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Healing Through Education and Heart: Danelle Shellikoff

The ����Ӱҵ College of Liberal Arts proudly recognizes Danelle Shellikoff as the 2024–2025 Outstanding Student in the Department of Social Work.

Shellikoff’s path to graduation has been anything but ordinary—and that’s what makes her journey so powerful. A proud Aleut and Athabascan woman with roots in False Pass and Grayling, Danelle currently lives in Anchorage on Dena’ina lands. In May, she will earn her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Alaska Fairbanks—an accomplishment that reflects not just academic success, but deep personal growth, community commitment, and cultural strength.

“My Unangax̂ name means Ocean Eyes,” Danelle shares. That name, rooted in language and tradition, mirrors the clarity with which she sees her purpose: to uplift and advocate for Alaska Native communities, especially those in rural areas. Raised in remote parts of the state, Danelle has seen firsthand the impacts of limited access to health care, education, and social support. These lived experiences now fuel her work and inform her vision for a better, more equitable Alaska.

At the heart of Danelle’s journey is her family. She speaks with pride about the motivation her children gave her throughout her studies. “I wanted them to see that even with struggles in your life, you can achieve anything as long as you're dedicated and put in the work,” she says. Her determination has had a ripple effect: now her children are exploring college paths of their own, following in her footsteps.

Her time at ����Ӱҵ offered more than just academics. “The biggest lesson that I learned with ����Ӱҵ is that healing and education can go together,” Danelle explains. As she studied the principles and practices of social work, she found herself confronting and processing her own past experiences. That blend of learning and personal healing has shaped her into a compassionate advocate ready to meet others where they are and walk with them toward change.

Danelle currently works with a primary care clinic, where she serves as a trusted bridge between healthcare providers and Indigenous communities. “Since I’m a familiar face, I'm from the region, they’re connecting with me more. They’re having a little more trust in the healthcare system,” she says. Her presence is opening doors to care that might otherwise be overlooked or resisted, particularly for elders who’ve experienced cultural disconnection or systemic bias in the past.

But her vision doesn’t stop there. Danelle is already thinking ahead to the next steps in her service. “I also want to try to find a way to connect with the youth for substance abuse,” she shares. This goal is deeply personal—June marks five years of sobriety from alcohol for Danelle, a milestone that speaks to her strength and resolve. By sharing her story and offering culturally responsive support, she hopes to reach young people navigating similar struggles and help them build paths toward healing and empowerment.

For Danelle Shellikoff, social work is not just a profession—it’s a calling rooted in community, culture, and a deep belief in change. Her journey embodies the power of Indigenous resilience and the transformative role of education in creating healthier, stronger futures.