By Candy Feliciano
For Variety
LEADERSHIP in the CNMI is often defined by how a person handles the lean years. For the 2025 Business Person of the Year finalists, the recent economic climate was a reason to build rather than a reason to wait. Whether they were handling federal tax codes, expanding healthcare to Kagman, connecting local talent to regional defense, or changing how we receive news, these four nominees chose to invest in the islands when the stakes were highest.
The career of Glenna Sakisat Palacios is a clear example of this long-term commitment. As the founder of Marianas Integration, LLC, Palacios focused on a specific goal, to prove that local companies can handle the heavy lifting of regional defense. Her background with the Pacific Air Forces and the Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs gave her the expertise to bridge the gap between Saipan’s small businesses and the Department of Defense.
“Marianas Integration was built with a simple but powerful vision: to create opportunity where we live,” Palacios says. Her motivation is about expanding what is possible for the local workforce. “From the beginning, this was never about building a company for the sake of having a company; it was about building a platform that could open doors for my family, for our people, strengthen our local workforce, and expand what’s possible for the CNMI economy.”
Joshua Wise, PharmD, took a similarly community-focused path in the healthcare sector. As the General Manager of PHI Pharmacy and the President-elect of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, Wise spent the last year pushing through the challenges of a shrinking population and rising operational costs. Instead of cutting services, he oversaw the opening of a new PHI location in Kagman.
Wise is quick to share the credit for these milestones. He describes the nomination as “a reflection of the many colleagues, mentors, and community partners who have worked alongside him.” His approach is based on the idea that in a small community, a business is only as good as its word. As Wise puts it: “In a small island environment, your reputation and consistency will ultimately define your success.”
In a small island community where relationships matter, Brad Ruszala, founder of Commonwealth Communications and the NMI News Service, said collaboration has been central to his approach, particularly when it allows important community work to reach more people.
“One partnership that stands out is with the Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Services. They empower people with disabilities, but their efforts on social media lacked reach. We offered our platform, tech, and production expertise. In turn, their mission filled us with purpose. It’s become a rewarding, meaningful collaboration that exemplifies how we lift each other up.”
For those considering their own path, Ruszala is direct: “If you’re bold enough to chase your passion, take the leap with both feet.” He believes that without full commitment, you deny yourself the opportunity to truly realize your dream.
“Because the reach of our platform has overtaken that of our colleagues in legacy media, we’ve given businesses a voice that wasn’t accessible before,” Ruszala notes. He credits his growth to a total commitment to the mission. To those starting out, his advice is blunt: “If you’re bold enough to chase your passion, take the leap with both feet. You must commit fully to your goal or you will deprive yourself of what your dream job is truly meant to be.”
Tina Azarvand, Esq., LL.M., has focused her efforts on a different kind of infrastructure- specialized legal and tax advocacy. Since establishing Azarvand Tax Law, she has worked to ensure that local taxpayers aren’t overlooked by federal authorities. She has also been involved in major local developments, including representing J&P Holdings in their multi-million dollar aviation investments.
Beyond legal work, Azarvand’s “Lunch & Learn” sessions have provided practical support for local entrepreneurs. She believes the current economic environment requires people to be vocal about the changes they want to see. “Be outspoken and stand up for what you believe in,” she says. She maintains that for the CNMI to grow, it needs “bold voices willing to advocate for change.”
When the Saipan Chamber of Commerce gathers on January 31, the focus will be on the collective impact of these four individuals. They have shown that it is possible to run a competitive company while staying rooted in the needs of the community. Their work serves as a reminder that the future of the CNMI is being built by those who are willing to lead through the challenges of today.
