Geran Tarr

Adam Elliott Photography

Education: Bachelor's degree in Botany, Environmental Studies and Women's Studies from Ohio University; completing Master's degree in Public Administration (Policy Analysis focus) from University of Alaska Anchorage

Community work: Airport Heights Community Council, Anchorage Women's Commission, Alaska Women for Political Action, Alaska Women's Lobby

Hometown: Akron, Ohio

Best stress reliever: Snowboarding, playing golf, yoga.

Favorite place in Alaska? Besides the top of a mountain, my house, my neighborhood. It's my perfect little spot with my gardens, view of the mountains, access to the trails, close to the university and near daily visits by moose.

Your most memorable experience that could only have happened in Alaska. A trip from Anchorage to Dutch Harbor, where I overnighted, then toured the town. Boarded the ferry and went up the Aleutian Chain, stopping at Akutan, Cold Bay, King Cove, Sand Point, Chignik and Kodiak, viewing active volcanoes and beautiful scenery. Spent a few days on Kodiak, where I visited the rocket launch site, seeing the wild horses and bison, then flew back to Anchorage.

What is the strangest thing you've ever seen in Alaska? The 2006 coin toss to decide who won the Democratic primary for State House. Longtime Rep. Carl Moses lost his seat in a coin toss. It just seemed outrageous, that in 2006, we'd be deciding an election by a coin toss. The use of the special coin, the fur pelt on the floor for the coin to land on, the reactions of the candidates after the coin landed. It was wild. And, I don't think the law has changed.

Name the person you most respect and why. All who give back to their community, who strive to make the world a better place, who feel compelled to share, who are thankful and warm hearted.

Famous quote to live by: First read this quote when I was 16 years old doing volunteer work in the poorest areas of Appalachia. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." — Margaret Mead

How did you make your first dollar? Babysitting.

Favorite superhero? Wonder Woman. She is an iconic figure of strength for women.

What is the best moral lesson learned from a character in a book? "Sastun," a story about a woman herbalist and her apprenticeship with a Mayan healer. The story is one of a beautiful friendship that develops and a reminder of the knowledge that our elders have to share with us, if we allow for that exchange to happen. Our culture has evolved to include them less in our life, but I think being good to our elders is one of the most important standards of what is right or just in behavior and should prompt us all to live a moral life.

Describe something you learned as a child that made a difference in your later years. Growing up my Dad did not buy my siblings and me Christmas gifts. Instead we bought gifts for children at the children's home. My Dad thought we had plenty and that we should give to those in need. I've carried that experience with me into adulthood and everyday take time to be thankful for what I have and give to those in need as much as I can.