HUMAN

Name: Sonya Stewart

Age: 42

Residence: Anchorage, Alaska

Occupation: Manager of Shareholder and Corporate Relations at Bristol Bay Native Corporation.

Years involved with the Iditarod: 1

Iditarod Role: Iditarod Sponsor

Current Location: Lakefront Hotel, Anchorage, Alaska at Sponsor Appreciation Lunch

Date of Photo: May 20, 2022

Temperature: 62F Outdoors

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

I got involved with the Iditarod when I started working at BBNC. I receive the sponsorship request from the Iditarod, and I meet with Chaz and Rob every year. BBNC also does the Insider app, I think is what it’s called. 

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

I am here today and involved with Iditarod because it is a great organization, and to support… It’s a long standing tradition in Alaska, and our corporate values at BBNC are about supporting Alaskan families and traditions, and strong emphasis on culture

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

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was at the Iditarod start in Anchorage. We went out to go watch, and I brought my two boys. Jeff King thought he was throwing them a bootie from one of the dogs, and it turned out to be a muffin that he had in his pocket. And so he turned around and he just laughed. He’s like, “I thought I threw them a bootie.” And the kids were just like, “Why’d you throw a muffin at us?” But that’s always a joke, I guess, that we laugh about.

What in life do you know for sure?

What I know for sure in life is that family, faith and culture are important. And they’re important to pass on to your kids and to future generations.