Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Ivy Spohnholz

Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell

Former State Legislator & Community Leader

Born in Nabesna and raised in Anchorage, Ivy Spohnholz has dedicated her life to building stronger communities across Alaska. While her early years were spent pursuing ballet, even earning a full-ride scholarship to study with Ballet West and University of Utah in Salt Lake City, her enduring desire to serve her community compelled her to pivot at 19 toward a career of public and community service.  That shift ultimately led her into two decades of nonprofit leadership, followed by nearly seven years serving in the Alaska State Legislature.

During her time in office, Ivy championed landmark legislation to improve the lives of Alaskans, including healthcare price transparency and permanently expanding access to telehealth services. She chaired the House Special Committee on Ways & Means and co-chaired the Labor & Commerce Committee, where she worked across party lines to advance fiscal stability and strengthen families.

Beyond the Legislature, Ivy has played a key role as a volunteer leader on major community initiatives. She supported the alcohol tax campaign that now funds prevention programs for domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse through her service with the Alaska Children’s Trust. She also served on the steering committee for the Cares for Kids campaign, helping dedicate marijuana tax revenue to childcare — a community-driven effort to strengthen Alaska families.

She has also held important roles with The Salvation Army, University of Alaska Anchorage, and Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis. In addition, she has served on numerous boards, including YWCA Alaska and the Alaska Children’s Trust, and is now exploring entrepreneurship with her business, Cabin Fever.

Outside her professional life, Ivy finds balance and joy with her husband Troy, their three adult daughters — Iris, Kim, and Maya — and their lively pup, Indy. She enjoys gardening, time at the family cabin in Talkeetna, and outdoor adventures across Alaska’s expansive parks and trails.

Q&A with Ivy Spohnholz

What did receiving the Women of Achievement award in 2016 mean to you?

It was an affirmation that my service was valued and that I was seen as a peer among women I had long admired as mentors and role models. That recognition fueled my confidence to be more courageous and take bigger leaps in my career.

How did the award influence your journey?

The award reminded me that none of us does this work alone. It connected me to a community of women who support each other, celebrate each other, and encourage one another to keep going. That sense of belonging is powerful.

What positive changes have you noticed in women’s leadership in Alaska?

Since 2016, I’ve seen tremendous progress. Anchorage elected its first woman mayor, and I think we’ve moved past the old assumption that women couldn’t make tough decisions or lead with courage. While we’re not at full equity yet, our community is recognizing women leaders in broader ways than ever before.

I’ve also seen greater recognition of leadership among people of color and underrepresented communities. Anchorage has always valued diverse leadership, but that appreciation has grown significantly over the past nine years. Today, we see remarkable Alaska Native, African American, and Filipino leaders shaping our city and state. For example, Representative Genevieve Mina recently became only the second Filipino American elected to the Alaska Legislature since Thelma Buchholdt — a milestone that shows just how far we’ve come

What advice would you give to future honorees?

Support and celebrate one another. Women succeed when we collaborate and lift each other up. Build networks, share opportunities, and don’t be afraid to trust yourself — your intuition and perspective are valid and needed.

What are you most proud of since receiving the award?

I’m proud of helping pass the alcohol tax to invest in domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse prevention programs, as well as the initiative to dedicate marijuana tax revenue to make unprecedented investments in childcare. These policies create lasting infrastructure that strengthens families and communities. I’m also proud of expanding access to telehealth — a change that continues to transform healthcare access across Alaska, especially for those in rural communities.

Closing Note

Ivy Spohnholz reminds us that leadership is about discipline, courage, and community. From ballet to the state legislature, she has carried forward a lifelong commitment to service. Her journey shows how women leaders can transform challenges into opportunities and, in doing so, inspire the next generation to lead with strength and heart.

Edited 9/18/2025 at 9:30am