National Cousins Day

Cousins Hannah and Erin spent much of their childhoods on opposite sides of the country, not imagining they would one day work across the hall from each other. They grew up sharing fun memories at lake-side family reunions but could go years without seeing each other. When Erin moved to Alaska for college, the cousins were reunited and quickly became best friends. Now, they are both growing their professional careers at Alaska Housing Finance Corporation and are each other's biggest supporters. 

Starting Their Careers Together

Hannah began looking for her first corporate job in 2020 and said that when she first saw job postings for AHFC, she counted herself out. With help from her stepdad, Hannah saw how her previous work experiences could translate to a role at the corporation. She started working for the Facilities Management department as administrative support in December of 2020 and soon grew into a role as an environmental impact analyst. 

When Erin started looking for a new job, Hannah drew from her own application experience and took on the role of a sounding board, helping her cousin see the areas of potential within her resume.

“After I started working at Alaska Housing, I saw that there are plenty of opportunities to learn and grow,” Hannah said. “It’s important not to count yourself out before you even try. I gave Erin the same advice I received:  ‘Just get your foot in the door.’  You’ll find the role that is the right fit for you.”

Now a compliance specialist working in the Internal Audit department, Erin says that her cousin has mentored her as she entered the corporate world.

“What haven’t I gone to Hannah for advice on? She laid the foundation that helped me understand AHFC,” Erin said. “She encouraged me to apply and in those first weeks on the job, I knew I could message her if I didn’t know what an acronym stood for!”

Cheering Each Other On

The cousins’ work for the corporation doesn’t overlap – Hannah evaluates the environmental impact of corporate-owned properties while Erin performs compliance reviews of GOAL developments  – but getting insights into each other's work enhances their understanding of AHFC’s impact. When one of them has a big project or is learning a new role, Erin and Hannah know they have someone cheering them on.

Last fall, Hannah prepared an environmental review presentation to share with an audience of managers, practicing her presentation at home for her cousin.

“I learned so much about Hannah’s work from watching her presentation,” Erin said. “I became so interested in what she does and it was cool to see her so passionate and happy - I felt really proud.”

Similarly, Hannah says she lives vicariously through her cousin when Erin has opportunities to travel to communities across the state performing compliance reviews.

“Erin is witty and smart, super dedicated and a hard worker,” Hannah said. “I don’t have a sister, but I feel like I have one in her. It’s really nice to get to work with someone you love and see them excel.”

Outside of work, Hannah and Erin play on a softball team together and join each other for outdoor adventures, meals and movie nights on the couch. They said that in their work life and personal life, having each other as a support system and best friend has made all the difference.

“I wouldn’t have stayed in Alaska and gone for all the opportunities I have without Hannah,” Erin said. “She believes in me and I just love her to death.”