Her Goals. Her Way.: Leadership Lessons from Ilitaqsiniq Executive Director Adriana Kusugak

In Nunavut, leadership is deeply rooted in relationships, community, and lifting others up. Our Executive Director, Adriana Kusugak, carries these values into her work every day.

Adriana, who is from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, has spent her career working alongside Inuit across Inuit Nunangat. Everything she does in her role as Ilitaqsiniq’s ED she does with kindness, respect, shared purpose, and a deep belief in the strength of every person on her team.

“To lead with the heart is to uplift others,” she says. “Together we can create the world we want to live in.”

Adriana’s leadership lessons were recently shared through the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council’s “Her Goals. Her Way.” video project. This video series is part of a joint commitment between Qulliit and Women and Gender Equity Canada to provide learning opportunities and positive outcomes for women, girls, and gender-diverse Nunavummiut.

Each video celebrates a strong Nunavut woman who shares leadership insights and best practices. Adriana was one of six accomplished leaders featured, alongside Eva Aariak, Clara Evalik, Bernice Kuutuu-Clarke, Myna Ishulutak and Annie Buscemi. You can watch all videos here.

Adriana’s words are a reminder that true leadership is about relationships. She encourages leaders to build a shared vision that everyone can believe in, and to trust and empower their team. She leads by example, reminding us that no task is ever beneath a leader, because working side by side builds mutual respect.

Watch Adriana’s full video on our website to hear all seven tips in her own words: