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 Ana Tatafu, and her mentor, Jed Ballard.

1 Where are you from? How did you decide to pursue a career in Alaska?  “I was raised between Anchorage and Juneau, Alaska. I like the outdoor activities and the career opportunities in Alaska.”

2 Where did you go to college? What did you study in college?  “I went to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and I studied Bachelor of Business Administration 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?  “Yes, I had a partner whom I worked with at KPMG. The partner told me if you don’t dedicate yourself to do something, you won’t do it. The most important leadership advice shared is to have a plan and just do it.”

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?  “What should be conveyed to our next generation of leaders is the importance of giving back to the community. The importance of time and used of financial resources to help others better their lives.”

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, I give you permission. No, thank you.”