Katrina Tysinger
Katrina “Saraalaq” Tysinger brings extensive expertise in federal, state, and philanthropic grant writing, consulting, and project management.
Throughout her career, Katrina has played a key role in obtaining over $100 million in funding for Tribal infrastructure and community development, with proven success in navigating complex state and federal grant programs.
As a Yup’ik Eskimo from the Bristol Bay region of Alaska, Katrina is deeply passionate about aiding in grants that benefit tribal communities. She recognizes the vital importance of access to resources and opportunities for their advancement and empowerment.
• Certified Grant Writer
• Fiber Optics 1,2,3
• Indigenous Leadership Academy Spring Cohort
• Liberty University – Bachelor of Science (BS), Administration
• Top 50 Women Leaders of Alaska – Women We Admire
• GPA Association
What do you attribute your success to?
My mother showed me firsthand the power of a determined and accomplished woman. Raising three children on her own, she poured endless effort into providing for us, and it's from her that I inherited my strong work ethic, inner strength, and unwavering perseverance.
As the wife of an Army soldier, I've also been deeply shaped by my husband's 22 years of dedicated service. He has taught me the true meaning of integrity, relentless hard work, and the discipline to follow through on commitments no matter what.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to always own your mistakes quickly and fully—paired with unwavering integrity.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Embrace servant leadership. Prioritize lifting others up, removing obstacles for your team, and focusing on real impact rather than titles. Building genuine relationships by helping others succeed creates your most powerful long-term network.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In the field of federal grants administration, the biggest challenges currently stem from a highly volatile landscape driven by policy shifts, funding freezes, and agency reorganizations, coupled with intensified competition and significantly shorter application windows that demand greater proactivity.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most in both my work and personal life are integrity, connection, and my faith. My career in tribal community development and grant consulting has reinforced the importance of supporting communities in meaningful ways, while staying true to ethical principles and fostering opportunities for others to grow and succeed.