Aysha Peter is the daughter of Willow Bowen of Tanana and Kendall Peter of Fort Yukon. Her grandparents are the late Patty Elias and David Bowen of Tanana/Minnesota and Gloria Peter and Jack Stackhouse of Fort Yukon.
This summer, Peter worked at Doyon, Limited as the Communications and Marketing Intern. She created posts for social media, designed printed flyers and booklets, as well as helping plan the annual Village Corporation Training and Workshop and Interior Native Vote events.
“The internship provided me with the opportunity to connect and engage with the Native community and learn more about my corporation while also developing professionals skills that will benefit me in the future.”
Peter’s dedication to her community and service to others is a value that has been ingrained in her from a young age and has led her to hold numerous leadership roles throughout her life. Actively participating in student government throughout high school, as well as captain of both the varsity flag football and the basketball teams, have further shaped her character and commitment to others over the years.
For several years she has coached Johnson O’Malley teams, mentoring young athletes while helping them develop their skills. She has worked closely with youth during basketball camps, providing guidance, support, and encouragement. Peter is passionate about being a positive influence and role model, and she takes pride in showing young athletes that there are no limits to what they can achieve when they are driven, work hard, and make good choices. Peter brings energy, enthusiasm, positivity and compassion to everything that she does, traits that will continue to help her on her path and inspire others.
This fall, Peter is continuing her academic journey at Bellevue College, as a member of the women’s basketball program. She is looking forwards to the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level, while getting to represent her Native communities and support systems in Tanana, Fort Yukon, and Fairbanks. She plans to pursue a degree in the healthcare field, aligning with her desire to help others and make a positive impact.
“I am grateful for the tremendous support I have received from my family and extended family, who have always been there for me in my life, offering guidance and encouragement, bringing me the confidence to keep pursuing my dreams,” said Peter.
