NONA SAFRA
Board Member
Founding Member of the Seppala House Projrct. Nona moved to Alaska in 2011 and has been on the Board of Directors of the Leonard Seppala House Project, LLC since 2018.
Her interest in preserving history stems from spending her childhood in the museums of Philadelphia and having opportunities to meet people who advocated for social change, including Eleanor Roosevelt and Helen Keller, who remain her inspiration. Nona‘s interest continues in Alaska. In addition to the Leonhard Seppala House Project she is also involved with the Alaska Jewish Museum as co-chair the Annual Jewish Gala in Anchorage. She is also a member of the Alaska Oil and Gas Historical Society museum planning committee.
Nona’s idea of ‘doing nothing’ by retiring to Alaska didn’t work out and her ‘lived experience’ in management led to work as an advocate with seniors, veterans and Alaskans with disabilities who face barriers such as housing, employment, medical care and recreation while living in the Last Frontier.
Her leadership roles in advocacy include serving on the Alaska Commission on Aging, Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education, Statewide Independent Living Council, Brain Injury Council of Alaska, US Selective Service System – Alaska Local Board #1, VFW Post 10221 Auxiliary – Life Member, and American Legion Post 16 Auxiliary member. In 2011, she was a recipient of the Alaska’s First Lady’s 2011 Volunteer of the Year Award. Nona has also served as the only official Alaska State Fair Countess. Nona has also volunteered with the Iditarod since arriving in Alaska.
To quote Eleanor Roosevelt, “Since you get more joy out of giving to others, you should put a great deal of thought into the happiness that you’re able to give.” That sentiment is relevant to projects like the Leonhard Seppala House Project as we work side-by-side to make Alaska a better place to live, work, plan and thrive. The best outcomes always come from teamwork.
Leonhard Seppala introduced the Siberian Husky breed of dogs to the world of sled dog mushing.