Frances Sablan, left, executive director for MANGO, poses with other regional leaders.
Laurie Peterka, left, development & communications director for MANGO, shares ideas with other regional leaders.
FRANCES Sablan, executive director, and Laurie Peterka, development & communications director of the Marianas Alliance of Non-Governmental Organizations, recently participated in the Connecting Communities in the Americas event held in Dubuque, Iowa. Sablan and Peterka joined 50 leaders from 13 countries and territories spanning the Americas, Pacific Islands, and the Caribbean, to explore innovative ways to address local issues in rural communities.
Hosted by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, the event focused on fostering collaboration among community leaders to create sustainable solutions for regional challenges. Participants discussed strategies for economic development, community engagement, and capacity building.
“This gathering gave me the opportunity to learn new ideas and approaches from community leaders around the world,” said Sablan. “I’m excited to bring these insights back to MANGO and use them to further our mission of supporting local nonprofits in the Northern Marianas.”
Sablan and Peterka’s primary focus is on securing funding for projects that promote cultural preservation, economic growth, and job security in the CNMI.
“The economic fluctuations we experience in the Northern Marianas can significantly affect livelihoods,” Peterka noted. “I’m eager to implement what I’ve learned in Dubuque to support our member organizations and help create more job opportunities and stability for the people of the CNMI.”
The Connecting Communities in the Americas event underscored the importance of global collaboration in addressing local issues. The MANGO leadership in attendance believe that the innovative strategies and funding mechanisms shared during the event will empower MANGO to better serve its more than 100 member organizations and the wider community.
About Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering regional prosperity by connecting donors, nonprofits, and community leaders to address critical local issues. Founded in 2002, the foundation serves Dubuque and the surrounding area by providing philanthropic leadership, promoting community collaboration, and managing charitable funds to support initiatives in education, economic development, and social equity. Through events like Connecting Communities in the Americas, the foundation facilitates dialogue and innovation to empower rural communities and drive positive, sustainable change.
About MANGO
The Marianas Alliance of Non-Governmental Organizations is a coalition of nonprofits in the Northern Mariana Islands, dedicated to supporting local organizations through funding, capacity building, and advocacy. MANGO’s mission is to strengthen the role of non-governmental organizations in promoting sustainable development and preserving cultural heritage in the region.
