Esther O’Brien is an advocate for self-improvement and is a supporter of secondary education. Esther was raised in Nenana with her eight siblings. She is the daughter of the late Matt O’Brien Jr. and Lily O’Brien (Swenning) Her great grandparents are the late Salvin Adams and the late Charlotte Adams (Cruikshank) of Beaver. Her maternal grandparents are the late Paul Swenning Sr. and the late Barbarba Swenning (Inga); and her paternal great grandparents are the late Aleksander Inga and the late Fedosia Inga (Kahutak) of Nuniaq (Old Harbor) on Kodiak Island. She is a tribal member of Beaver.
At 21 years old, Esther is a student at University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) where she will graduate with an Associate’s degree in the fall, and already holds an Alaska Native Business Management occupational endorsement. She works full time at her village corporation, Old Harbor Native Corporation.
Among her top goals as an Emerging Leader committee member is advocating for traditions and culture; land, and waters. Esther also wants to support youth in completing high school and embracing secondary education. “I want to use my voice for all our youth,” she says, “To encourage them to use theirs firmly.”
Esther’s message to the youth is self-advocacy. “Stand up for your education. Stand up for your career. Stand up for your family. Stand up for your community,” she says, “Grasp your future firmly and do not let go.” She sends congratulations to all 2023 Graduates, and wishes for their communities to know that the youth are ready to learn. “Be patient with the youth, teach us how to carry on for our future generations,” she says, “We know that it is our turn to learn, teach, advocate, and create healthy spaces.”
Please join us in thanking Esther for our contributions to the Emerging Leaders committee, and to all of our communities!