Carol "Isoaqiq" Wren

Adam Elliott Photography

Education: Master's Degree in Vocational Education from the University of Alaska Anchorage, Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Pacific Lutheran University, Certified Public Manager-Level I from UAA, Global Career Development Facilitator from the Center for Credentialing and Education

Community work: Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Facing Foster Care in Alaska, Alaska Institute of Technology, Alaska Native Coalition on Employment and Training, 21st Century Conservation Service Corp. Advisory Committee, Municipality of Anchorage's Public Transit Advisory Board

Family: Husband Eric, daughter Jade, son Kenny, Hammy the Hamster

Hometown: Born in Kotzebue and raised in Dillingham

Favorite lunch spot? Mountain View Diner. I can get a great lunch and support a great program that is changing lives!

Best stress reliever? Visiting with friends who can make me laugh!

Favorite place in Alaska? Nick and Eunice Wahl's cabin up the Nushagak River in Dillingham. It is a peaceful place full of great memories of fishing "up-river" animal watching and spending time with family.

Your most memorable experience that could only have happened in Alaska. Attending the "Qagruk" (Whaling Festival) in Point Hope when my brother was part of the crew that caught a whale. My daughter and I were part of an amazing three-day tradition. We helped my brother's extended family and experienced the importance of sharing of the catch that provides for the whole community. It was the first time that I got to do the "Naluqatuq" (the blanket toss).

Famous quote to live by: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" — Maya Angelou

How did you make your first dollar? Babysitting my nephews. Boy, did they make me work!

What did your pet or child teach you about business? My kids have taught me the importance of creativity and fun. When you enjoy what you do and let your imagination flow then you find happiness and success.

Favorite superhero? Super Nanny! With two children who test my patience on a daily basis, watching her work her magic and share tips/tricks to help parents stay sane, why wouldn't you love her!

What is the best moral lesson learned from a character in a book? I like to read memoirs, especially about Alaskans. They remind me to work hard, never give up and find humor in life!

What was your biggest challenge in life and how have you overcome it? Self-doubt and believing that my perspective/voice is worth sharing. I've made lots of progress in overcoming this challenge but know that I will always have room to grow and improve in this area of my life.

What was the least intelligent thing you've ever done or seen and what did you learn from it? Let's just say, thank God for dull lawn mower blades. I learned that it's much easier and safer to fix a lawn mower when it's not running!

Describe something you learned as a child that made a difference in your later years. I was taught to listen and that has served me well in both my personal and professional life. (The only person who may disagree that I am a good listener is my husband).