Spring 2021 Honorary Degree recipient Heather Flynn

Heather Flynn has dedicated her time and energy to public service in Anchorage and across the state for more than 50 years. She is known for her fiery spirit, tenacity and unwavering commitment to the betterment of her community. Throughout her career of service, she has led many organizations, from nonprofits to government, has become a generous philanthropist committing 50% of her income to charities across Alaska and expanded her work globally to educate communities around the world on the importance of immunization. 

Flynn began her career as a teacher and has taught at all levels from pre-K to graduate school, but prefers teaching junior high school social studies in the Anchorage School District (ASD). In 1971, she successfully changed ASD’s maternity leave policy of forced resignation, paving the way for future generations of women teaching in the district.

In 1975, Flynn was elected to the Anchorage School Board. During her tenure as a school board member, she advocated for funding in Juneau not only for ASD but for the newly formed rural school districts as well. 

Flynn’s career also included higher education and the nonprofit world, where she was the director of the Adult Learning Center for the University of Alaska Anchorage and served as the executive director for the Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis (AWAIC) and the Alaska Women’s Resource Center (AWRC). Her leadership skills and tenacious fundraising skills grew and stabilized both organizations, providing them the ability to serve and offer aid to hundreds of women and children across the state.

In addition to her career, Flynn served on the Anchorage Assembly for 10 years, five of which she was the only woman and was known for her thoroughness and expertise in budget and finance, planning, and zoning and utilities. 

Flynn continues to be active and engaged within the community serving many organizations such as the YWCA, Anchorage Opera, Alaska Community Foundation and has been recognized by numerous organizations for her public service and philanthropic efforts.