WOMEN leaders in the public and private sectors highlighted empowerment, health and economic resiliency during the 11th Annual CNMI Women’s Summit at the Governor Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center on Tuesday.
Hosted by the CNMI Women’s Association, the summit was attended by over 100 women leaders.
Northern Marianas College-Cooperative Research, Extension, & Education Services Interim Dean Patricia Coleman discussed making a difference as stewards of the environment, while NMC-CREES Children’s Healthy Living Program graduate Hannah Shai talked about the vital role women play in shaping the community’s nutrition and health policy.
Division of Youth Services Administrator Vivian Sablan spoke about how families can empower themselves by participating in prevention and supportive services, while Commonwealth Cancer Association Interim Executive Director Lynn Tenorio emphasized the power of women to remain cancer-free.
Department of Commerce Secretary Remedio Mafnas provided an update on what her department has been doing to help revive the local economy while entrepreneur Shannon Sasamoto shared her “Valley of Dreams & Simiyan Marianas” project.
Former Senate President Edith Deleon Guerrero, Marianas Business Network Chairperson Sonya P. Dancoe, and D&Q International Distributors Regional Sales Manager Marilyn Marron engaged participants in a panel discussion on “Women Advancing Economic Development.” CNMI Labor Secretary Leila Staffler served as the moderator.
First Lady Wella Foundation President Becky P. Cruz, in her remarks, said they were celebrating all the women who work hard every day to achieve personal and professional goals.
She said International Women’s Day, which was celebrated worldwide on March 8, recognized the accomplishments of women in a variety of fields. “In almost every area of life today, women are just as productive as men,” Cruz said.
She said, “The most extraordinary responsibilities in history are now being carried out by women, who hold top positions in every industry. Just as women did in the olden days, men are stepping up to support women’s empowerment initiatives.”
Also delivering their remarks were U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds, Atkins Kroll Saipan General Manager Tracy Guerrero and Economic Recovery Corps Fellow Carina Pinales.
From left, CNMI Labor Secretary Leila Staffler, First Lady Wella Foundation President Becky P. Cruz, Atkins Kroll Saipan General Manager Tracy Guerrero, Commonwealth Cancer Association Interim Executive Director Lynn Tenorio, D&Q International Distributors Regional Sales Manager Marilyn Marron and Division of Youth Services Administrator Vivian Sablan during the 11th Annual CNMI Women’s Summit at the multi-purpose center on Tuesday.
First Lady Wella Foundation President Becky P. Cruz, center, with CNMI Women’s Association’s Catherine San Nicolas, right, and Reneacia San Nicolas Ogumoro-Uludong.
CNMI Arts & Culture Inc.’s Patricia Mareham, left, and Island Grindz’ Del Lieto at the 11th Annual CNMI Women’s Summit.
