HUMAN

Name: ALEXA DONAHE

Age: 31
Residence: ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

Occupation: TOURISM
Years involved with Iditarod: 2

Iditarod Role: LOAD COORDINATOR WITH IDITAROD AIRFORCE
Current Location: Willow Airport — Willow, AK
Date of Photo: February 20, 2021
Temperature: -23F / -30C Outdoors

What, who or how and when did you first get involved with the Iditarod?

I first got involved with Iditarod because it’s something that I’ve loved telling tourists about over the years, working in tourism. And I showed up at the lakefront for the volunteer orientation for the 2020 Iditarod, and accidentally made my way into a meeting for the Iditarod Air Force. I’m a student pilot so I have always wanted to volunteer with the Iditarod Air Force, and I just happened to be in the right place at the right time last year.

What is your Why? Why are you here TODAY and involved with the Iditarod?

I’m here today and involved with the Iditarod, because I love Alaska and the community of the Iditarod. Like I mentioned I’m a student pilot, so the opportunity to spend so much time around planes and experienced pilots is invaluable-it’s priceless. But, I also love the opportunity of being around the dogs and all the volunteers who put their heart and soul into it.

Tell me about just one of your most memorable Iditarod experiences.

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences is seeing Scott Ivany, who was last year’s chief pilot, seeing his plane pull up and unload six of the cutest sled dogs I have ever seen. Seeing dogs and planes together in this beautiful place is a dream come true.

What do you know for sure?:

What I know for sure in life is that life is to be enjoyed, so I’m here to have a good time surrounded with people that are here to do the same.