The Longevity Leave Award was created in 2019 when Kawerak President Melanie Bahnke went on sabbatical. Melanie reflected, “As many of you know I had the privilege of being selected for a Rasmuson Foundation Sabbatical last year. It provided me an opportunity to take time off from work and spend time with my family fishing and camping. It was very restful and I came back to work energized and refreshed.” She wanted Kawerak staff who have provided invaluable and lengthy service to the organization to have a similar opportunity and privilege.
The award is for long-term (ten years or more), highly productive employees to receive one paid month off of work. The competitive award is merit-based and requires employees to submit an application as well as plan for their leave. Not all employees who meet the years of service threshold will be awarded the leave.
Out of the 30(+) eligible employees, five were awarded for 2020, although the timeframe of taking their leave has been extended to account for the extenuating circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kawerak recognizes the importance of acknowledging our long serving employees and their contributions they have made to their specific department/program and the region as a whole. Kawerak also recognizes the importance of taking time off to reflect on your work, gain insight into what you accomplished in your career and renew your personal energy. Five employees will be selected in 2020, and 4 employees each subsequent year.
Congratulations for the 2020 selections:
Luisa Machuca, VP of Education Employment and Supportive Services, 10 years of service
Annette Henry-Aukon, Head Start Teacher, Golovin, 10 years of service
Charlene Isabell, Tribal Coordinator, Teller, 16 years of service
Anna Whalin, Vocational Rehabilitation Case Manager, 14 years of service
Cheri McConnell, Tribal Affairs Director, 10 years of service
