Personal and Professional

I have had the privilege of working with Corina over the years in various fields, such as suicide prevention, governance, health, and mental well-being. Her training and experience have made a definite impact on our community, especially with the youth & elders, including leadership. Her spiritual and subsistence way of life are definitely tools to help pave the path to success in any given collaborations or partnerships. She creates opportunities and options to make life easier, better, and fulfilling for individuals, families, and communities.

Percy Ballot Sr., President,  Native Village of Buckland & Maniilaq Association Board Member

Corina  is one of the most remarkable people I know, with a set of professional skills and personal strengths that I have yet to find in another leader. It’s hard to think of an Indigenous- serving organization that wouldn’t benefit from her counsel and example as a manager, strategist, researcher, and communicator.

Corina has a remarkable ability to identify the root of problems, propose thoughtful and actionable solutions, motivate those around her to commit to change, and lead those she is responsible for towards a better future. She invests deeply in her staff and fosters a workplace culture that is highly motivated, culturally grounded, and centered on public service. She challenges those around her to understand the world more fully, engage with perspectives different from their own, and strive to be the best versions of themselves. She is equity-focused and action-oriented, committed deeply to knowledge production as a pathway to social change.  As a person, Corina has a deep and abiding respect for her culture, region, history, and people. She matches this with an unshakable commitment to supporting the individuals and organizations working to improve the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people everywhere.

Lucas Trout, Siamit Director, Harvard Medical School. Sayaqagvik Project Director, Maniilaq Association

Many people talk about how to work effectively and respectfully with Indigenous peoples. Few have the powerful combination of compassion, practicality, and experience that Corina Qaagraq Kramer brings to her guidance and training. Whether she is preparing a seal for dinner or speaking to a boardroom, Corina is entirely her authentic self. In keeping with Iñupiaq values, she emphasizes the positive, teaches with humor, and corrects gently and encouragingly. I hope to be able to continue working with Corina for a long time. 

Henry P. Huntington, Ph.D., Alaskan Environmental Scientist

Over my thirty years doing business here, I strive to make lasting connections.

I have found that honoring and building on these relationships has been my key to success. Corina Kramer is one of those invaluable relationships. On several projects over the past fifteen years

I’ve had the opportunity and pleasure to work with Corina. She knows how to work with people; always offering her A-game and bringing out the best in others. Corina is a creative problem solver with vast skillsets for finding solutions to fit any time frame and budget. She knows how to quickly connect individuals and critical resources. She is a powerhouse when it comes to people – always courteous, confident and ready to dive in with boundless energy and a winning attitude.I find her to be to be a team player and an invaluable asset to any project.

Deborah Schildt , Owner

Alaska Film Services, Inc.

Working with Corina Qaagraq Kramer has been such a joy! The love she has for indigenous communities shines through everything she does. Corina leads with compassion, kindness, and a deep understanding of indigenous values and histories. I am so impressed by her calling to create support structures and opportunities for young indigenous people to lead within their communities and her dedication to supporting young people through community change. I have found her to be a strategic thinker who reflects the Iñupiat Ilitqusiat within everything she does. She is incredibly knowledgeable, well connected, and a fun person to talk to! I hope to continue to support her work to build collections for a Iñupiaq-led Northwest Alaska Archive.

Andrea L. Ogier Assistant Dean, University Libraries, Virginia Tech

Working with Corina has been a transformative experience. She is both insightful and kind as she supports communities and organizations in collaborating and co-creating meaningful and impactful projects.

Erin Yunes, Ph.D, Virginia Tech Postdoctorate Fellow, Rematriation Project