Announcing Matthew Iya 2020 Awardee –

Kendra Nichols-Takak!

Each year Kawerak employees have the opportunity to nominate a fellow employee who helps make Kawerak a great place to work.  This award is in memory of the late Matthew Iya, who was our Eskimo Walrus Commission & Housing Improvement Director in the 1980’s and early 1990’s.  Matthew was a very hard worker, professional, and kind. He accomplished a lot, always had a great attitude and a smile on his face.  He brought a sense of fun and camaraderie to the workplace, he was a creative thinker, who thought of our people first, he went the extra mile to reach the goals, and to make sure services were improved. Matthew is missed by many who knew him, it was an honor to know him. This award honors his legacy.

The employee who is awarded this honor has accomplished a lot, has a can do attitude, comes up with innovative ways to improve services. They should be professional, pleasant, kind, creative, fun, organized, who genuinely cares about our people, goes the extra mile, creates a healthy & positive work environment, has a good sense of humor, and someone who makes Kawerak a great place to work!  All regular status employees who have passed the 6-month probationary period are eligible to be nominated. The final award is selected by All Staff through voting. The 2020 Matthew Iya award goes to, Kendra Takak!

Her nomination for the Matthew Iya Award read:

Kendra is one of my favorite people to work with because she is always so positive and has a can do attitude when challenges arise.

Kendra has done an excellent job as the Employment and Training Director since she took over when Lew retired. She is always considering new possibilities for the department and works with other stakeholders outside of Kawerak to open up training opportunities for our regional residents. She is focused on continuously improving services and genuinely cares about our regional residents.

I am so grateful that she is working for Kawerak in this role. She is improving the lives of people across our region every day by the work that she does. Individuals who receive assistance through the Employment and Training Department here at Kawerak have better future career options because of this assistance. This in turn, helps their families and children, by allowing them to get higher paying jobs.

Thank you for all you do Kendra. You are making a direct and impactful difference in the lives of so many people.

Kendra has won a plaque, a certificate good for two Alaska Airlines saver tickets (50,000 miles) and a check for $250.00.  Congratulations Kendra and thank you for making Kawerak a great place to work.