Annette Pladevega-Sablan, Geralyn Dela Cruz, Jeaniffer Cubangbang
By Candy Alexis D. Feliciano
THE P20W (Preschool to Workforce) program isn’t just about data—it’s a lifeline for the CNMI’s future.
By connecting education and workforce sectors, it’s transforming how the islands approach learning, career development, and economic growth.
This groundbreaking initiative links data from K-12 schools, colleges, and local employers to create a comprehensive view of student progress and workforce opportunities.
Partner agencies include:
- Public School System (PSS)
- Northern Marianas College (NMC)
- Northern Marianas Technical Institute (NMTech)
- Department of Labor (DOL)
- Department of Finance
- Department of Commerce
At the heart of this transformation are three remarkable women: Jen Cubangbang, Geri Dela Cruz, and Annette Pladevega-Sablan. Their unique skills, perspectives, and dedication are driving the P20W program forward, proving that innovation knows no bounds—even in a small island community.
Jen: Code and curiosity
At just 19, Jeaniffer “Jen” Cubangbang knew data wasn’t just numbers; it was a story waiting to be told. Her journey from computer science teacher to SLDS Technical Manager wasn’t linear but a zigzag of curiosity and unexpected connections.
Her workspace tells her story: 129,075 photos crammed into her phone, 70% of them food. For Jen, every image and dataset is a puzzle waiting to be solved—a story waiting to be told. Between designing balloon arches that defy gravity and hunting down the most obscure food trucks, Jen transforms complex systems into something beautifully functional.
In the P20W program, Jen leads technical integration, developing automation tools like ETL pipelines and Python scripts that extract, clean, and organize data across multiple agencies. Her work ensures that the data flows seamlessly, creating a foundation for actionable insights.
Geri: Unscripted data governance
Geralyn “Geri” Dela Cruz’s journey into tech is a testament to curiosity and adaptability. Without a traditional tech background, she’s become a master of relationships and problem-solving, bringing a fresh perspective to data governance.
By day, she manages complex inter-agency data initiatives. By weekend, she’s designing hats and reading masses in Chamorro at 6 a.m. after a Saturday night out. Her approach to data is refreshingly human—focused on collaboration and continuous learning.
As P20W Data Governance Manager, Geri develops policies that respect each agency’s unique culture while creating a unified approach to data sharing and utilization. Her ability to navigate both technical and interpersonal challenges is key to the program’s success.
Annette: The data translator
Annette Pladevega-Sablan knows data doesn’t speak for itself; she gives it a voice. With a background in biomedical and educational research, she doesn’t just analyze numbers; she interrogates them, uncovering stories hidden in the stats.
Her banana bread is as much an experiment as her data analysis, each batch a test of precision and curiosity. Where most see statistics, she sees potential stories. The same patience she once used in tracking viral mutations is now applied to untangling complex research questions.
As Project Director, Annette ensures the P20W program goes beyond technical metrics, focusing on real-world impact—how data can improve educational and workforce outcomes. Her ability to translate data into actionable strategies is transforming lives across the CNMI.
The CNMI P20W Data Governance team from different agencies in their monthly conference.
The impact of P20W
The P20W program’s ultimate goal is to turn data into action:
- Guiding students toward high-demand careers
- Creating targeted training programs
- Aligning education with local job market needs
- Tracking progress from early childhood to workforce
- Identifying gaps in education and training
By connecting these dots, the program is creating a brighter future for the CNMI’s students and workforce.
Breaking barriers, building futures
In a small island community where resources are limited, Jen, Geri, and Annette are proving that innovation knows no boundaries. They’re elevating the P20W program from a data management project to a collaborative vision for the CNMI’s future.
Their message to young women in the CNMI is clear: Tech isn’t just about coding. It’s about problem-solving, creativity, and making a real impact.
Beyond the numbers
What sets these women apart isn’t just their technical skills; it’s their humanity. They see data as more than just numbers. It’s a tool for understanding, for creating opportunities, for changing lives.
For Jen, Geri, and Annette, data isn’t just collected—it’s celebrated, understood, and used to write a better future for the CNMI. Together, they’re rewriting the story of their community, proving that when women lead, possibilities are endless.
Three women; one vision; endless possibilities.
