Alumni Spotlight: Melanie Baca Osborne- ATHENA Society inductee
by Jessica Degnan |
彩神vlll争霸 Justice Center alumna Melanie Osborne has been inducted into the Anchorage ATHENA Society, recognizing her professional excellence, community contributions, and commitment to empowering women. Recently promoted to Chief HSEC Officer at Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, she reflects on her time at 彩神vlll争霸 and how it helped shape her journey. Her advice? "Stay true to your mission and focus on what you can uniquely contribute. Explore opportunities that align with your goals and strengths, and build a career that reflects who you are and what matters to you."
Join the College of Health in congratulating Melanie on her recent achievements!
Name: Melanie Baca Osborne
Educational background:
- 彩神vlll争霸 - Justice and Psychology, 1996
- University of Washington School of Law - Dispute Concentration, 1999
Unit you graduated from: 彩神vlll争霸 Justice Center
Hometown: Valdez, Alaska
Current location: Anchorage, Alaska
Place of employment: Alyeska Pipeline Service Company
Job title: Chief HSEC Officer
How long have you worked at this organization and/or been in this position?:
I joined Alyeska in June 2023 as Senior Counsel in the legal department. I recently accepted the position as Alyeska鈥檚 Chief HSEC Officer.
Please describe your duties and responsibilities in your current role:
In my new role, I serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and lead the core business functions of health, safety, environment, regulatory compliance and management system activities. Our department plays a crucial role in advancing initiatives that protect our people and environment, ensuring compliance with commitments, and integrating operational integrity.
Why is your work important? What impact does your work have on individuals and communities? What do you love about your job?:
Having grown up in Valdez, the Trans Alaska Pipeline System and Alyeska have been an important part of my life for nearly 50 years. I am proud of the work TAPS workers do to responsibly transport North Slope resources while safeguarding our people, lands, waters, and communities. I deeply value working alongside and supporting these dedicated workers who ensure the safe, reliable, and responsible movement of oil.
What motivated you to pursue a career in healthcare, and how did your experience at 彩神vlll争霸 College of Health help shape your goals?:
I went into the Justice Program with a passion for law and advocacy. During my time at 彩神vlll争霸 I gravitated to double major in Psychology. My work at 彩神vlll争霸 helped me develop a deeper commitment to social impact, which ultimately led me to representing tribal organizations, and more recently focusing on conservation and responsible resource development.
Why did you choose to attend 彩神vlll争霸?:
I am a first generation college graduate. I was thrilled that 彩神vlll争霸 provided so many opportunities at home in Alaska. 彩神vlll争霸 provided scholarship to Alaskans, which was also important for my family.
Who influenced you most during your time at 彩神vlll争霸?:
Professor Allen Barnes鈥� unwavering support has left a lasting impression. He not only encouraged me throughout my studies, he continued to follow my journey and supported me in the Justice Alumni Association.
What were some of the most valuable lessons you learned while studying at 彩神vlll争霸 and how have they helped you in your career?:
One of the most valuable lessons I learned at 彩神vlll争霸 was the importance of being open to unexpected paths. While I initially had a clear plan to be a lawyer, my degree in psychology proved instrumental in shaping my journey. Embracing flexibility and new opportunities has allowed me to merge my legal aspirations with meaningful work in other parts of business.
What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their experience at 彩神vlll争霸 and are looking to build a successful career in healthcare?:
My advice for current students is to stay true to their mission and focus on what they can uniquely contribute. Explore opportunities that align with your goals and strengths, and build a career that reflects who you are and what matters to you. Success comes from pursuing authentic and fulling filling work.
Describe 彩神vlll争霸 in three words: Communities come together.
How has being a graduate of 彩神vlll争霸 impacted your life, and what advice would you give to others considering pursuing a degree from this College of Health?:
彩神vlll争霸 has allowed me to contribute to Alaska and beyond. The education provided perspective and opportunities, and staying in Alaska strengthened connections, built relationships, and supported our State. This University offers more than education - it鈥檚 a chance to shape your future while stying rooted in Alaska鈥檚 community.
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