Springer Staten announced as first-ever GCI 5G Trailblazer
Keys to Life is honored to announce that our Executive Director and founder, Shirley Mae Springer Staten, has been selected by GCI for its 5G Trailblazer Award. The Anchorage-based communications company developed the award as a way to celebrate its 5G service that connects Alaskans to their communities and to each other. GCI was looking for “an outstanding member of the Anchorage community who embodies the trailblazer spirit and demonstrates a commitment to making people feel more connected.”
Nominations flooded in, highlighting amazing work of more than 40 people around the community. Three separate people had nominated Shirley, each listing two additional references that didn’t overlap. That meant nine people were adding their voices to underscore the work Shirley has accomplished over the years.
“We were blown away by the stories of compassion, commitment and selflessness we received during this nomination process but one candidate stood out—Shirley Mae,” said GCI Chief Communications Officer Heather Handyside. “Shirley’s advocacy dates back to her arrival to Anchorage in 1981 and it seems that she’s spent every spare minute of free time working to make Anchorage a better place to live. One of her nominators said, ‘The truth is, we all want to be like Shirley Mae.’ Now that I’ve met her, I do, too.”
As the 5G Trailblazer, Shirley received a $10,000 prize and was able to identify a non-profit to receive an additional $10,000 award. She chose Keys to Life.
"Congratulations to Shirley for this well-deserved recognition,” said Keys to Life Alaska Board President Kaleem Nuriddin. “She is a living example that good things happen to those who serve society relentlessly with passion and creative energy. Keys to Life was founded to sustain and perpetuate Shirley’s imaginative and inspirational efforts toward individual and community empowerment. Choosing Keys to Life as the designated non-profit for this award will assist us in expanding our vision and mission to create a more inclusive community while celebrating our diversity.”
“We were blown away by the stories of compassion, commitment and selflessness we received during this nomination process but one candidate stood out—Shirley Mae.”
In October 2020, Shirley Mae Springer Staten was selected for GCI’s first ever 5G Trailblazer Award for her commitment to connecting community.