THE Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence is pleased to announce the launch of nominations for the prestigious 2024 Bridge of Light Award or BOLA. Each year, NMCADSV honors an individual who displays remarkable commitment to supporting victims, survivors, and the community in addressing domestic and sexual violence in the CNMI.
The Bridge of Light Award aims to highlight those who have made significant contributions within eligible agencies, organizations, or offices in the CNMI. Eligible candidates include service providers, first responders, representatives, or volunteers with at least one year of employment or volunteer service. Nominees should demonstrate outstanding qualities such as leadership, advocacy for victims, community education, prevention efforts, and resource development.
“We are excited to open nominations for the 2024 Bridge of Light Award,” said Kiki I. Benjamin, associate director of NMCADSV. “This award celebrates the exceptional efforts of individuals and serves as a beacon of hope for our community as we unite against domestic and sexual violence.”
Nominations are open to victims, survivors, family members, friends, as well as members, representatives, and employees from eligible CNMI agencies, organizations, or offices. To nominate a deserving individual, please visit the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BOLA2024/. The deadline for submissions is Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at 11:59 pm.
During the evaluation process, nominations will be carefully reviewed based on the information provided in the form. Those submitting nominations are encouraged to provide detailed explanations expressing why their nominee is deserving of this esteemed recognition.
The recipient of the 2024 Bridge of Light Award will be announced during the Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation Signing ceremony in October. Furthermore, the awardee will be granted an exclusive opportunity to participate in a national training program provided by NMCADSV, in addition to receiving self-care prizes sponsored by Tan Siu Lin Foundation and Bridge Capital LLC.
Past recipients of the Bridge of Light Award include Flora Aguon, a Department of Public Safety officer; Lauri B. Ogumoro, executive director of Karidat Social Services; Mildred W. Sikebert, a social worker with the Division of Youth Services; Elaine C. Dela Cruz, a counselor at Karidat Social Services; Diana Camacho, executive director of Ayuda Network Inc.; John Aguon, a victim advocate at the Attorney General’s Office; Vivian T. Sablan, director of DYS; Rose Taman Rios, a Department of Public Safety officer; Calvani P. Deleon Guerrero, a victim advocate at Karidat Social Services; Lupe Ann L. Maratita; and most recently, Shannon Dela Cruz, a detective at the Department of Public Safety.
For more details regarding the 2024 Bridge of Light Award or to inquire about the nomination process, reach out to NMCADSV at (670) 234-3878 or email info@endviolencenmi.org/.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any form of sexual violence, assistance is available. Call 911 for immediate emergency support or contact the 24/7 Karidat Victim Hotline at (670) 234-5100.