The Arctic Education Foundation (AEF) is proud to announce the 2026 Ivalu Scholarship winner, Jenessa Aġnauraq Oviok of Utqiaġvik, Alaska.
Jenessa is the daughter of Roberta Siġvun Oviok, and the granddaughter of Samantha Palaŋan Leavitt and Morris Tigluk Oviok. She is also the proud mother of Saaŋiaq Bailey Oviok, her son.
Jenessa spent about four years working as a Patient Care Technician at Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital where her passion for patient care has grown. Her dream is to become a nurse practitioner or doctor and return to the North Slope to provide culturally safe healthcare services. This fall, Jenessa plans to pursue her Associate’s degree in Nursing at Alaska Pacific University. One step closer to achieving her dream career.
Jenessa shared, “I want to use my background in healthcare to provide consistent and culturally safe education about mental health and substance abuse, helping communities build a healthier and resilient future.”
We congratulate Jenessa, and wish her success in her academic journey. Aarigaa!