Our Culture
Our Culture:
Collaboration, Empowerment, and Excellence
At Akana, we place our highest value on our people—the staff, managers, and leaders who bring our mission to life. Empowering our team means investing in growth, supporting aspirations, and creating an environment where everyone can do their best work.
We prioritize:
- Ongoing staff and leadership training that builds expertise and encourages innovation
- A welcoming, supportive onboarding process for new team members
- Clear job descriptions, goal setting, and performance evaluations to help employees chart their path
- A focus on process improvement so that we continuously raise the bar on quality and service
Our culture is defined by quality, professionalism, responsiveness, and a spirit of mentorship. Through open communication, recognition of achievements, and team building, we foster a workplace where people feel respected, supported, and inspired.
Enriching Communities:
A Deep Commitment to Tribal and Local Partnerships
Our work is rooted in a genuine commitment to enriching communities. Akana is honored to partner with Native American Tribes, helping to enhance infrastructure, support sovereignty, and reflect cultural values in every project. We stay connected through active participation in organizations and events including Native American Youth and Family Center, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, Reservation Economic Summit, ensuring our efforts are aligned with community priorities.
Staff-Led Committees
Akana staff work in diverse locations and schedules—whether hybrid, in the field, or fully remote—from Hawaii to Georgia. One way our team stays connected is through staff-led committees:
- P.E.E.R. Committee (Positive Employee Engagement Resource): Plans and hosts events that bring staff together, including all-staff gatherings, after-hours socials, and virtual activities like the Book Club.
- Sustainability Committee: Shares resources to help staff live and work more sustainably, provides input on company policies such as travel, and organizes events like electronic recycling drives at the Portland office.
- Safety Committee: Dedicated to fostering a strong safety culture through daily improvements and engaging initiatives. From hosting the Great ShakeOut for seven consecutive years (and counting) to organizing creative safety contests, we strive to keep safety top-of-mind for our team and clients alike.
Our Vision: A Small Business with a Big Impact
Every Akana project reflects our commitment to harmonizing development with environmental responsibility. As we grow, we remain focused on empowering employees, delighting clients, and enriching communities—all while protecting the environment for generations to come.
Join Our Journey
Akana invites you—whether as a client, employee, or partner—to join us in building a future where sustainable infrastructure, cultural respect, and community enrichment work together to strengthen the natural and built environments we all share.