Celeste Hodge Growden is a respected advocate for BIPOC and marginalized communities with more than 30 years of experience advancing equity and community change. Since 2019, she has served as President and CEO of the Alaska Black Caucus, leading organizational strategy, budgets, and partnerships to address racism and uplift communities.
Previously, Celeste was Executive Director of Shiloh Community Development, Inc., worked in legislative affairs for Alaska State Senator Bettye Davis and U.S. Senator Mark Begich, and served in the Municipality of Anchorage’s Mayor’s Office of Equal Opportunity, focusing on racial equity and discrimination issues.
She holds a Bachelor of Social Work and an Associate Degree in Business from the University of Alaska Anchorage and has been honored with the 2022 Athena Award and the 2024 Alumni of Distinction Award. Celeste is the longest-serving President of the NAACP Anchorage Branch and continues to serve on boards supporting housing, youth, and community development.
Previously, Celeste was Executive Director of Shiloh Community Development, Inc., worked in legislative affairs for Alaska State Senator Bettye Davis and U.S. Senator Mark Begich, and served in the Municipality of Anchorage’s Mayor’s Office of Equal Opportunity, focusing on racial equity and discrimination issues.
She holds a Bachelor of Social Work and an Associate Degree in Business from the University of Alaska Anchorage and has been honored with the 2022 Athena Award and the 2024 Alumni of Distinction Award. Celeste is the longest-serving President of the NAACP Anchorage Branch and continues to serve on boards supporting housing, youth, and community development.
