Shamai Thacker

Background

About Shamai Thacker

Shamai Thacker na waayu. Daniel Faye Wheeler na waash nayaayu ‘waatgt da Noatak ada Inupiaqt. Patricia Maude Wheeler (Atkinson) waash n’tse’etsu ‘waatgt da Metlakatla ada ‘Tsimshiant. Stephen ada Angela Speck waash ‘nagyetgu ada Clam Gulch, Alaska wil dsoackt. Anchorage, Alaska wil dsoacku deehl nakshu Bryan ada hlgu hlguuhlgm Kelby. My name is Shamai Thacker. My grandfather was Daniel Faye Wheeler of Noatak and Inupiaq. My grandmother was Patricia Maude Wheeler (Atkinson) of Metlakatla and Tsimshian. My parents are Stephen and Angela Speck of Clam Gulch, Alaska. I live in Anchorage, Alaska with my husband Bryan and toddler son Kelby. I am a lifelong learner and enjoy the challenges of creativity and attention to detail. For many years, my inspiration has come from personal experiences mixed with my love for helping others. I am a graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage's Computer Information and Office Systems (AAS), Technology (BS), and Teaching and Learning (M.Ed.) programs. I currently work for ANTHC as a Training and Development Specialist where I am making connections through current and future research efforts related to education design and improving learning experiences for Indigenous professionals pursuing leadership opportunities. I aspire to be a leader for adult learners from all walks of life to help them learn and grow from their professional and academic experiences and strive to make a greater impact in the lives of adult learners through my commitment to social justice and greater equity in education practices. One way I achieved that is by continuing my education where I built a solid foundation of knowledge related to Alaska Native histories in education through a second bachelor’s program at the University of Alaska Southeast in Alaska Native Language and Studies.