Doyon Foundation alumna Whitney Frank is originally from Allakaket, and is currently living in Avondale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix.
Frank is a graduate of Universal Technical Institute (UTI), a nationwide provider of technical education training for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. Frank graduated from UTI with an associate’s of occupational studies and also from the Ford F. A. C. T. (Ford Accelerated Credential Training) Program. She is currently working at Camelback Ford dealership and her future goal is to become an apprentice under a master technician, “where my real education will begin,” Frank said.
Frank became interested in the automotive industry while she was working for an independent shop back in Fairbanks. “I haven’t looked back since,” she said.
“To the people who are interested in this field, jump in with both feet and try it. You don’t know unless you do. I jumped in without looking and I am so much happier than I could ever have thought. I found what I love to do,” Frank said.
“To the girls that are interested in this field, I am a towering 5’5″ and I am the smallest person in my department but I have never let that stop me from learning what I do. Being in this field has given me something to be proud of, a learned trade that I can take anywhere and apply to anything and something that I can grow into,” she encouraged. “Sometimes this field gets tough or hard to deal with, but when the vehicle is done it’s the best feeling in the world to know that you can do this.”
Frank received much encouragement during her education, especially from her husband, family and a co-worker. She also benefited from support from organizations including Doyon Foundation, Tanana Chiefs Conference and UTI.
“The assistance that was given was completely a blessing in every way. Without it, I would not be able to completely throw myself into my studies and give myself the opportunity to stay late or come in early. I would have not been able to do that if I was working,” Frank said.
Frank’s mother is Linda Demientieff from Allakaket, and her father is Claude Demientieff of Nenana. Her maternal grandparents are the late William and Effie Williams, and her paternal grandparents are the late Claude Sr. and Martha Demientieff.