Intern Success Stories

Dawn Dinwoodie

Dawn Dinwoodie graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1992 with a bachelor’s in business administration with an emphasis in finance. She minored in Alaska Native studies.

Prior to her graduation, Dinwoodie served as an intern at Doyon, Limited. She describes the experience as “life-changing.” Dinwoodie credits this pivotal point in her career to the mentoring she received under Robin Renfroe while interning. Working closely with Renfroe, Dinwoodie developed skills that gave her confidence to move forward.

One of the many skills she learned was leadership. Seeing Renfroe’s commitment to the mission, and watching Renfroe accomplish set goals, while exercising respect, showed Dinwoodie a model of leadership she still uses today. Following her internship, Dinwoodie applied her newfound skills to her career and quickly rose to a leadership position.

With a nudge from her mentor, Dinwoodie ran for Doyon, Limited’s board of directors and was elected. She served on the Doyon, Limited board of directors from 1994 to 2003. She also worked with other Alaska companies in the fields of economic development, public relations, marketing, event planning, and development. Dinwoodie also served on the board of directors for the Doyon Foundation from 2000 to 2009, eventually rising to board President.

“I have had other internships, but my internship at Doyon was different. I felt the people that worked at Doyon were truly interested in helping me and wanted me to succeed.” – Doyon Shareholder Dawn Dinwoodie

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