Laura Joy Nelson

Adam Elliott Photography

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Master's Degree in Construction Engineering Management from Montana State University - Bozeman

Community work: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, WestPark Owners Association, Associated Builders and Contractors

Family: Husband Erik and black lab Moe Joe

Hometown: Woonsocket, S.D.

Favorite lunch spot? Charley's Grilled Subs

Best stress reliever? Pedicures with my friends at Vina Nails.

Favorite place in Alaska? Anchorage because of the beautiful surroundings with the ocean views and majestic mountains, each day looks unique. There is a multitude of things to do within a few miles of your home whether you want to go shopping, fishing, hiking, dinner or to the theater.

Your most memorable experience that could only have happened in Alaska. On a fishing charter southwest of Seward. The engine was off and we had dropped anchor, along with our fishing lines. Suddenly the boat was hit by something and spun 180 degrees on the anchor line. The "something" turned out to be a humpback whale that we caught a glimpse of before it dove deeper into the water and disappeared.

Name the person you most respect and why. My mom, LaVonne Baysinger. She was the main provider for our family and when I was 8 years old accepted a teaching job in Delta Junction, which moved us to Alaska from South Dakota. She is an excellent music teacher and still loves music. She cares about the students and would spend her free time helping students.

How did you make your first dollar? Digging up grasshopper egg pods for the Cooperative Extension Service in Delta Junction.

What did your pet or child teach you about business? Greet everyone with enthusiasm. Moe Joe is like a subcontractor: You have to guide them throughout the project; you determine their schedule; you will have to clean up after them; and it will never be their fault.

Favorite superhero? Wonder Woman because she can fly, is strong, physically communicates with animals, and can force people to tell the truth with her lasso.

What is the best moral lesson learned from a character in a book? From Aliena in Ken Follett's "Pillars of the Earth." Life can be cruel and unjust but with hard work and determination you can persevere.

What was your biggest challenge in life and how have you overcome it? Earning the guy's respect on the construction jobsite. I've learned that respect comes with knowing the answers to their questions and responding to them in a timely manner. In other words, doing your job to the best of your ability will garner you respect with reasonable coworkers.

What was the least intelligent thing you've ever done or seen and what did you learn from it? In Ninilchik I've seen people out clamming who got stuck on the island when the tide came in and had to be rescued by a boat. I learned that sometimes you should follow the crowd.

Describe something you learned as a child that made a difference in your later years. What you want and what you get is not always the same thing so you better get used to it right now. This was something my mother told me often while I was growing up and it has proved so true in real life.