Shauna Hegna.

• Position: OFF THE CUFF

Shauna Hegna has been the president of Koniag, the Alaska Native regional corporation for the Kodiak Island area, since 2017. "Koniag realized a record year this year," explains Hegna. "It's amazing what can happen when humble, hardworking, and driven people are inspired by a shared vision."

Alaska Business: What do you do in your free time?

Shauna Hegna: My family loves the outdoors. In the fall you can find us hunting near my village on Kodiak Island, in the winter we ski. and in the summer we fish and raft rivers all over Alaska.

AB: Is there a skill or talent you've always wanted to learn or are learning?

Hegna: I have always wanted to make my own snowfalling parka, a traditional Alutiiq ceremonial dress. One of these days I will sit down and get it done!

AB: What's the most daring thing you've ever done?

Hegna: Going to college was the most daring thing I've ever done. Transitioning from a high school where there were five students in my graduating class to a university where there were more students in my first semester history class than my entire village was terrifying. Oh, and perhaps ziplining in Costa Rica [she laughs].

AB: What's your go-to comfort food?

Hegna: My stepmother's homemade bread. It's fattening, but so good!

AB: Other than your current career, if you were a kid today, what would your dream job be?

Hegna: Either a high school teacher or a...