By Candy Alexis D. Feliciano
THE diagnosis came during her senior year of high school: ADHD—a label that many would see as a roadblock. For Jodina Attao, CEO of the Northern Marianas Technical Institute, it became the first spark of a remarkable journey.
“I am ‘A LOT’,” she says candidly, her words carrying the weight of a lifetime of misunderstood potential. “I always have so many ideas and thoughts going on in my head so I tend to be impulsive, impatient and, at the time, inept. I knew I needed to put all my energy into something productive.”
Her superpower
What emerged was not just a personal transformation, but a mission that would reshape technical education in the Northern Mariana Islands. Her path was anything but conventional. A full-time mother of five, Attao approached education with a singular goal: “Get a degree.” But it became so much more.
“Turns out, ADHD is my superpower,” she reflects.
Those racing thoughts, that relentless energy, became the driving force behind her remarkable career.
During her 12 years in the CNMI Public School System, she worked with students from 1st to 11th grade, creating an after-school program designed to prevent delinquency—a project born from a deep understanding that education is about more than just academic learning.
Her colleague, Leiana Ogumoro, captures her essence perfectly: “Boss Jodina, or ‘Jo’ as we call her, has always been a source of support during tough times. She’s not one for empty platitudes, but she offers a unique blend of empathy and straightforwardness, often delivered with a touch of ‘tough love’ that helps us refocus and persevere.”
Community roots
Attao’s approach to education is deeply rooted in her personal history. “I was born and raised in this community,” she shares. “I went to college here at a time where not many educational opportunities were available on our islands.”
This intimate understanding of local challenges became the cornerstone of her leadership at NMTech.
“I have set a standard for my own work ethic and have a huge sense of pride in who we are and where we come from,” she explains.
This philosophy drives her approach to program development—ensuring that educational programs are not just effective, but culturally relevant, accessible, and aligned with local workforce needs.
William Torres, NMTech’s Grant Administrator, eloquently describes her impact: “Under the leadership of Jodina, NMTI has transformed into a hub for workforce development, empowering individuals with skills that drive economic growth and opportunity. She is a testament to the power of women in leadership—breaking barriers, shaping futures, and making a lasting impact on our community.”
Leadership as a continuous journey
Leadership for Attao is never about the title, but about service and continuous growth.
“The most important lesson I’ve learned is the power of listening,” she reflects. “As a leader, it’s easy to think you have all the answers, but real growth comes from engaging with others, understanding their perspectives, and adapting accordingly.”
Her core values of growth, gratitude, community, and collaboration are not just words, but a lived philosophy.
“Every decision I make must reflect a commitment to the people we serve,” she emphasizes, “whether it’s our students, faculty, staff, or the community.”
Joshlyn Kaipat, NMTech Administrative Officer, adds depth to this description: “CEO Jodina is an admirable leader whose perseverance, ambition, determination, self-confidence, and collaborative spirit inspire all who work with her.”
Turning challenges into opportunities
The school’s growth under her leadership is nothing short of remarkable. When she started, NMTech offered nine programs. Today, that number has expanded to 45, not including specialized programs created through robust partnerships.
Stephen Sablan, NMTech Network Administrator, highlights her strategic approach: “Jodina is driven to make NMTech the destination for skills-based education. Her data-driven approach, combined with her exceptional ability to build high-performing teams, fuels NMTech’s growth and innovation.”
Breaking barriers in technical education
As a woman leading a trades school, Attao brings a unique perspective to technical education. “As a woman in this role, I bring a perspective rooted in the understanding that education isn’t just about teaching a trade—it’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels they belong and can excel.”
Her approach is about creating opportunities, particularly for women and underrepresented groups in traditionally male-dominated fields. “We’re committed to breaking down barriers,” she says, “ensuring that our students feel empowered and supported throughout their educational journey.”
Holistic leadership
When talking about work-life balance, Attao offers a profound insight: “Balance is about understanding what truly matters, and being able to prioritize both the mission at hand and the well-being of myself and those around me.”
Her motivation remains deeply personal and community-focused. “On challenging days, my motivation comes from the understanding that we’re not just shaping careers, we’re shaping futures,” she explains. “Every challenge is an opportunity to grow and to influence those around me to push forward despite adversity.”
Vision for the future
Looking ahead, Attao’s strategy for NMTech is grounded in continuous improvement and community engagement. “By listening to the needs of employers and our students, we’re able to offer more tailored programs that will lead to greater career opportunities,” she notes.
Her advice to aspiring leaders, especially women, is both simple and powerful: “Never underestimate the power of your voice and your vision. Stay true to your values, be bold in your decisions, and never shy away from the hard work.”
The heart of leadership
A typical day for Attao involves balancing strategy with execution—meetings with staff and faculty, discussions about program development, student success, and industry partnerships. But the most fulfilling aspect remains constant: “Seeing our students succeed—whether it’s through graduation or when they land their first job in their field.”
From a student once labeled as “too much” to a leader transforming technical education, Attao’s journey is a powerful reminder that our greatest limitations can become our most significant strengths. In her restless, brilliant mind, potential is not something to be contained—it’s something to be unleashed.
“Leadership is not a title,” she declares, “it’s an ongoing process of growth and learning.”
