Juneau, AK (October 15, 2020) – Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) is pleased to announce the promotion of Alison Schoonover to Sacred Grounds Café Manager. Alison joined the Sacred Grounds team in 2017 as a barista with six years of experience in the café community.
“Professional development of our tribal citizens is the most important aspect of our work,” shared Jodie Gatti, Social Enterprise Manager. “Alison has been with Sacred Grounds since the very beginning – she started as a barista and now manages 10 staff and three café locations. Selecting her as manager was an obvious choice. We are so proud of Alison and can’t wait to see what the future holds for both her and Sacred Grounds!”
As one of Tlingit & Haida’s social enterprises, Sacred Grounds Café proudly maintains a Native hire rate of nearly 100% and features unique coffee blends roasted by Alaska Island Coffee Company – a business owned and operated by tribal citizens in Petersburg, Alaska. Since opening its doors in 2017, the café has expanded to three locations in Juneau and nearly tripled its gross revenue. In addition to offering barista training, Sacred Grounds continues to partner with Tlingit & Haida’s 477 programs to provide work experience opportunities to tribal citizen clients.
As the Sacred Grounds Café Manager, Alison will oversee the hiring and training of new baristas, work directly with staff to expand the Sacred Grounds Café brand and develop and execute sales and profit plans that are in line with budgetary goals to ensure profitable operations.
Alison, nicknamed Shagleit, is Wooshkeetaan from Hoonah, Alaska. She grew up in Juneau and has been making espresso since she was 16 years old. She plans to complete her Bachelor’s degree in small business management and hopes to open her own café one day! Alison loves creating new, fun drinks and she’s always working on her newest latte art. The only things she loves more than coffee are her pets, Tobi and Sarge!
“Helping move the Tribe’s mission forward by leading with positivity and encouragement is my ultimate goal in this position,” shared Alison.
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Media Contact:
Office of the President - Communications
Sam Grubitz, Communications Specialist