Community Spotlight highlights members of the AKWorld community who are helping connect Alaskans to the world in meaningful ways. From students to volunteers, these stories reflect the many pathways into global engagement and the lasting impact of those experiences.
Community Spotlight | Adrienne Wilson
This month, we’re celebrating Adrienne and the team at Beartooth Theatre, the venue behind so many of our student events throughout the year, including our beloved tradition, the annual Academic WorldQuest Student Competition.
Ask Adrienne about her favorite AKWorld memory, and she doesn’t hesitate: it’s Quiz Comp day. “Seeing all the students arriving ready to test their World Affairs knowledge always brings an excitement to the theatre that is palpable,” she says. Even her own team gets pulled into the fun. “My team always attempts to participate, but are typically humbled by the high schoolers!”
None of that energy happens by accident, of course. Behind every event is a team making sure the stage, the food, and the flow all come together — and Adrienne’s team is at the center of it. On event days, the Bear Tooth Team makes sure the stage is set for speakers and that students are fed quickly, so the focus can stay on learning.
Working alongside student groups tackling global issues has left a real impression on her. “I believe that knowledge is power,” she says, “and seeing a room of young people engaged in furthering their education on what is happening in our world helps give me hope for the future.”
When asked which world leader she’d love to see speak in Alaska, Adrienne points to women reshaping global leadership — Iceland’s President Halla Tómasdóttir or Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum. “I would love to hear their perspective on what it means to be a woman leading a nation, what challenges they face, and their plans for change.”
As for what she thinks Alaskans should be paying closer attention to, Adrienne points to something increasingly close to home: the rise of AI and its ripple effects on education, sexism, and climate.
For Adrienne, a born-and-raised Alaskan, the best part of living and working in Anchorage comes down to one thing: community. “Alaska in general feels like one giant small town,” she says. “People really look out for each other up here, and that has always been my favorite part of being a born and raised Alaskan.”
2026 has already brought her one bucket-list moment. After entering a lottery back in August, she won tickets to Saturday Night Live and found herself in the NBC Lounge at 30 Rock before watching Jack Black host his fifth-timers episode, with Jack White as the musical guest. “A truly unbelievable experience,” she says — and she’s looking forward to whatever else the year has in store.
Thank you, Adrienne, for the partnership, the warmth, and the countless ways you help make our student programming possible. Beartooth Theatre isn’t just a venue for us, it’s a partner in AKWorld’s mission to connect Alaskans with the world.
Want to support the events that bring global learning to Alaska’s students? Learn how you can get involved with AKWorld.
