2017 Inductees

An Alaska Bar member since 1982, Marcia’s first job in Alaska was as a law clerk to Chief Justice Edmund Burke. Following a career in private practice, Marcia joined BP Alaska as senior counsel. In 1999, she worked for Era Aviation as their General Counsel followed by joining the Department of Revenue in 2007. In 2012, she joined Calista as General Counsel both by helping to grow their business units and working to protect their political voice through redistricting.

In 2014, Marcia returned to public service as Governor Walker’s deputy chief of staff, a position she just recently retired from. Marcia’s volunteerism has been expressed through pro bono legal services, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, her community council service and recently hosting American Foreign Exchange students. Marcia has constantly mentored and supported young women in pursuit of professional career goals. Her friends doubt that she will slow down much in the future.

Cathy started Gleason’s Graphic Design, in 1983, primarily serving nonprofit clients. But volunteer community service has been her primary focus for over 30 years collaborating with public, private and nonprofits on efforts to protect and enhance Anchorage’s waterways, parks, trails and natural areas. Long involved with the Turnagain Community Council she is currently acting President. Cathy has served with Anchorage Audubon Society, Anchorage Citizens Coalition, TREErific Anchorage and Anchorage Waterways Council (AWC), helping organize Creek Cleanup for 10 years.

Her community service has been recognized with numerous awards including AWC’s 30th Anniversary Award for Continuing Dedication, and in 2014, the Alaska Legislature honored her with an award for “Significant and Long- Running Contributions to the Anchorage Community.” Recently, Cathy and her husband donated 36 trees to beautify their neighborhood. Nominator Mark Begich wrote, “Cathy’s life of giving and service does remind us all of the Shel Silverstein book, The Giving Tree.”

Lifelong Alaskan, Denise is known across the state for her advocacy for women’s rights in justice and health care. Motivated to end the high rate of violence and sexual assault committed against Native women, Denise has dedicated much of her time on numerous boards and commissions at the local, state, and federal level. She is a founding member of Alaska Native Women’s Sexual Assault Committee, former chair of the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission, and a former board member of STAR.

She has served as the President/CEO of both the Alaska Native Justice Center and First Alaskans Institute. Denise is a founding member of Alaska Innocence Project. She earned her BA in Justice from UAA and was a member of the inaugural class of APU’s Alaska Native Executive Leadership Program. She recently earned a Master’s Certificate in Health Care Compliance from George Washington University. She is married with two grown daughters.

Fourth generation Alaskan, Kate comes from a family known for its community involvement. She was the Executive VP of Spawn Ideas where her focus was telecom. Kate has a BA in marketing and English. She is a founding member of GWeN, the GCI Women’s Network and serves on Covenant House Alaska and Alaska Community Foundation boards and the UAA Athletics SAA Advisory Board.

She also is a member of the Women’s Giving Circle, is the women’s chair for the GCI Great Alaska Shootout and sits on a Mayor’s office special library task force. She is this year’s co-chair for the Mayor’s Charity Ball and has completed board terms with YWCA of Alaska, Catholic Social Services and the Alaska Chapter of the American Marketing Association, and also volunteers at her sons’ local schools. She is a YWCA Woman of Achievement, a Top 40 under 40, and has won multiple industry awards.

Ileen Sylvester inspires compassion, motivation and positive impacts. The Southcentral Foundation Vice President of Executive & Tribal Services for nearly two decades is a role model leading by example. Ileen is a champion of self-determination and self-governance within the tribal health system. She has worked closely with executive leadership to provide management and direction while reinforcing the application of traditional cultural values in the delivery of care.

She models support and mentorship for the youth internship program; identifies emerging leaders; and gives guidance needed to advance and succeed. She commits time and energy to the Elder Program, advocating for its success. Recognizing learning that can be gained from bringing generations together, Ileen organizes partnerships between the Elder and youth programs, promoting understanding, and strengthening the Native Community. A mother of three, she has received numerous awards including the 2011 Indian Health Service Director’s Special Recognition Award for Public Health Leadership.