An Interview of Mentor Marva Watson by Protégé Chantae Kochuten
December 1, 2014
Chantae Kochuten
Marva Watson
Director of Diversity and Compliance
University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA)
Where are you from? How did you decide to pursue a career in Alaska?
I am from San Diego, California.
What did you study in college? Was it an easy choice?
I went from studying dentistry to education to finally social justice. I got my degree in Polical Science and Ethnic Studies from UC Santa Barbara.
What is your current position? How would you describe your path to your current position? Did you have anyone you relied on for mentorship/solid career advice?
I am currently UAA's Director of Diversity and Compliance. I'm also the Title IX coordinator and the Director of National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) team at UAA. Through hardwork and determiniation I've worked my way through non-profit and private firms to where I am now, in academia. When I needed mentorship/solid career advice I looked to my family, particularly my uncle, and coworkers.
When did you know you would be a leader?
I knew I was a leader in high school.
Was/Is there ever a time when you felt/feel discouraged by obstacles? How did you address that?
Yes, I am continually faced with obstacles in my career.
Is there a particular person who inspires you? Maybe someone you’ve read about, someone you know? What do you find inspiring about their story?
I am inspired by Dr. King and Angela Davis due to their ability to think beyond themselves. My Aunt Midge's strength has also been an inspiration to me.
It is important 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?
You have to think globally. You have to realize that there are no boundaries. You have to have the ability to never stop having fun.