anchorage and the surrounding areas. 
 

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MODERATOR

Jen Motyka is current Chair of the Young Professionals Group as well as Chief Innovation Officer for Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals. She loves the Anchorage community and gives many hours to various nonprofits, including the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Choose Anchorage Leadership Committee, American Legion Jack Henry Post 1 and Alaska World Affairs Council. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and student of the University of Alaska Anchorage. Jen enjoys spending free time with friends and family while cooking, camping and exploring Alaska.
 

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