Our 2023 Student of the Year is Danielle Merculief, a senior at Alaska Pacific University and is expected to graduate in May of 2024!
Danielle Merculief was raised on St. George Island to Chris and Sally Merculief and her grandparents are Anthony & Gladys Merculief, who have guided her to where she is today.
Danielle graduated from Mt. Edgecumbe High School in May of 2015. She knew her main goal was to educate and advance her career in a tribally affiliated organization.
In August of 2021 she obtained the Alaska Rural Management certificate followed by an associate degree in business administration a year later. Now, Danielle is on her way to graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business management with an emphasis in Healthcare Management.
While working and attending the university, she has gained a new perspective on Indian Health Services and tribal affiliated organizations. This inspired her to get the leadership skills needed so that she may advocate for Alaska Native and American Indian people across the state.
Upon graduation, Danielle plans to pursue a master’s in business administration. With her earned bachelor’s degree, she wishes to further advance her career through tribal health organizations. She plans to make a difference for Alaska Native communities. Danielle is most interested in quality improvement and is excited to see what opportunities will arise with her new college degree.
In July of 2023, Danielle and her partner Chaylen Delgado welcomed their beautiful baby boy, Stefan, into the world, making them a family of three. Danielle keeps herself busy these days as she is a full-time student, a full-time student and now a full-time mother.
