27/09/2025
We are so excited to announce our new Board Chair, Renée Wardlaw!
Renée, the Senior Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer at Bristol Bay Native Corporation, joined the Forum’s Board in 2021.
“I was captivated by the Forum’s incredible mission of connecting Alaskans through stories, ideas, and experiences—it resonates deeply with my own upbringing,” she says. “As a first-generation American with immigrant parents from Jamaica, I grew up in New York surrounded by the vibrant beauty that emerges when diverse cultures, religions, political affiliations, and socioeconomic groups come together. Alaska’s diversity, in many ways, mirrors that of New York, and the chance to help bridge the vast distances and celebrate this richness felt like a meaningful way to contribute to building stronger, more connected communities for generations to come.”
We especially appreciate Renée’s strategic perspective, incredible organization, sense of humor, and powerful advocacy. “The Forum is so much more than just a non-profit—it’s a vital thread in the fabric of Alaska,” she says. “It preserves the unique stories of our people and places, fosters understanding across differences, and inspires a shared vision for a culturally diverse, equitable, and vibrant Alaska. I wish more people knew how easy it is to get involved in Forum programming!”
