Shirley Mae Springer Staten is the executive director of Keys to Life, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to empowering, creating, and strengthening an inclusive community through rich arts and cross-cultural experiences. She has worked as a VISTA volunteer, traveled to Cuba and Africa, served as Cultural Events Project Coordinator for the United Nations/NGO Womens Conference in Beijing, and worked in various positions for the Alaska Humanities Forum, Alaska Native Heritage Center, Anchorage School District, Home Base After School Program, and others. Shirley Mae earned her Master's Degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Santa Monica in 1996 after receiving her bachelors in Human Resource Development from Alaska Pacific University. She has received numerous recognitions, including Athena Society membership, YWCAs Women of Achievement Award, Mayors Arts Awards, the Honor Kempton award and legislative citations for advancing the causes of humanity, Alaska Black Caucus Community Service Award, and Interior Alaska Ecumenical Peace with Justice Council Peacemakers Award.