Women of the Arctic Council: Jessica Veldstra

You have worked for AIA in various positions for over a decade. What drives your professional development and your career?

To be honest, I stumbled upon working for the Aleut International Association (AIA). They were looking for a project assistant for a project called the Bering Sea Subnetwork which was under the Arctic Council’s Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna Working Group, and I started data crunching and auditing all of the hundreds of responses that they had received for the project.

Then, when the project was finishing, I asked the Executive Director if I could stay on and continue working for AIA. He kept me on board, and my role slowly progressed, increasing in duties, and I began to gain a good understanding of the scope of the work that AIA does and how important it is. It was an unplanned progression that eventually led to me becoming the Executive Director.

There were a few times I thought maybe I should move on in other directions, but the work is so important, and I just couldn't see myself walking away from that. I've made so many friends within the Aleutian region and the Commander Islands, and I enjoy working together on initiatives that matter to the people and the region, preserving the environment and culture for our future generations.

I would also like to share that in the past week I attended a workshop in Edmonton on gender equity in the Arctic and it made me reflect on how I got to where I am today. I am actually an Iñupiaq, so originally my ancestors were from further north, and they migrated throughout Alaska. So, how did I end up working for Aleut International and having such a passion for this work?

I came to think this week that this was instilled from my grandmother, we called her Aaka. Throughout her journey through Alaska, she would move to a community and become a part of that community. She would get to know the people, get to know their traditions and culture, and exchange knowledge practices. Everywhere she went, she just became a part of the community, sharing what she knew as well as learning from what they had to offer, and I think that was just beautiful.

We each have differences, but we also have a lot of similarities and struggle in some of the same ways with the modern world. The way our people and our cultures have had to adapt and adjust to everything that's happening. This was a reflection I had this week and I found it very fitting.

Can you pinpoint a pivotal point in your career or life that has led you to where you are today – and would you be willing to share it with us?

Before coming to work for Aleut International, I was working in the banking industry. It was very routine and mundane, and it became obvious that I wasn't going to be able to grow much there - it really wasn't a good fit. So, I took a break from working and focused on being a mom before I saw the job opening at AIA. If I hadn't left the corporate world, taking a little break, I would have never noticed that opportunity.

You are the Executive Director at Aleut International Association– how would you describe your leadership style/values?

I try to lead by example. I don't expect anybody who works with us to do anything I wouldn't do. And, if there are problems or mistakes, that's on me. I like to empower people and I’m asking myself: how can I help each person that's working with us to achieve their goals and increase and meet their career goals, too?

What do you think are current challenges and opportunities for women in leadership roles?

I'm in a unique position where currently our employees are all female, all of our volunteers, except for one youth, are female, and the AIA board is all female. That in and of itself is very inspiring to see, a lot of women leaders paving the way and taking space in places that benefit the Unangas /Unangan* people.

Do you have a piece of advice for young women who are interested in pursuing a career in Arctic affairs?

Don't be afraid to try new things and keep trying until you find the place that fits right for you. Each opportunity is a chance for personal growth as well as for a wider impact on your community, your region, and internationally really. You just got to be willing to step out there and take the risk, there's lots of people behind you cheering for your success and a lot of mentors that are available to help on your journey.

* Unangas (Western/Atka Dialect)/ Unangan (Eastern Dialect)