Felicidad Taman Ogumoro
FORMER Rep. Felicidad Taman Ogumoro received the Spotlight Award from the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies during the 5th Annual APAICS Women’s Collective Summit in Washington, D.C.
On behalf of the APAICS board of directors, APAICS President and Chief Executive Officer Madalene Xuan-Trang Mielke said it was an honor to recognize Ogumoro’s service and commitment to the public and the Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander community.
The other Spotlight awardees are Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh, former Philadelphia Council Member Helen Gym, and former Texas State Rep. Martha Wong.
Ogumoro, 73, was honored “for breaking barriers and for outstanding leadership in elected office.”
She was recognized for her work in the community through addressing poverty and uplifting women, and as the first female of Carolinian heritage to be elected to the CNMI House of Representatives.
Ogumoro’s career in public service spans over 50 years, and includes contributions to education, workforce and economic development, advocacy for the islands’ women and youth, and work in various non-profit and political organizations.
“Her commitment to education is evident in the various positions and roles she has held: pre-school principal, education board member, co-founder of the first early college admissions program, scholarship board member, and as a legislative advocate for the establishment of the CNMI’s community college.”
At the birth of the Commonwealth government in 1978, she was one of only two women elected to the House of Representatives of the 1st Commonwealth Legislature. She also served in the 2nd, 17th, 18th and 19th Legislatures.
“During her tenure, she authored and co-authored significant legislation, including bills related to public education, cultural preservation, healthcare, the empowerment of women, and the recognition of ancestral rights.
“Just as significant were two constitutional amendments she authored, which were subsequently ratified by voters, that guaranteed funding for the islands’ public schools and college, and established the Women’s Affairs Office.”
Ogumoro was also a member of various public and non-government organizations over the years, including the Public Lands Advisory Board, the Board of Education, the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, the CNMI Scholarship Board, the Humanities Council, the Northern Marianas College Foundation, and the Commonwealth Zoning Board.
She also held leadership roles in organizations, such as the United Carolinians Association, the Marianas Alliance of NGOs and the CNMI Women’s Association.
Ogumoro “enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and extended family, coordinating get-togethers with them, and providing guidance and support when needed. Felicidad holds fond memories of her loving husband, the late Micronesian journalist Francisco ‘Cisco’ Uludong, and parents, the late Daniel Rogolifoi and Estefania Taman Ogumoro. She owes much of her dedication to, and work for her community to the love and support she received from them, her children and extended family.”
Founded by former U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta in 1994, APAICS is a national, non-partisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander participation and representation at all levels of the political process, from community service to elected office.
U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan with Rep. Felicidad T. Ogumoro’s son, Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies President and Chief Executive Officer Madalene X. Mielke and Department of the Interior Deputy Assistant Secretary Keone Nakoa at the APAICS Women’s Collective on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Washington, D.C.
