Employees of the Quarter

Employees are nominated by fellow employees or Kawerak board members for recognition for outstanding work performance. An Employee of the Quarter is someone who takes the initiative to do something beyond his/her job or who has completed a task so well that it greatly surpassed everyone’s expectations. An Employee of the Quarter is an employee who willingly helps out with things outside their normal duties and still completes their normal work duties and takes pride in their work and ownership of their job. Three employees are selected for this honor each quarter. Kawerak is proud to recognize the 2021 Employees of the Quarter for Quarter 1.

Molly Nassuk, Head Start Teacher Aide/Janitor, Koyuk

“Molly demonstrated strong leadership skills during this difficult year. Molly willingly shared her curriculum expertise and time with two new BSSD teachers who praise her saying she’s easy to work with her and is great with Koyuk kiddos, parents and community. Molly communicates with the BSSD District Office with relevant questions, concerns, and suggestions. Molly is clearly an important part of “Team Kawerak/BSSD” and we sure appreciate her!” -Carol Shipe BSSD Early Learning Facilitator

Austin Ahmasuk, Marine Advocate, Nome

“Austin plays an important role within the region, advocating for our marine environment. Austin is often called upon to provide testimony and comments, and respond to various marine issues. For his work on BLM issues, he was called a professional and leader in the region by the Chairman of the board, and his peers recognize him as a leader in his field.Austin presents at national and international forums, educating and advocating for the protection of our subsistence way of life and the importance of our environment. Austin goes above and beyond the call of duty to bring these issues to the forefront and address them with the appropriate federal or State agency, and at times internationally as well. –Mary David, Executive Vice President

Charlene Isabell, Tribal Coordinator*, Teller

“Charlene helps out her village along with others on their CARES Funding Financial Reporting. She lent a helping hand even after hours of her work day. I think she shows exceptional work ethics and customer service skills both on her work time and personal time. She sets another level of care for her coworkers and those around her. Teller is fortunate to have her where she works for her community and others. I cannot express my thanks for all her help more and this nomination is well deserved from Wales. Outside her work she has spearheaded the Teller Festival and made it an outstanding presentation of her community. –Robert Tokienna Jr, Tribal Coordinator, Wales

*Att het time of nomination, Charlene has now transitioned to Kawerak’s Tribal Justice Specialist

 

Team of the Quarter

A Team of the Quarter should be a group (less than 5) who take the initiative across departments or organizations to do something beyond their jobs or completes a task so well that it greatly surpasses everyone’s expectations. A Team of the Quarter is a group of employees who willingly help out with things outside their normal duties to fulfill a special project or task and still completes their normal work duties. A Team embodies the values of Kawerak. We are pleased to announce the Team of the Quarter for Quarter 1 in 2021 is:

Kawerak Tribal Coordinators

“Each Tribal Coordinator worked especially over and above their regular duties during this past quarter. One project was working on the required reports for the CARES Act funds received in each community and contact an Audit Prep company and an Auditor to ensure that each Tribe can pass the required Federal Audit due to receiving CARES Act funds.

Another project for Tribal Coordinators was to work with their Tribal Councils to create and develop a Tribal ID card that could pass Homeland Security Requirements for traveling both within state and out of state travel. This is due to the national REAL ID requirements for travel.

Each Tribal Coordinator was also requested to work with their Tribal Councils to apply for the FCC 2.5 khz Spectrum licenses, which will increase each village abilities for communication.

All the above mentioned duties were all required in addition to their normal duties. As a result of their work, all Tribes completed the required financial CARES Act report, recruited an Auditor, completed the application for the FCC license and either completed their Tribal ID or are working to complete them with the help of the new Progeny machines.

We would like to nominate each Tribal Coordinator for going above and beyond their regular normal duties this quarter and while working at home during this Covid Pandemic to accomplish these additional projects, even through the challenge of working at home.”

– Carol Piscoya & Cheri McConnell

Pictured: Dorothy Barr, Holly Iyatunguk, Karlene Sagoonick, Frances Ozenna, Velma Johnson, Donna Katchatag, Janice Knowlton, Charlene Isabell, Jacinta Martin, Eugenia Jemewouk

Not Pictured: Robert Tokienna Jr., Ruth Otton, Pearl Goodhope, Rhonda West, Tanya Ablowaluk, Kacy Pungowiyi, Amy Johnson, Paula Myomick