NORTHERN Marianas Technical Institute and Northern Marianas College were the local recipients of the funds raised during the Guam Business Magazine’s Executive of the Year Gala.
On Thursday, NMTech CEO Jodina Attao and NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD were on a video call with Maureen N. Maratita, Guam Business Magazine’s publisher, as well as representatives from the other beneficiaries, for a media conference. The other beneficiaries were the Guam Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Guam Contractors Association Trades Academy. Each organization received $5,000.
Marcos W. Fong, managing director of Glimpses Media, which publishes Guam Business Magazine, said local economies are supported by the four beneficiaries.
“The common theme is workforce development and education, and that’s something that’s very [important] for our group,” he said. “The work that you guys do are largely supportive of the business community. I think there’s a great alignment there and we’re proud to support your organizations and the work you do.”
Deleon Guerrero said NMC is building a student center and will break ground on four new buildings. The college is also supporting Small Business Development Center programs amid funding uncertainties, he added.
“We’re able to do all of this in this sort of uncertain federal landscape because of support like yours,” he said, referring to Glimpses Media. “We truly appreciate you being the wind in our sails as we sail ahead to better and brighter futures.”
He said “nothing sinks our proa,” referring to the traditional sailboat that is the NMC mascot.
“Our proa has been through rough waters in the past few years whether it be a pandemic, geopolitical forces that are causing a lot of uncertainty, or Category 5 typhoons …. We like to say that no matter what comes our way nothing sinks our proa. We continue to sail ahead.”
Attao was likewise grateful for the donation.
“NMTech’s mission is to invest in students by providing advanced trades, career, and technical education to produce skilled individuals and strengthen the CNMI workforce,” she said. “Together it’s partnerships like this that help us really get further along in our journey.”
Attao told Variety that the $5,000 will be awarded to 10 recent high school graduates, who want to pursue careers in the trades locally.
“Each student will go through an application process and will be awarded $500 that will go toward the course of their choice,” she said.
NMTech and NMC receive a donation from Guam Business Magazine during a media conference on March 27, 2025.
Jodina Attao, center, NMTech CEO.
