Dora Mae “Paniruaq” Hughes serves as the President of Mary’s Igloo Native Corporation and as a Director on Unaatuq, LLC. She also serves as co-chair for the Alaska General Contractors (AGC) Safety Committee and as a director for the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Alaska Chapter. Dora previously served on the AFN board representing the Bering Straits Villages and alternate.
Dora Mae is Inupiat from Mary’s Igloo and Teller and grew up in a subsistence lifestyle. A Mount Edgecumbe Alumni she holds a certificate in Construction Safety and Health Specialist and is a certified OSHA Authorized trainer in the General and Construction Industries from the University of Washington. She is also a shareholder of Mary’s Igloo Native Corporation, Teller Native Corporation, Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation, Bering Straits Native Corporation, and NANA Regional Corporation and is an enrolled tribal member of the Native Village of Mary’s Igloo. She previously served as a council member for the Native Village of Mary’s Igloo and as a director for Norton Sound Health Corporation and Teller Native Corporation.
Dora Mae is currently the Health Safety and Security Manager for Knik Construction and has been with Knik for over 15 years. Her achievements and recognition in the field of health and safety highlight her commitment to maintaining a high standard of safety within Knik Construction and the broader construction industry. Her receipt of the Excellence in Safety Individual Award from Conoco Phillips in 2020 speaks volumes about her dedication and the impact of her efforts. Furthermore, the company has also received AGC national commendations for Zero Loss of Time, and multiple certificates of achievements in safety from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) displaying dedication to fostering a culture of safety.