UAA College of Business and Public Policy

The College of Business and Public Policy's Leadership Fellows Program pairs high-performing CBPP students with a mentor in the Anchorage business community, giving students the opportunity to learn about real-world leadership from local business leaders. This year’s cohort includes 21 CBPP students, called protégés, and their mentors. To begin the program, each protégé interviewed their new mentor, and every week, we will feature one of these interviews with the mentors, who share their thoughts on leadership. This week’s featured protégé/mentor pairing is Daisey Davenport, and her mentor, Michele Schuh.

1 Where are you from? How did you decide to pursue a career in Alaska?  “ I was born in San Diego, CA but moved to Anchorage, AK in 1968. I decided to pursue a career in Alaska because I loved the state and I knew I wanted to pursue a career in Accounting.”

2 Where did you go to college? What did you study in college?  “I attended college at the University of Washington and majored in accounting.”

3 Did you have anyone you relied on for mentorship/solid career advice? If yes, what is the most important leadership advice they shared with you?  “I was working for a global corporation and was in the process of working on a training program for the company. I was given the opportunity from the company’s CEO to lead and develop the program. He gave me the permission to lead the program and how those steps would be carried out. The advice I was given from the CEO was to take ownership of the project and believe in my ability to carry this out. Having someone believe in my skill and trust I was able to accomplish this task was very impactful. This moment taught me the importance of belief in oneself and how it can change our outlook as a professional.”

4 It is important and beneficial for CBPP and Anchorage’s business community to collaborate and invest in the next generation of leaders. What do you think should be conveyed to our next generation of leaders?  “I believe the next generation of leaders should choose to have an impact where they can. Future leaders need to focus on how they can make a difference in their careers and community. The next generation owns the future and should focus on impacting the people around them through the choices they make as young professional and a member of their community. ”

5 CBPP will be highlighting each mentor and protégé pairing on the front of it’s website during the academic year. Do I have your permission to have this interview and our mentor/protégé pairing highlighted on the website? Is there anything else you would like to add? “Yes.”