Shareholder Development’s primary goal is to maximize shareholder potential by educating, developing and engaging shareholders as they pursue meaningful career and life goals. We like to share stories from our shareholders on the Ahtna website and in company materials, such as the Kanas newsletter, to elevate awareness about our programs.

What is your full name?

Tvetene John Carlson

What are your parents’ and grandparents’ names?

My parents are Vernon Carlson and Susan Carlson. Grandparents on my dad’s side are Bud Carlson and Edna Carlson; mom’s side are Donna Ericksen and Robert Ericksen, with Diane Ericksen.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Cantwell, Alaska.

Where do you live now?

I am living in Cantwell right now.

Education: Are you currently enrolled in school? If so, where, what year are you and what is your major? If graduated, where did you go to school, what year did you graduate and what degree(s) did you earn?

I just graduated this December 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and minor in Mathematics at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Why did you choose your major?

I chose engineering because I had attended many of the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program’s summer components and enjoyed the designing part of the engineering activities. I chose civil engineering specifically because they are the engineers that spend the most time outside on the job.

What are your plans for the future?

I will be starting an internship soon with Ahtna Engineering Services. After that I will be attending graduate school at UC Berkeley. I plan on studying and working for a few years, get some exploration out of my system, before returning to Alaska.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy reading, snow machining, beading and playing video games.

What would you tell shareholder youth today?

Experiment, see what’s out in the world to do for work and fun, and remember that you can always come home if things get too hectic.

What do you think is the most important part of being an Ahtna shareholder?

Having a tradition to carry on.

If you could coach other Ahtna shareholders on the importance of voting in shareholder elections, what would you tell them?

I have recently become a shareholder after receiving my shares from my dad, so I have not participated in shareholder elections yet. However, elections are important because it is how we choose our leaders by voting. It is every person’s duty to vote and represent yourself, your family and your community by choosing the people who, by your informed judgment and knowledge, will best lead us into the future.