Originally from Kodiak, Germaine spent the majority of her youth in the Pacific Northwest. She moved back to Alaska in 2016 to assist in empowering Alutiiq Shareholders and Descendants through education. Germaine provides her talents for connecting people and ideas in order to deliver effective solutions for the Koniag Education Foundation. As Executive Director, she serves to expand programs, create opportunities and develop scholarships to ensure Alutiiq students succeed and achieve their goals.

Prior to joining KEF, Germaine worked in a variety of community-based organizations and has over 7 years of experience in the non-profit sector. She is an enrolled tribal citizen and Council Member of the Tangirnaq Native Village, and is a shareholder of both Lesnoi and Koniag, Inc. She also volunteers as a member and Secretary of the Alaska Geographic Board of Directors.

Germaine holds a BA in American Indian Studies from the University of Washington and an MBA from Alaska Pacific University. She enjoys the outdoors, spending time with her family and friends, and traveling.

Lisa is the Scholarship/Office Manager and is an enrolled member of both Afognak Native Corporation & Koniag Inc. She is a strong advocate for higher education and lifelong learning. Lisa grew up in Port Lions and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from UAA. Lisa has worked in the administrative field for the State of Alaska, U of A Kodiak, Afognak Native Corporation, & Kodiak Area Native Association. She has also co-owned and operated a small business on Kodiak Island for 15 years. Lisa enjoys spending time with her family (especially her two grandchildren), traveling with her husband, RV camping, crocheting, and reading mystery novels.

Piiyuuk Qungurkaq-Shields is Yup’ik originally from Nunakauyak (Toksook Bay) in the traditional Qaluyaat region. She is a tribal member of the Nunakauyak Traditional Council and a shareholder at the Calista Corporation. Piiyuuk is a strong advocate for language revitalization and maintenance, education, and social justice. Piiyuuk volunteers her time sharing the traditional knowledge passed down to her by the elders and cultural bearers that helped raise her.

Her passion for learning and sharing has taken her to many villages and communities during her time as Miss Cama-i 2016, Miss WEIO 2017, and after. Prior to working at KEF, Piiyuuk worked as a legislative aide in the office of Rep. Tiffany Zulkosky, focusing on education, and at the Clare Swan Early Learning Center as a Yup’ik Language Nest Coordinator.

As the Program Manager at KEF, Piiyuuk uses her talents of connecting, learning, and sharing culture to connect scholarship recipients to their Alutiiq roots.

Piiyuuk is currently pursuing a BA degree in Elementary Education. Piiyuuk enjoys beading, sewing, traveling, spending time with family, and yuraq-ing (Yup’ik dancing).