Uvaŋa Anausuk

My name is Janelle Sharp, my Iñupiaq name is Anausuk after my Amau. I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. My mom is originally from Kotzebue, and my dad is from Jefferson City, Missouri. I’m a tribal member of the Village of Kotzebue and a NANA Shareholder. My husband and I were both raised here in Anchorage, and we’re now raising our own family of six in the same community that helped shape us. Like many families, we’ve seen our city change over the years, and we’re hopeful that we can be part of helping Anchorage become a safer, stronger place again. The kind of city where our children, and future generations, can thrive.

Where I’m from:

I was born and raised in South Anchorage where my husband and I now reside and are raising our own family. I’m proud to be living and working in the same neighborhoods I grew up in, where I now have multi-generational ties as my parents both still live here. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the changes to South Anchorage and know what’s worth protecting, and what needs to be fixed.

What I do:

I have a science and systems background (B.S. in Chemistry from UAA, M.S. in Geophysics from UAF) and have also built and managed community programs from the ground up. I served as the Regional Director for ANSEP’s Anchorage Acceleration Academy, where I led a diverse team, designed operations, and supported hundreds of students and families. I understand how to navigate systems, improve them, and build long-term, practical solutions that actually work and produce results.

Why I’m Running:

I’m running because Anchorage deserves to feel safe again. We need to stop accepting and normalizing public disorder, and should not accept homelessness or open air drug use as a permanent condition. We need our tax dollars to go further, and we deserve to know where they’re going. I’m not running to play politics, I’m running because I want to see our city’s neighbors and my own kids safely walk sidewalks and trails, safely take publicly funded bus routes without avoiding large portions of town, attend successful schools, and live in a city that they envision growing their family in.

How I Lead:

Results will come with calm, direct, and focused leadership. I don’t get distracted by political drama or games, I believe leadership means showing up, being honest, following through, and remaining accountable. I take ownership, even when uncomfortable, and stay focused on practical steps (not talking points).

What You Can Expect From Me:

I’ll fight to support public safety and hold our systems accountable. I will ask tough questions about where our money is spent, and bring balance to the Assembly. Most importantly, I will represent the voices of our diverse South Anchorage communities from Glen Alps, to Bayshore, and from Girdwood to Abbott/Dimond.

Education & Experience

Brice Habeger, Alaska Producer

Washington Post: photos by Jonathan Newton

  • Anchorage Parent + Neighbor

    My husband and I are active in our kids lives and their networks. As a mom of four (ages 3-16) with deep family ties in Anchorage, we support the people who support our kids and our family. From helping friends and family with snow and tree removal after major snow storms, to prepping for meal trains, and helping organize family nights with our church. Our family’s ties connect us across Anchorage and we’re reliable “doers” that you can count on.

    Downtown Hope Center: Women’s Shelter

    I first volunteered with my church at the Downtown Hope Center in May 2025 and have returned at least once a month since. I’m consistently impressed by how well the Center runs, the real needs they meet, and the compassion their staff and volunteers show every day.

    Student of the APD’s Citizen’s Academy

    I joined the APD Citizens Academy to gain a clearer understanding of the department’s structure, day-to-day operations, and importantly, the challenges they face in policing Anchorage today.

  • Geochemist, Alaska Native Regional Corporation

    For my daytime job, I work as a geochemist focused on environmental solutions for mine reclamation. Right now I’m studying selenium behavior and waste-rock management to inform future closure plans. This work aligns with my PhD research in geochemistry.

    Environmental Scientist

    Previously, I’ve conducted fieldwork and data analysis across Alaska, turning measurements into actionable reports and supporting investigations and cleanups at contaminated sites, including Bornite Mine, Fort Greely, and Eklutna.

  • Ph.D. (in progress), Geochemistry - University of Alaska

    My current research is focused on selenium speciation and mobility from waste rock at an Alaskan mine, which will help guide future mine closure scenarios.

    B.S. Chemistry; M.S. Geophysics

    My education gave me hands-on lab experience and a practical way to think about whole systems. I use a systems approach to understand both scientific and community question: listening first, test assumptions, then weigh trade-offs before suggesting next steps.

  • Regional Director, ANSEP Acceleration Academy (UAA)

    I was one of four Regional Directors, hired in 2015, to start up the Acceleration Academy that at the time had two locations. This program is a dual enrollment high school program at UAA, where students can replace their high school curriculum with college classes. My responsibilities as the Regional Director included:

    • Securing funding from the ASD and local organizations so students in 9th-12th grade were able to participate

    • Hire, train, and support all staff

    • Recruit and advise 9th-12th grade students

    • Design clear expectations and supports for students and families

    • Create and recruit partnerships and partners to host hands-on activities

    • Implement simple systems that help students stay on track, and parents stay up to date on student progress

  • Home & Rental Management

    As the Mom of the household, I treat budgets like they matter… because they do!

    • Manager of one local rental which has required balancing maintenance, safety, and cost control to be a successful rental

    • Household keeper of the spreadsheets: Budget, cash flow, savings, long-term upgrade plans

  • Master’s Thesis: “Sediment characteristics and economic potential of large methane seeps in Esieh Lake, NW”

    I gained experience as a field lead and logistics coordinator through our regular field events that took place in rural Northwest Alaska. As part of a broader investigation of the largest known methane seep in the arctic, our research was featured in the Washington Post, and as an episode on NOVA.

    ANSEP Acceleration Academy (Kotzebue)

    As a Regional Director for ANSEP, while running the Anchorage Acceleration Academy, I also secured funding, set up local partnerships and support, hired staff, and recruited students for the Acceleration Academy that now runs on the UAF Chukchi Campus. I was proud to have been able to extend such an awesome opportunity to students in my Mom’s community.

Contact us

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