We are Alaskans passionate about Alaska and sharing why we love this place with people like you.
OUR STORYWe have spent our lives sharing Alaska with our “Lower 48” friends. Invariably, Alaska blows them away. Borealis allows more people to experience the place we love.
The idea for Borealis came with COVID and the explosion of remote work.
Now, geography and distance matter less for professionals pursuing careers in tech and the innovation economy. Quality of life has become the priority — and Alaska has an amazing advantage.
We love Alaska and know that when visitors get the opportunity to experience the wildness and outdoors-centered lifestyle we enjoy day in and day out, they love Alaska too.
After a few years of kicking around the idea, the Borealis team joined forces to bring this program to life.
The Team
Xannie Borseth
Program ManagerXannie, originally from Seattle, keeps finding reasons to move back to Alaska.
A former Alaska Fellow, Xannie has supported organizations across the state including Sitka Tribe Social Services and Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, in addition to working as a legislative aide in Juneau. She has an MSW from the University of Washington and is a trained EMDR therapist.
After work, you’ll likely find Xannie playing in the mountains or imploring anyone around to join her for an “Angel From Montgomery” karaoke duet.
Claire Shaw
CO-FOUNDEROriginally from Anchorage, Claire splits her time between the east, west, and Alaskan (best) coasts. She oversaw business development for tech startups in San Francisco and Singapore and currently advocates for national nonpartisan election reform.
Claire has supported Democratic and Independent political campaigns across Alaska, including Alyse Galvin’s Congressional bids, Forrest Dunbar’s Anchorage mayoral campaign, and a ballot measure to recognize Alaska Native tribal sovereignty.
Claire is excited to introduce newcomers to her favorite places around Anchorage, preferably in the Chugach Mountains or over a Fire Island scone.
Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins
CO-FOUNDERBorn and raised in Sitka, Jonathan attended Yale College and was first elected to the Alaska Legislature in 2012 at the age of 23. He served for ten years. In 2014, The Washington Post named him one its “Top 40 Under 40” in the country.
Outside the legislature, he founded Outer Coast College and Alaska Fellows Program, and cofounded Act Now Coalition.
Jonathan currently serves as a senior advisor to the national policy nonprofit America Achieves. He enjoys endurance sports and exploring the Alaskan backcountry.
OUR Steering COMMITTEEA group of Alaskans providing the direction to make Borealis an amazing experience
Jennie Armstrong
Jennie is a state representative in the Alaska Legislature and the Founder + CEO of the creative agencies Wild Awake and Delve.
Joey Bosworth
Joey’s passion for bringing more professional opportunities to Alaska brought him to Borealis, where he found kinship with other believers in Alaska’s endless possibilities.
Alyse Daunis
Alyse works remotely as a senior product manager for The Suite and was previously the program director for Launch Alaska, Alaska’s first startup accelerator.
Penny Gage
Penny Gage is the managing director at Launch Alaska, overseeing the Tech Deployment Track - an accelerator program to help climate tech companies deploy their technologies in Alaska.
Ben Kellie
Ben Kellie is an Alaskan entrepreneur who brings over a decade of experience in deep tech startups and aerospace. He is driven by a love for Alaska and the vision of a sustainable, carbon-negative future.
Katherine Jernstrom
Katherine Jernstrom is the cofounder and CEO of The Boardroom, has successfully built two companies, and supported the growth of dozens more through mentorship, board leadership, advisement, and funding.
OUT OF OFFICEOur team lives and breathes Alaska adventuring
When we’re not working or planning top-notch experiences for Borealis participants, you’ll find us flying planes, pack rafting, road-tripping to the Fairbanks Summer Folk Festival, or backcountry skiing.
Join us for the two-month adventure of a lifetime
JOIN BOREALIS