BREAKING tradition, the Soroptimist International-NMI Chapter on Saturday named a first place and two second place winners for this year’s “Live Your Dream” award.
The award is given to someone who is the head of household, the main financial support of the household, a full-time undergraduate student at either a college, university, or trade school, and needs financial assistance.
Last year’s theme was “Rising Above the Storm,” while this year’s theme was “Dancing in the Rain.”
Coming in first place was Jomanda Manglona, a single mother of four and a current Northern Marianas College student.
“I’m humbly grateful. It’s not just me winning; it’s my grandma, it’s my four kids. We’re all winners…. Every lady here is representing how proud and how wonderful Soroptimist is and how it is growing and impacting our women in the NMI,” Manglona said.
She said she first heard of the award through the college, as well as through her godmother who inspired her to pursue higher education.
“When she sees an opportunity that we’re suited for, she tells the family about it to help them out,” she added.
Manglona said she was motivated to apply for the award because she wanted to follow her dreams.
“I have been wanting to go back to school. I had a moment of breaking down, but now I’m back and there’s no other way to go but forward,” she said.
The young mother strives to be the first in her family to earn a college degree.
“I want to set an example. None of my family members have graduated from college. I want to be the inspiration and example for them and for my children. College is important. It gives you knowledge and power,” she said.
With a business degree, Manglona said she would like to pursue a career in the CNMI private sector, training and becoming more knowledgeable in the business industry.
She also hopes to help train and prepare the next generation to pursue higher education and also become more business savvy.
“I’ve been taught to get a better education. I’ve seen that business here in the CNMI is great. I want to show our friends and family here in the CNMI that anything is possible,” she said.
While pursuing her college degree, Manglona juggles being a mother to four children ages 11, 9, 6, and 3.
“It’s very hard. I’m still learning how to balance it all. It’s not easy. It’s hard being a mom, period. It’s never steady, so I just have to flow with the spirit and see what works. When the kids are sleeping, I can do my homework. Sometimes I sleep when they fall asleep and just wake up earlier to do my homework. I have been working on training my children to be quiet and be still when they are awake so I can get my work done,” she said.
“It’s not easy being a mom and going to school. It’s not easy for me to be a single mother of four children and going to school, but it is easier when you have support like this, from the Soroptimists, my family, and especially my grandma. I could not have done it without my supportive family and this organization.”
To future applicants of the “Live Your Dream” award, Manglona said, “If I can do it with four kids, going to school, pursuing my education, hitting rock bottom, but still moving forward, you can do it, too. I am here in the CNMI, a place that people might think is very small, but we’re much bigger and more powerful together.”
“We were made women for a reason. I am a mom, a woman, and without this organization, without my support system, I don’t know what I would do. All I can do is say ‘thank you’ and hope that this message encourages women who are mothers, women supporting other dependents, and students. I hope you know that there are people here to help you. The Soroptimist ‘Live Your Dream’ award is there for you, so apply. You never know. You just might be the next winner,” she added.
Tied for second place were Kaelani San Nicolas and Jennifer Benavente.
“I was so surprised and overjoyed,” San Nicolas said. “I didn’t even know about this Soroptimist before I applied. Coming here tonight and hearing from the other women about their struggles, though, [made] me realize that I’m not alone,” said San Nicolas, who is also an NMC student who heard about the award through the college.
San Nicolas, who intends to earn a bachelor’s degree in special education, said she was motivated to apply for the award to help fulfill her dreams.
“It’s help towards my dream. Why not accept any financial help or anything that will help me get closer to achieving my goals? It was important for me to just try. Just try because you never know; you might win,” she said.
To future applicants, San Nicolas said, “Never stop dreaming.”
Soroptimist International-NMI president Marilyn Marron said they decided to have three awardees this year because for the first time in its history, two applicants were tied for second, just two points away from first place.
Marron noted that judges are non-members of the organization who are tasked with reviewing entries and determining winners of the “Live Your Dream” award.
In all, this year’s three winners won a combined total of $5,000.
“We don’t stop after awarding. We want to continue to be here to mentor, to be a shoulder for them to lean on, to be women that they can rely on as they continue on their education journey,” Marron said.
“We award this every year. We always put out notifications in September, encouraging eligible applicants to apply…. This is an award that has no stipulation. You can use the award money for whatever you need, whether it is a new tire, or maybe you need to pay rent or utilities or buy groceries and put food on the table. Whatever your need is, that is what the award money is for. We give you the money and the main thing is that you are able to help yourself so you can finish your education…. We want to invest in your dreams and your education.”
Marron said they are fortunate to live in the CNMI, where it is relatively safe to hold annual events in person amid the pandemic.
“We are very lucky to be here in the CNMI. Most of our cases have been imported cases through travel. As we continue our lives here, I know that we can have this type of social event to continue to empower our women. The government is doing a great job to keep us safe. I can only say that we are blessed to be living in the CNMI today and be able to help empower women,” Marron said.
This year’s event sponsors include Marianas Eye Institute, The Shack, Triple J Payless Superfresh & Truckload Store, Bank of Saipan, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Latte Built Fitness, Paradise Dental Center, Natural Nail Spa, Takagi & Associates Inc., and Gold’s Gym.
Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement that advocates for human rights and gender equality, ensuring that the voices of women and girls are heard.
2021 Soroptimist International-NMI Chapter “Live Your” Dream first-place winner Jomanda Manglona, right, is pictured with her grandmother on Saturday at Marianas Lighthouse on Navy Hill.
Jennifer Benavente, Jomanda Manglona, and Kaelani San Nicolas.
