Meet the 2026 Community Outreach Assistants!

We’re excited to introduce UTBB’s 2026 remote, seasonal Community Outreach Assistants (COAs)!

This incredible group from 11 communities across Bristol Bay are ready to jump in and learn remote work skills, connect with community members, complete a community project, and help turn out the Bristol Bay vote this fall!

Stay tuned for updates, events, and highlights from this dedicated crew throughout the spring. We can’t wait for you to see the impact they’ll make. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our 2026 COAs!

2026 COAs and their communities:

• Angelina Phillips, Perryville

• Ashleanne Ishnook, Koliganek

• Brenda Hill, Iliamna

• Carla Moore, Manokotak

• Karla Jensen, Pedro Bay

• Margie Hastings, New Stuyahok

• Mary Isaac, Chignik Lake

• Mary Jane Kasayulie, Dillingham

• Massa Andrews, Aleknagik

• Pete Hill, Kokhanok

• Tess Hostetter, Igiugig

Quyana also to our partners who made these positions possible:

Bristol Bay Guardians, BBNC Shareholder Development, Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation, First Nations Development Institute, The Nature Conservancy, and Alaska Venture Fund!

Click the arrows on each side of the picture to read about our 2026 COAs.

Angelina Phillips

I was raised in Perryville and am the oldest of eight children. I love to spend time with family and help out the best I can with my siblings. I work most of the summer in the school cleaning before the school year starts and go out fishing with family when off work.

Margie Hastings

I am (Ellmiikutuaq) Margie Hastings from New Stuyahok, Alaska. My parents are Nick (deceased) and Massa Gumlickpuk. I am one of 6 children they have.

I am married to Randal Hastings on August 1st will be our 42 years together. We have three grown adult children: Reuben, Marie and Celia. We have 16 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. I am a retired high school teacher and an adjunct Native Studies professor. I am a lifelong learner and  am excited to be in the COA program hoping that this type of cultural enrichment and positive cultural ways to share our values and getting our people eager to vote. My hope is this type of activity will continue for decades to come. One vote makes a difference. I am excited to learn more about Canva and Google to get messages out.

Massa Andrews

My name is Massa, yugtun atqa Nayangcuk. I was born and raised in Manokotak, moved to Aleknagik in '95, and have been here on and off since then until I settled down about 2011-2012 when I got with my husband. I enjoy being outdoors, subsisting, and raising my son while teaching him our way of life. I will always work to defend our region and our way of life, that is important to my family and me. Quyana cakneq!

Ashleanne Ishnook

Ashleanne Ishnook, Yup'ik, my Native name is Mauluq. I was born and raised in Koliganek, Alaska, and I currently live here. I have two amazing kids whom I love dearly. I spend my summers picking berries, checking our net, splitting, and hanging king salmon for our long winter. I've loved growing up in our subsistence way of life and anything involving being outside with my family on our land. As a Community Outreach Assistant, I strive to keep our land and waters protected so younger generations can experience the beautiful land and pristine waters we have here in Koliganek.

Mary Isaac

Waqaa, my name is Mary Isaac (Nassisaq) originally from Marshall residing in Chignik Lake with my husband and three boys for ten years now. I love subsistence gathering and spending time with my boys! During my time of living here I found what I love, which is office work and working with the people. Working with United Tribes of Bristol Bay, I look forward to learning and bringing more opportunities to the people, as I would love to further my education. Working as UTBB Community Outreach Assistant is a step in the right direction for me.

Mary Jane Kasayulie

I was born at Kanakanak hospital, I was raised in Koliganek, Alaska. I am a mother of five beautiful daughters and one amazing son. My mom Patsy Nelson gave the Yup'ik name Nanugaralria after her mom. I carry that Yup'ik name near and dear to my heart, a grandma I never got to meet. I am the daughter of George Nelson Sr. He was from Ekwok and my mom Patsy was from New Stuyahok. They made our home in Koliganek. Things I treasure near and dear to me are number one: Jesus, my family, my way of life, treating people the way I want to be treated, and making sure that everyone around me is safe and happy. I am always willing to give a helping hand if I can and also share my knowledge of how I put away my subsistence food. I don't like to see waste in this area. I am also willing to learn.

Carla Moore

My name is Carla Moore and my Yup'ik name is Aallaq. I was born to Carl W. and Nettie Evon and I am one of four children. I was raised in Manokotak and have made it my forever home. My sisters, our mom and our children gather to process fish for the long winter and I find it very important to protect our beautiful land and waters of Bristol Bay. One of my favorite things to do is make salmon strips and I want to pass down the subsistence preparation and care knowledge my mother taught me to my two children. I want to help preserve our cultures and environment for our future generations. I am excited to be part of the UTBB team!

Pete Hill

I am a subsistence and a commercial fisherman born and raised in the Bristol Bay area. As someone deeply rooted in and reliant on the environment, I bring a vested interest in the prolonged health and performance of the surrounding area.

Karla Jensen

Yagheli'du (hello). My name is Karla Jensen. I am Dena'ina Athabascan from Pedro Bay, on Lake Iliamna. My clan is Ka'kali (fish tail). I am an avid photographer, subsistence user, and die-hard advocate for the Bristol Bay Tribes. In my spare time, I enjoy photography; it's my go-to when I want to relax. I also enjoy fishing, hiking, gathering, and travel. Above all, teaching my granddaughter the subsistence lifestyle is my greatest joy.

Tess Hostetter

I am from Igiugig and just celebrated one year back home after living in Southeast Alaska for several years. I find joy in the rhythms of life on Lake Iliamna and the Kvichak River, often getting outside—traveling by snowmachine across winter trails or by boat along the waterways. With a background in tribal relations, I carry a deep respect for community and connection.

To me, being from this region is a blessing and a responsibility. I believe deeply in the power of civic participation, in showing up to vote, and in making sure rural voices are heard. When more people from communities like ours in Bristol Bay take part, at the polls and leadership positions, it strengthens both local and national government for everyone.

Brenda Hill

My name is Brenda Hill. I grew up in the lake area and currently live in Iliamna. I am a proud alumna of Mount Edgecumbe High School. I have a strong connection to my land, culture, and subsistence way of life, which has shaped who I am today.

I am a mother of two boys, and they are my greatest joy. I love spending time with my family and staying connected to the values I was raised with. I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned with others and continuing to learn along the way.

In my free time, I like to do arts and crafts and find creative ways to express myself. I care deeply about my community and look forward to growing, learning, and giving back through my work.