From supporting students to supporting legislators

For Allie Hartman, M.P.A. '20, community impact is the name of the game.

As the Anchorage Assembly communications director with the Municipality of Anchorage, Hartman manages communications coming from the Anchorage Assembly in the form of press releases, newsletters and website updates. Her goal is to invite people into the business of the city.

"There's so many things we experience every day that people don't realize are shaped by local government, and part of my job is to break down the belief that local government as an institution is inaccessible. [Local government] is a place where people from all walks of life are able to come together and decide what we want our community to look like. Anchorage kind of stands apart from other cities because it's a place where one person can make a big difference and you can actually see the effects of your work across the community."

Hartman lauds UAA's Master of Public Administration program as being tremendously helpful for people who are new to Alaska and says that the more she reflects on the program, the more she recognizes how valuable it was. "I was brand new to the state and the program basically gave me a primer on how Alaska's government works. Getting that foundation laid from people who have been in Alaska and working in the field for a while was exactly what I needed."

While working toward her M.P.A., Hartman worked at the university, first assisting with student media groups The Northern Light and KRUA 88.1FM, then as the student organizations coordinator advising UAA's clubs, fraternities and sororities. Working with student leaders, she witnessed firsthand how easy it is to make a difference in the community. "In my position, I could see how students were stepping into roles and assuming responsibility for things that could really make an impact! It was inspiring."

Hartman was one of this year's Top Forty Under 40, chosen by the Alaska Journal of Commerce . She remembers being honored and delighted when she found out about the award, explaining that she considers a lot of her job to simply be part of the city's business. To be recognized for her work was very heartwarming, and it was especially meaningful for her since the Top Forty awardees have historically centered around the business sector. She looks forward to seeing more representation from the local government side.

Her time at UAA was full of fond memories, and she had trouble choosing a favorite one. Working at events like Campus Kickoff and the Spirit Run was fun, but she also loved utilizing the campus trails for lunchtime runs with her colleagues. Perhaps the most meaningful part of her journey working with students was being asked to officiate the wedding of two former students. "To be a part of someone's life so profoundly? I can't describe how rewarding it is."