2023 Raven's Ball Luminary Award Recipients
A focal point of the Raven’s Ball is the annual presentation of the Luminary Awards which recognize individuals and organizations for their dedication and outstanding contributions to the Alaska Tribal Health System and our communities. Please join us in honoring this year's recipients for all they do to improve health and wellness across Alaska.
President’s Legacy & Leadership Award
Vivian Echavarria
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Ms. Echavarria championed the formation of the Alaska Native Medical Center's (ANMC's) COVID-19 response and led multiple initiatives during the pandemic. She helped to maintain staff morale and provided expert guidance on complex issues. Largely through her leadership, ANMC was the first site to offer COVID-19 testing locally and the first site to provide the COVID-19 vaccine.
Outstanding Rural Health Champion Award
Susan Gorba
Norton Sound Health Corporation
Ms. Gorba is a champion for women and children and works tirelessly for their protection and safety. She has been a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner for over 20 years and two years ago brought her expertise to Nome, Alaska as the manager of the Forensic Department. She works with hospital personnel, law enforcement and the legal system to ensure women and children get the care they deserve to make the community safer for all.
Outstanding Rural Health Champion Award
Remote Maintenance Worker (RMW) Program
Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation
RMW provides training, technical assistance and emergency response support to over 40 public water systems in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and other programs in Alaska. They are on call 365 days a year to support water plant operators and respond to countless emergencies.
Distinguished Provider Award
Mildred Hennings
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Ms. Hennings' contribution to Alaska Native health spans over two decades of working to protect and improve the health of Alaska Native people in rural communities. Ms. Hennings' leadership was instrumental in building the ANMC Oncology Clinic's infusion program, as she spearheaded multiple initiatives and policies and expanded the clinic to one of the largest infusion centers in the state while teaching the next generation of nurses about cancer care.
