AUBRIANA Sablan is Atkins Kroll Saipan’s newest full-time employee and first female Auto Tech.
Stephen Sablan’s eyes gleam with pride as he recalls his daughter’s childhood. “Aubriana was always a bright spot,” he says, his voice soft with memories. “Even as a little girl, she had this infectious laugh that could light up a room. Nervous or not, she’d smile, showing a resilience that would later define her professional journey.”
Growing up at Mount Carmel School, Aubriana wasn’t just another student. She was a force of nature—academically sharp and passionate about sports, always pushing boundaries. But nobody, not even her parents, could have predicted how a single week would transform her entire future.
The summer that changed everything
The summer of 2022 arrived like a turning point. Stephen and Marissa made a decision that would alter Aubriana’s trajectory forever: enrolling her in the Summer Tech Automotive Program at the Northern Marianas Technical Institute. It was just a one-week program, but sometimes a week is all it takes to ignite a lifetime passion.
“By the end of that week, something had changed in her,” Stephen remembers. “She came home different—eyes bright, talking about engines and mechanics with a language we’d never heard from her before.”
Aubriana Sablan works on a piston housing at the Northern Marianas Technical Institute.
Roots of mechanical passion
The seeds of Aubriana’s passion weren’t entirely unexpected. On Stephen’s side of the family, mechanical expertise wasn’t just a profession; it was a legacy. Her great-grandfather, grandfather, and uncles had all owned and operated automotive shops from the 1950s through the early 2000s. It was as if mechanical intuition ran through her blood.
“It felt like watching a family tradition being reborn,” Stephen says. “But Aubriana wasn’t just continuing a legacy; she was redefining it.”
Breaking barriers at NMTech
Immediately after high school, Aubriana dove headfirst into the Automotive Technology program at NMTech. Her instructor, Dante Yumul, became more than an educator; he was a catalyst. His engaging teaching style transformed technical learning into an art form, inspiring Aubriana to push beyond conventional boundaries.
For nearly two years, she consumed every course possible, her determination growing with each lesson. She wasn’t just learning—she was preparing to make her mark in an industry historically dominated by men.
Atkins Kroll Saipan: A gateway to opportunity
The internship at Atkins Kroll wasn’t just a professional milestone; it was a statement. For a 19-year-old woman to enter a traditionally masculine field, she needed more than skill. She needed courage.
Her 60-hour internship became a proving ground. When Atkins Kroll opened full-time positions, Aubriana wasn’t just selected; she was celebrated. The company wasn’t just offering a job; they were extending an opportunity that spoke volumes about changing workplace dynamics.
Vincent Tudela, reflecting on Aubriana’s internship, emphasized the importance of passion: “The most important qualities are interest and passion. Those traits drive everything in this industry. Aubriana stood out because she clearly demonstrated a genuine passion for automotive service.”
More than just a job
For Aubriana, automotive technology isn’t merely a career, but a calling. “Each task, no matter how small, contributes to vehicle safety,” she explains. “Whether it’s an oil change or a complex inspection, I’m ensuring someone’s safe journey.”
Atkins Kroll Saipan’s commitment to diversity
What makes Aubriana’s story remarkable is not just her individual achievement, but Atkins Kroll Saipan’s progressive approach. In an industry where women have historically been marginalized, the company is actively creating space for talent, regardless of gender.
Anna Mae Adaza from the Workforce Investment Agency notes, “Aubriana represents our core mission—to provide training, support internships, and create pathways to permanent employment.”
Tudela noted that their partnership with NMTech represents more than just recruitment: “Our partnership with NMTech has brought in new talent and fresh perspectives that have strengthened our team. The program not only provides us with skilled candidates but also helps us build a pipeline of talent that’s essential for the long-term success of our department.”
A young woman’s perspective
At just 19, Aubriana is acutely aware of the barriers she’s breaking. “I want to inspire other young women,” she says. “This field isn’t about physical strength; it’s about precision, understanding, and passion.”
Her goals extend beyond personal success. She dreams of mentoring other women, showing them that automotive technology isn’t just a man’s world; it’s a world of opportunity for anyone with drive and dedication.
The road ahead
Stephen watches his daughter’s journey with a mixture of pride and wonder. “Her journey is just beginning,” he says. “But she’s already showing that passion knows no gender, that skill recognizes no traditional boundaries.”
The Sablan family.
A new generation’s promise
Aubriana Sablan represents more than an individual success story. She embodies a generational shift—a promise that talent, dedication, and opportunity can reshape industries, one passionate professional at a time.
At Atkins Kroll Saipan, at NMTech, in the broader automotive world, she is living proof that the future isn’t about who you are; it’s about what you can do.
As Tudela advises other employers, “Workforce programs like these create opportunities to mold and mentor candidates who are eager to learn, ultimately benefiting both the employer and the community.”
Her wrench is her paintbrush. Her passion, her compass. And her journey? It’s just getting started.
