
03/19/2025
“It didn’t take long after working at the Sitka retail store and working with our customers and my colleagues to know that this was the right fit for me.
As a customer sales representative, the local people we work with are simply the best. Whether they bring in coffee and donuts as a thank you, or I get to help them solve an issue that’s been bugging them, to receive that gratitude from them is amazing. And sometimes, I really need that! The most rewarding part is seeing the appreciation I get from not only our customers but from our company too. My leadership sees the work I do and they give praise and show appreciation — I don't think I've ever had a job that truly did that before.
Last year, I had the opportunity to travel to Utqiagvik to work at their retail store for a week. It was a really unique experience. I immediately felt welcomed there. Just being able to experience another village was amazing. Being Tlingit myself, it was eye opening to see Arctic Alaska and experience another Alaska Native culture. That’s something I probably would never have experienced if I wasn’t in this role!”
Athina is coming up on her three year anniversary with GCI! When Athina isn’t at the Sitka retail store, she’s spending time out and about in Sitka, enjoying the many hiking trails or having movies nights at home with her dog. This summer, you can find her four wheeling on Kruzof Island, boating with her family, or catching sun rays at Sandy Beach!