WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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Table of Contents Foreword ............................................................................................ 11 Contributors ........................................................................................ 12 Rosabelle Almeida Acebedo ............................................................... 17 Ken Joe Maanao Ada .......................................................................... 17 Kathleen A. Aguon, J.D...................................................................... 18 Jermaine Alerta ................................................................................... 19 Norman Analista ................................................................................. 20 Joshua T. Anderson ............................................................................ 20 Hannah Gutierrez Arroyo, J.D. ........................................................... 21 Marissa J.G. Atoigue .......................................................................... 21 Marie T. Babauta-Balbin .................................................................... 22 Leah Ann Tamondong Balansay......................................................... 22 Kate G. Baltazar ................................................................................. 23 Monique S. Alvarez Baza ................................................................... 24 Michael Lujan Bevacqua, Ph.D. ......................................................... 24 Yvette T. Blas-Ananich ...................................................................... 25 Angelica Enriquez Blas ...................................................................... 26 Charrisse Aquino Bolabola ................................................................. 26 Simone Bollinger ................................................................................ 27 Brian Jacob Vincent M. Borja ............................................................ 28 Kisha A. Borja-Quichocho ................................................................. 28 David Burdick .................................................................................... 29 Colleen Marie Cabedo ........................................................................ 30 Michael D. Cabral............................................................................... 30 Anna G. Calvo .................................................................................... 31 Vito Kisa Calvo, Jr. ............................................................................ 31 Lavina L.G. Camacho ......................................................................... 32 Felixberto M. Camacho Jr. ................................................................. 32 Adam Philip Carbullido ...................................................................... 33 Earl Errol Abao Carter ........................................................................ 33 William “Wil” M. Castro .................................................................... 34 Annabel Certeza ................................................................................. 34 Jonathan Kris Chargualaf ................................................................... 35 Franklin J.T. Cooper-Nurse ................................................................ 36 Lisa Marie S. Cooper-Nurse, Ed.D. .................................................... 36 Gregory J. Cruz II ............................................................................... 37 Roe-Ann Jean M. Cruz ....................................................................... 37 Lloyd Cubacub ................................................................................... 38 Natasha Jo Afaisen Dela Cruz ............................................................ 39 Noel Dela Cruz ................................................................................... 39 Jon Nathan Pangilinan Denight .......................................................... 39 Jeremiah F.B. Diaz ............................................................................. 40 Rochelle Alave Diaz, Ed.D. ................................................................ 41 Sophia Santos Diaz ............................................................................. 41 Melanie Cruz Escobar ........................................................................ 42 Josephine D. Evangelista .................................................................... 42 Natalia S. Faculo ................................................................................ 43 Christine Camacho Fejeran ................................................................. 44 Janna B. Fernandez ............................................................................. 45 Rachel P. Field.................................................................................... 46 John M. Flores .................................................................................... 46 Florence Ann L.G. Francisco .............................................................. 47 Terilynn Francisco .............................................................................. 47 Rodalyn May A. Gerardo, CPA, CIA, CGFM, CGAP, CGMA .......... 48 Raymond David “R.D.” Gibson ......................................................... 49 Christian David Gomez ...................................................................... 50 Angela M. Tamayo Gonzales ............................................................. 50 Karen Cheryl O. Grape ....................................................................... 51 Joseph Blas Gumataotao, J.D. ............................................................ 52
Paciano Felix Naputi Gumataotao ...................................................... 53 Hannah Marie Gutierrez ..................................................................... 53 Joliene G. Hasugulayag ...................................................................... 54 Artemio Ricardo A. Hernandez, CGFM ............................................. 54 Lenny R. Hernandez ........................................................................... 55 Jerry V. Hinkle ................................................................................... 55 Robert D.C. Hofmann ........................................................................ 56 Joseph P. Iseke ................................................................................... 57 Julian Janssen ..................................................................................... 57 Romina King, Ph.D. ........................................................................... 58 Christopher R. Leon Guerrero ............................................................ 58 Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero .............................................................. 59 Tricia Atoigue Lizama, Ph.D., LCSW................................................ 59 Jonas D. Macapinlac .......................................................................... 60 Dorothy-Lou M. Manglona ................................................................ 61 Frankie B. Manglona .......................................................................... 61 John Paul Manuel ............................................................................... 62 Annie M. Mendiola ............................................................................ 63 Jacqueline P. Mesa ............................................................................. 63 T’Nelta Mori ...................................................................................... 64 Thomas A. Morrison .......................................................................... 64 Antonio “Tony” Muña, Jr................................................................... 65 Rosemarie J. Munoz ........................................................................... 66 Selina Maria Onedera-Salas ............................................................... 67 Rikki Orsini ........................................................................................ 67 Christine Argenal Pama ..................................................................... 68 Thomas Quintanilla Paulino, CPA, CGFM, CGAP, CGMA .............. 68 Yvette C. Paulino, Ph.D. .................................................................... 69 Gregory G. Perez, Jr. .......................................................................... 70 Maridel R. Perez................................................................................. 71 Maripaz Nogoy Perez, CGFM, CGAP, CICA .................................... 71 N’tasha L. Perez ................................................................................. 72 Uriah Perez ......................................................................................... 72 Jonathan B. Pilarca ............................................................................. 73 Marsha V. Quintanilla ........................................................................ 73 Abigail Q. Reyes ................................................................................ 74 John J. Rivera, Ph.D. .......................................................................... 74 Dennis G. Rodriguez, Jr. .................................................................... 75 Maximo Pilarca Ronquillo, Jr............................................................. 75 Jesse E. Rosario .................................................................................. 76 Asherdee Duenas Rosete, Ed.D. ......................................................... 77 Thomas Henry San Agustin ............................................................... 77 Apolline San Nicolas.......................................................................... 78 Lt. Dwayne T.D. San Nicolas............................................................. 78 Joey Cruz San Nicolas........................................................................ 79 Kathryn Yvonne Ko San Nicolas ....................................................... 79 Michael F.Q. San Nicolas................................................................... 80 Fred John Sanchez, Jr., CPM ............................................................. 81 Nicole A. Santos................................................................................. 81 Shawn M. Scott .................................................................................. 82 Sanjay Sharma .................................................................................... 82 Llewelyn Restuvog Terlaje, CGAP, CGFM ....................................... 83 Aristian V. Torregano ........................................................................ 83 Martha Leon Guerrero Toves ............................................................. 84 Richard Carlos L. Velasco.................................................................. 84 Kay Francis Rivera Yamashita ........................................................... 85 Acknowledgements ............................................................................ 86
WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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Foreword
T
he Association of Government Accountants (AGA) Guam Chapter is pleased to present the “Who’s Who in the Government of Guam: 40 Years and Under.” This publication highlights the biographies of over 100 outstanding Government of Guam employees 40 years and under. This special project was undertaken as part of the chapter activities to commemorate the AGA Guam Chapter’s 45th anniversary since it was chartered in September 1970. As an organization, AGA’s vision is “advancing government accountability.” That is why we made it a goal to highlight some of the best and brightest GovGuam employees 40 years and under that have made an impact in their respective organizations or communities. Our honorees were selected based on being a current, full-time GovGuam employee 40 years and under and demonstrated the skills to be an outstanding leader and shown commitment to improving government operations. Each of these honorees were identified by GovGuam senior management, elected and appointed officials, managers, supervisors, and their peers as having the drive and dedication to advance government accountability on our island. Having gone through the entries in our publication, it is very evident that GovGuam has so many talented, dedicated, and hard-working employees. Our honorees in the publication are so deserving of this simple recognition because of that talent, dedication, and hard work they put everyday into their jobs as GovGuam employees. Their cumulative accomplishments, and at such a young age, is notable and speaks testaments to their willingness to not only better themselves personally and professionally, but share those gifts with those they serve. We do recognize that our compilation is not complete. There are many deserving GovGuam employees that were also nominated for inclusion, however, due to time constraints we were unable to include them all. We look forward to the continued contributions from all our honorees and nominees. We thank you for reading our publication. It was certaily a pleasure working on this project. Our Mission AGA’s mission is to foster learning, certification, leadership and collaboration for professionals and stakeholders committed to advancing government accountability.
Project Coordinator Vincent Duenas
Editorial Contributions Dr. Doreen Crisostomo Jojo Guevara Yukari Hechanova Jason Katigbak Taling Taitano Josephine Villanueva Evangeline Lujan
Chapter Officers - 2015-2016 Artemio “Ricky” Hernandez President Yukari Hechanova President-Elect Rachel Field Immediate Past-President Clariza Roque Secretary Josephine Villanueva Treasurer
Cover by Barry Hernandez
Sponsors Coast360 Federal Credit Union Guampedia Couture hair boutique & spa On the web: http://aga.guam.net Email: agaguamchapter@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/agaguamchapter
Our chapter includes almost 200 members that range from students and entrylevel employees to senior executives and elected officials who work for the local government, post-secondary educational institutions, federal agencies, public accounting firms, and private industries. Our members are involved in various disciplines including accounting, auditing, budgeting, finance, contract management, program management, grants management, and academia. AGA Guam Chapter September 28, 2015
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Contributors VINCENT DUENAS, CGAP, CPM | PROJECT COORDINATOR Vincent Duenas has over 12 years of service with the Government of Guam and is currently the Internal Auditor for the Guam Waterworks Authority. He previously worked with the Office of Public Accountability since 2003 having worked his way up to audit supervisor. Vincent has been a member of the AGA Guam Chapter since 2003 and has served as the Chapter President, Programs Director, Awards Chairperson, and Website Coordinator. Vincent earned his bachelor’s degree in political science in 2001 and master’s degree in public administration in 2010 from the University of Guam. Vincent and his high school sweetheart, Ramona, are proud parents of six children.
DR. DOREEN CRISOSTOMO, CGFM, CICA, CFE | EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR 0
Dr. Doreen Crisostomo is an assistant professor of accounting at the University of Guam. She teaches courses in financial accounting, government accounting, and accounting systems and manages the accounting internship program. She is a member of the Journal Editorial Board, Senior Vice President for Regional Services and the Immediate Past President of the AGA Guam Chapter. She received the AGA Platinum Regional Vice President Award in 2012 and the AGA Platinum Chapter Award in 2014.
JOJO GUEVARA, CGFM | EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Jojo Guevara is currently working in the Law Firm of Lujan Aguigui & Wolff, LLP. He worked with the Government of Guam for over 16 years with the Port Authority and Guam Waterworks Authority. Jojo has been a member of the AGA Guam Chapter since 1998 and has served in numerous roles, including Chapter President and Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) Coordinator. Under his leadership, the AGA Guam Chapter has received national recognition for its CGFM program from 2011 through 2015. In 2013, Jojo was awarded the Chapter Service Award from AGA National for his accomplishments in the organization. Jojo earned his bachelor’s degree in 1981 at the University of Santo Tomas, Philippines and earned his CGFM certification in 2010.
YUKARI “YUKA” HECHANOVA, CPA, CIA. CGFM, CGAP | EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Yuka Hechanova is currently the Deputy Public Auditor at the Office of Public Accountability. She has worked with the Government of Guam for over 15 years with the Office of Public Accountability and Guam Waterworks Authority. Yuka has been a member of the AGA Guam Chapter since 2001 and has volunteered in many capacities, including five terms as Treasurer, Chapter Auditor, Co-Chairperson of the Education Committee, and now as President-Elect. Yuka earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting at the University of Guam in 2001.
JASON KATIGBAK, CPA, CFE, CIA, CGMA | EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Jason Katigbak is currently the Senior Manager—International Finance and Accounting at United Airlines and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Guam. He previously worked at IP&E Holdings, LLC as the Director of Finance and Administration and at Ernst & Young as a Senior Manager—Assurance. Jason has been an AGA member since 2010 and has served as Chapter President, Education Chairperson, and Membership Chairperson. He is currently the president of the Guam Society of CPA’s and United Airlines Employee Association of Guam. Jason earned a double bachelor’s degree in commerce and accountancy from Colegio de San Juan de Letran—Calamba in 1996 and his master’s in business administration in 2012 from Delta State University.
TALING TAITANO, CPA, CGFM | EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Taling Taitano is currently the Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Administration at the Guam Department of Education. Prior to working at GDOE, Taling’s government service includes stints as the Executive Director of the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority and Deputy Director of the Department of Commerce. In the private sector, Taling was the CFO of Staywell Insurance, Vice-President/CFO of Bank of Guam, and Partner, Consulting Division at Deloitte & Touche. Taling has twice served as AGA Guam Chapter President and is the current Regional Vice-President of the Pacific Rim. Taling earned her bachelor’s degree in 1982 at the University of Hawaii—Manoa. She currently holds certifications as a CPA, CGFM, Public Housing Manager, and Section 8 Housing Manager.
JOSEPHINE VILLANUEVA, CPA, CGMA, CGFM | EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Josephine Villanueva is currently the Controller for Triple J Motors Group. She previously worked at Tristar Terminals Guam, Inc. as the Finance and Administration Manager. Josephine has been a member of AGA since 2009 and has served as the Community Service Chairperson/CoChairperson and Accountability Chairperson. Josephine earned her bachelor’s degree in 2000 from the University of Batangas, Philippines and master’s in business administration in 2013 from Delta State University.
EVANGELINE ‘VANGIE’ LUJAN, CPM | EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Evangeline “Vangie” Lujan is currently a Senior Regulatory Analyst with the Guam Waterworks Authority. She was previously the Administrator for the Guam Coastal Management Program and the GIS Manager for the Bureau of Statistics and Plans. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from the University of Guam and a Master of Science in Engineering from the Arizona State University, and has completed her Certification in Public Management with Arizona State University. She is also member of the American Water Works Association.
WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER Certified Public Accountant—CPA Certified Government Financial Manager—CGFM Certified Fraud Examiner—CFE Certified Public Manager—CPM Certified Internal Controls Auditor—CICA
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Franklin J.T. Cooper-Nurse Chief Auditor Internal Audit
A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority Gregory J. Cruz II Airport Police Officer Internal Affairs, Airport Police Noel Dela Cruz Airport Police Officer Regulatory Access Control Compliance Section, Badging Office, Property and Evidence Section, Airport Police
Department of Agriculture Christine Camacho Fejeran Forester Forestry and Soil Resources Division
Department of Education John M. Flores Airport Police Officer Transportation Security Administration Explosion Detection K9 Handler, Airport Police Lenny R. Hernandez Airport Police Officer Investigation Section, Airport Police
Marsha V. Quintanilla Airport Police Officer Airport Police Division
Bureau of Statistics and Plans William “Wil” M. Castro Director
Department of Administration Michael D. Cabral General Accounting Supervisor Division of Accounts Shawn M. Scott Accounting Technician Division of Accounts
Rosabelle Almeida Acebedo Curriculum Coordinator Wettengel Elementary School Kathleen A. Aguon, J.D. Teacher, Tamuning Elementary School Marie T. Babauta-Balbin School Guidance Counselor Marcial A. Sablan Elementary School Leah Ann Tamondong Balansay School Guidance Counselor Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School Monique S. Alvarez Baza Teacher, George Washington High School Angelica Enriquez Blas School Librarian F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School Charrisse Aquino Bolabola Teacher Physical Education/Health Anna G. Calvo Teacher Language Arts, Secondary Earl Errol Abao Carter Computer Technician Financial, Student Administrative Information Systems
WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
Lisa Marie S. Cooper-Nurse Principal H.B. Price Elementary School Natasha Jo Afaisen Dela Cruz Principal, Acting Manuel U. Lujan Elementary School Rochelle Alave Diaz, Ed.D. Teacher Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School Melanie Cruz Escobar Teacher, Wettengel Elementary School Raymond David “R.D.” Gibson Teacher Jose L.G. Rios Middle School Christian David Gomez Teacher Luis P. Untalan Middle School Angela M. Tamayo Gonzales Teacher Home Economics Hannah Marie Gutierrez Principal Agana Heights Elementary School Christopher R. Leon Guerrero Teacher, Wettengel Elementary School Jacqueline P. Mesa Management Analyst Financial Affairs Rosemarie J. Munoz Teacher, J.P. Torres Alternative School
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Christine Argenal Pama Music Teacher and Choir Director Luis P. Untalan Middle School Maridel R. Perez Teacher, Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School Gifted and Talented Education Jonathan B. Pilarca School Guidance Counselor John F. Kennedy High School Maximo Pilarca Ronquillo, Jr. Director of Music George Washington High School Jesse E. Rosario Program Coordinator Food and Nutrition Services
Department of Public Health and Social Services
Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency
Lavina L.G. Camacho Wrap Coordinator, Project Kariñu Guam’s Early Childhood Systems of Care
Marissa J.G. Atoigue Word Processing Secretary Director’s Office Annie M. Mendiola Customs Officer Logistics and Support Division
Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center Terilynn Francisco Psychiatric Social Worker Adult Counseling Services
Asherdee Duenas Rosete, Ed.D. Principal, Acting Merizo Martyrs Memorial School
Guam Community College
Kathryn Yvonne Ko San Nicolas Assistant Principal Astumbo Middle School
Simone Bollinger Instructor English Department
Sanjay Sharma Teacher General Sciences, Secondary Education Aristian V. Torregano Assistant Principal Oceanview Middle School
Vito Kisa Calvo, Jr. Instructor English Department
Martha Leon Guerrero Toves Teacher George Washington High School Richard Carlos L. Velasco Teacher F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School Kay Francis R. Yamashita Teacher Agana Heights Elementary School
Janna B. Fernandez Program Coordinator Continuing Education & Workforce Development Dorothy-Lou M. Manglona RN, MSN Nursing & Allied Health Administrator Practical Nursing Apolline San Nicolas Personnel Specialist Human Resources
Lt. Dwayne T.D. San Nicolas Supervisor Maritime & Air Cargo Division
Guam Economic Development Authority Natalia S. Faculo CED Program Supervisor Commerce & Economic Development Division Thomas Quintanilla Paulino Administrative Services Assistant Manager Administrative Services Division Abigail Q. Reyes Special Project Coordinator Executive Division
Guam Election Commission Paciano Felix Naputi Gumataotao Program Coordinator Joseph P. Iseke Program Coordinator Thomas Henry San Agustin Program Coordinator
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Rikki Orsini Senior Policy Analyst Office of Senator Brant McCreadie Guam Fire Department Joey Cruz San Nicolas Fire Chief
Uriah Vincent Perez Budget and Policy Analyst Office of Finance and Budget Dennis G. Rodriguez, Jr. Senator
Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority
Florence Ann L.G. Francisco Administrative Assistant
Guam State Clearinghouse Kate G. Baltazar Administrator Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Michael F.Q. San Nicolas Senator Nicole A. Santos Senior Policy Analyst Office of Senator Nerissa Underwood
Guam Visitors Bureau Brian Jacob Vincent M. Borja Marketing Officer Greater China Colleen Marie Cabedo Marketing Officer Korea and North American
Guam Legislature Guam Police Department Jermaine Alerta Chief Policy Analyst Office of Senator Michael F.Q. San Nicolas
Felixberto M. Camacho, Jr. Police Officer
Jon Nathan Pangilinan Denight General Manager
Artemio Ricardo A. Hernandez Director Office of Finance and Budget Guam Power Authority Julian Janssen Chief Analyst Office of Senator Michael F.Q. San Nicolas John Paul Manuel Senior Policy Advisor Office of Senator Michael F.Q. San Nicolas
T’Nelta Mori Executive Secretary Office of Senator Michael F.Q. San Nicolas Thomas A. Morrison Senator Selina Maria Onedera-Salas Budget and Policy Analyst Office of Finance & Budget
Annabel Certeza Administrative Assistant Administration Department
Joshua T. Anderson Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Technician Leader Power System Control Center Guam Power Authority Jonathan Kris Chargualaf Communications/Electronics Technician Supervisor Power Systems Control Center
Antonio “Tony” Muña, Jr. Business Development Analyst
Guam Waterworks Authority Jeremiah F.B. Diaz Plant Instrument Technician Production and Treatment Section Josephine D. Evangelista Management Analyst Engineering Division
Gregory G. Perez, Jr. Plant Operator/Maintenance Leader Cabras 3 & 4, Generation Division
Karen Cheryl O. Grape Management Analyst Operations & Maintenance Division
Maripaz Nogoy Perez CGFM, CGAP, CICA Internal Auditor Internal Audit Section
Frankie B. Manglona Pumping Station Operator Pumping Facilities/Water Collection-Distribution
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N’Tasha L. Perez Biologist Compliance and Safety Laboratory Fred John Sanchez, Jr. CPM Water-Sewer Maintenance Worker Pressure/Collection-Distribution
Office of Public Accountability Rodalyn May A. Gerardo Special Assistant Llewelyn Restuvog Terlaje Audit Supervisor
Hannah Gutierrez Arroyo, J.D. Clerk of Court Supreme Court of Guam
Islandwide Beautification Task Force
Yvette Blas-Ananich Senior Probation Officer Probation Services Division
Lloyd Cubacub Senior Project Manager Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Sophia Santos Diaz, J.D. Staff Attorney Administrative Offices
Roe-Ann Jean M. Cruz Supervisor/Project Coordinator Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Joseph Blas Gumataotao, J.D. Attorney Judges Chambers
Mayors Council of Guam Ken Joe Maanao Ada Mayor Municipality of Yona Robert R. C. Hofmann Mayor Municipality of Sinajana
Joliene Hasugulayag Instructor School of Nursing & Health Sciences Romina King, Ph.D. Instructor College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Judiciary of Guam
Jerry V. Hinkle Deputy Marshal Training Staff and Development Section Marshal Services Division
Rachel P. Field Associate Budget Administrative Procurement Officer Administration & Finance Procurement
University of Guam Norman Analista Director, Development and Alumni Affairs Michael Lujan Bevacqua, Ph.D. Assistant Professor College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Kisha A. Borja-Quichocho Instructor School of Education David Burdick Research Associate Marine Lab
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Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero Program Coordinator Micronesia Area Research Center Tricia Atoigue Lizama, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Social Work School of Nursing & Health Sciences Jonas Macapinlac Director, Integrated Marketing Communications Yvette C. Paulino, Ph.D. Assistant Professor School of Nursing and Health Sciences John J. Rivera, Ph.D. Assistant Professor School of Business and Public Administration
U.S. House of Representatives Adam Philip Carbullido Communications Director Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo
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Rosabelle Almeida Acebedo Rosabelle Almeida Acebedo has been an educator with the Guam Department of Education since 1998. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Guam in 1998. She earned her Master’s in Education from the University of Portland in 2003. Rosabelle began her career in education as a teacher in 1998, having taught Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 5th grades. In 2001, she was named Rookie Teacher of the Year. She has also served as a Summer School Coordinator, Grade Level Peer Coach, and Reading Coordinator. She is currently the Curriculum Coordinator at Wettengel Elementary School in Dededo. As part of her daily duties, Rosabelle plans and facilitate Professional Development and Professional Learning Communities for faculty and staff, attends District Professional Workshops, collects data, conducts classroom observations, oversees daily tasks of teacher assistants, and works closely with teachers and school administrators. In addition to her regular duties as a curriculum coordinator, Rosabelle is a member of the Wettengel Elementary School Leadership Academy, Curriculum Leadership Team, and the Territories & Freely Association States Education Grant. Rosabelle has also stepped up to be the Chairperson of the Wettengel Elementary School WASC Accreditation Curriculum and Instruction team in 2010. She has also assisted the school community by serving as a Spelling Bee Judge for Wettengel Elementary School and As Tumbo Elementary School, served as the Chairperson of the Faculty and Staff Committee, and served as Vice-President of the Wettengel Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization during school year 2013-2014. Rosabelle was also invited as a guest presenter at Wettengel Elementary School’s Career Day in 2015, at a UOG methods class in 2006 and at As Tumbo Elementary School’s Future Educators of Guam Association induction ceremony in 2004. Rosabelle is married to her best friend, Carlo Rosario Acebedo, and they are blessed with three wonderful children Jaeden, Kayla and Lauren Rose. Her parents are Teresita Cuevas Almeida and +Arthur Abella Almeida. Her parents-in-law are Haydee Rosario Acebedo and Constante Racca Acebedo.
Ken Joe Maanao Ada Ken Joe Maanao Ada is the 2nd eldest son of Roland and Louisa M. Ada of Windward Hills, Yona. After graduating from Guam Adventist Academy in 2000, Ken Joe pursued a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from the University of Guam and graduated in 2004 becoming the first person in his family to obtain a college degree. Immediately after successfully obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree, Ken Joe pursued the Merchant Marines which enabled him to travel to many countries throughout the world including Europe, United Arab Emirates, and British Territories like Diego Garcia in support of the United States Military Sealift Command (MSC). During this time, Ken Joe lived in Louisiana, Maryland, Hawaii, California and Puerto Rico. It was through his traveling experiences that he has come to appreciate the fact that Guam is the best place in the world to live. After completing his commitments with the Military Sealift Command, Ken Joe pursued his Master’s Degree in Public Administration to which he earned the “Academic Excellence Award” for the University of Guam Spring of 2008 commencement. WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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In 2009, Ken Joe worked on the American Recovery and Re-Investment Act (ARRA) Grant of 2009 which is an $18M Grant for the retrofitting of Government of Guam agencies to feature energy efficient technology that saves the Government of Guam on utilities to reinvest back into their operations. Some of the beneficiaries included Guam Waterworks Authority, Guam Memorial Hospital and the Guam International Airport while working for the Guam Energy Office/Guam Environmental Protection Agency. Continuously exploring, Ken Joe also wrote, produced and recorded 3 full length musical albums of original music showcasing his love for his island and music featured in his first “7 am in Heaven” and his upcoming “Songs about Guam” albums bearing the local favorite “I Love Guam”. Ken Joe is also published with Dr. Ning Li for his work in the “Journal of the International Academy for Case Studies”. Ken Joe is also featured in the Muna Bros. Movie “Talent Town” In 2012, Ken Joe became the youngest elected Mayor on the island of Guam at age 30. He is both honored and excited to continue to work for the community and cherishes the opportunity given to him by God and the people. On June 20, 2015, Ken Joe married his longtime girlfriend in Estelle Marie Alig. Together, they enjoy traveling and spending time with family.
Kathleen A. Aguon, J.D. Kathleen A. Aguon is currently a 4th grade teacher at Tamuning Elementary School. As a highly qualified teacher, Kathleen has taught reading, language arts, social studies, math, science, art, health, and physical education for 12 years. A 1992 graduate of Oceanview High School in Agat, Kathleen has always been involved in school activities. While in high school, she was a member of the Mock Trial Island-wide Championship Team, a National Mock Trial Team Member, CloseUp Representative, and was selected for Honors Program in Chemistry, American Literature, British Literature, American Government and was Island-wide Leadership Day School Representative. In 1999, Kathleen received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles, California. While in college, Kathleen received the Model United Nations Delegate Committee Award and was on the Dean’s List. She was also the Founder/President of the Guamanians United At the Mount, Representative of the Associated Student Body Diversity Committee, Recipient of the Alumni Scholarship, and Representative of the United Nations Non-Governing Organizations' Conference on Women School in Beijing, China. Kathleen was also selected and featured in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. In 2006, Kathleen earned her Juris Doctorate from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California. While in law school, she was the President of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, Diversity Committee Student Representative, and San Diego Bar Association Peer Mediation Program Training Volunteer. Kathleen is always ready and willing to get involved in the school community at Tamuning Elementary School. In addition to her regular teaching duties, Kathleen has stepped up to be the Chairperson for Tamuning Elementary School’s Accreditation Committee. She has also been a Peer Mediation advisor, chairperson of the Accreditation Leadership Committee and Focus Group, and a Focus Group member. She has also coordinated the PBS Family Read-A-Thon, initiated the Newspapers in Education Sponsorship by Vice-Speaker Benjamin J.F. Cruz and the Guam Pacific Daily News, and was the coordinator for the Isla Art-A-Thon for Tamuning Elementary School. In 2015, Kathleen was a nominee for the Guam Department of Education Teacher of the Year.
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Outside of the school setting, Kathleen has been the Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of the Guam Education Telecommunications Corporation, also known as PBS Guam, since 2013. She has also served as a board member for the Inafa’maolek Conflict Resolution Organization from 2006-2010 and has been a member of the Guam Chapter International Reading Association from 2006-2012. In 2010, Kathleen published Madeleine: A Tribute in Photographs, a coffee table-style book featuring over 250 photographs of Guam Congresswoman Madeline Z. Bordallo. She has also wrote and published articles for a variety of local magazines, including Latte, Directions, Guahan, and Island Magazine. Kathleen has also appeared as an on-air commentator for PBS Guam’s annual telethon, Guam’s Liberation Day Parade’s live television coverage, and several local radio talk shows and television programs. Kathleen is married to Prudencio Flores Aguon and they have three children, Erensia Phillips (deceased), Celestina Irene, and Prudencio Rome Aguon. Her parents are John and Norma Bordallo Phillips (deceased) and her siblings are Michael and Sean Phillips.
Jermaine Alerta Jermaine Alerta is a proud graduate of Southern High School’s Class of 2000 and attended the University of Guam. He has been working for the government of Guam for nearly 12 years. Jermaine began in 2003 during the 27th Guam Legislature, where he served as a Staff Assistant under Senator John M. Quinata and the Committee on Public Safety and Tourism. In the 28th Guam Legislature, Jermaine worked under Senator Michael W. Cruz, M.D., and the Committee on Health and Human Services. From 2007 to 2009, Jermaine worked at the Guam State Clearinghouse under the Office of Lieutenant Governor Michael, W. Cruz, M.D., serving as the staff assistant for information technologies. In 2009, Jermaine was a writer and Staff Assistant for the Communications Department under Governor Felix P. Camacho, a position he held until 2011. He returned to the legislative branch of our government, serving as the Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for Senator Mana Silva Taijeron during the 31 st Guam Legislature. In the 32nd Guam Legislature, Jermaine began serving as Chief Policy Analyst for Senator Michael F.Q. San Nicolas, and later as Committee Director for the Committee on Aviation, Ground Transportation, Regulatory Concerns, and Future Generations. He currently serves in the 33rd Guam Legislature, under Senator San Nicolas, as Committee Director for the Committee on Finance & Taxation, General Government Operations, and Youth Development. Jermaine was elected as one of Southern High School’s first representatives to the Guam Youth Congress, and later served as Youth Congress Speaker while representing the village of Agat. As a member of the Guam Youth Congress, Jermaine had the opportunity to serve on and be involved with various community organizations including the Governor’s PEACE Council, the Sanctuary, Inc. Board of Directors, the University of Guam Regent Nominating Council, the Micronesian Youth Services Network, and the Commission on Decolonization. Jermaine credits his involvement in the Guam Youth Congress for sparking his interest in government and politics. Jermaine is very active in his village church, Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Agat, and has been singing with the 8am mass choir for nearly a decade. He has also been involved in the music ministries for the Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament parish in Agana Heights and the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Toto. Sports have always been a big part of Jermaine’s life. As an avid baseball player growing up, he gave back to the sport he loves by coaching and managing the Agat Cardinals Little League Baseball program right after graduating high school, while concurrently serving as a member of the Southern Guam Little League Board of Directors. Since 2008, Jermaine has become involved in outrigger canoe paddling and has participated in many local and regional WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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competitions. He was a part of the national team that captured gold in both the women and men’s competitions during the 7th Micronesian Games in Palau. In giving back to another sport he has grown to love, Jermaine has been a part of the coaching staff for the Notre Dame High School paddling team and currently serves as the secretary general for the Guam Kayak and Canoe Federation.
Norman Analista Norman Analista, 40, is the Director for Development and Alumni Affairs at the University of Guam. Prior to joining the University in July 2011, he was the marketing director at Triple J Enterprises for close to a decade. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication in 1997 and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Guam in 1999. Straight out of the University, Analista started his career in the media as a TV news reporter/anchor, and he has since maintained a presence in the industry by becoming a columnist for the Pacific Daily News (while concurrently working at Triple J) for six years and as a publisher for The High Road, an entertainment magazine. Upon joining the University, he ended the publication. Analista is currently the Vice President of the Filipino Community of Guam, the umbrella organization of close to 30 local Filipino associations.
Joshua T. Anderson Joshua T. Anderson is a 1993 high school graduate of Guam Community College, and a college graduate of the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Database Administration. He is employed with the Guam Power Authority as a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Technician Leader for the Power System Control Center. His IT career began in the late 90’s when he and a college mate started a computer repair business. He then briefly worked as a Computer Network Technician at QBE Insurance Company before moving to the Guam Power Authority as a SCADA Technician II in 2002. In 2014 he was promoted to his current position of SCADA Technician Leader. Joshua is now pursuing a Master of Science in IT/Project Management from Colorado Technical University. Joshua is also a member of the US Armed Forces. He enlisted with the US Naval Reserves in 2008. Upon completing Basic Training he was promoted to E2 and received the Distinguished Graduate and Top Graduate awards from Naval Apprentice School earning him an NCO promotion to E4. He earned a promotion to E5 in early 2010 and deployed to Afghanistan later that year. While serving in Kandahar, he was awarded the Naval Achievement Award for excellence in service. In 2013, Joshua reenlisted as a member of the Guam Air Force Reserve 44th Aerial Port Squadron. During his tenure at GPA, Joshua received the GPA Employee of the Quarter and Employee of the Year award in 2006. He gained data cabling and fiber optic certifications credentials and completed the Cisco Networking program at Guam Community College. He participated in the Energy Management System (EMS) upgrade providing modernized SCADA functionality for the island wide power system. Amongst his projects, he is engrained in the commissioning of a new Energy Management System to be located in the new Gloria B. Nelson building in Fadian.
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Hannah Gutierrez Arroyo, J.D. Attorney Hannah Gutierrez Arroyo is currently the Clerk of Court for the Supreme Court of Guam. A daughter of the island, she graduated from the Academy of Our Lady of Guam in 1993. She attended the University of San Francisco, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1997. She received the Fr. Fred J. Speiler Award for Excellence in Media Studies, the highest honor in her college department. Ms. Arroyo returned to Guam after her graduation to work as a researcher and writer for the Chamorro Heritage Institute under the leadership of Dr. Katherine B. Aguon, contributing to the publication of several Guam history textbooks. In 2000, Ms. Arroyo left Guam to attend law school at the William S. Richardson School of Law in Honolulu, Hawaii. While in law school, she served as class representative to the Student Bar Association, editor of the Asian Pacific Law and Policy Journal, member of the Moot Court Board, and as a Teaching Fellow, assisting with the instruction of the Appellate Advocacy course. She received her Juris Doctor degree in 2003, graduating cum laude. After law school, Ms. Arroyo returned home and worked as an attorney with the Alternate Public Defender from 2004-2007, practicing in the areas of criminal defense, criminal appeals, juvenile defense, and other juvenile proceedings. She became Clerk of Court for the Supreme Court of Guam in 2007, and is a key member of the management team of the Unified Judiciary of Guam. Aside from her regular administrative duties, she continues to work on strengthening and improving the areas of juvenile and indigent defense through her work with various court committees. Ms. Arroyo’s published work includes I Manfåyi: Who’s Who in Chamorro History (The Hale’-ta Series), The Man From Tomorrow: A Biography of Carl T.C. Gutierrez, and Guam’s Future Political Status: An Argument for Free Association With U.S. Citizenship, 4 Asian-Pac. L. Pol’y J. 122 (2003). In addition to law, Ms. Arroyo has a strong interest in Guam history, and in practicing and preserving Chamorro language and culture. She is the daughter of Former Governor Carl Gutierrez and Mrs. Geri Gutierrez, both of whom she credits with her decision to make a career in public service. Ms. Arroyo is admitted to practice law in Guam and Hawaii. She is married to Richard Arroyo, and they have two sons – Seth Benjamin (7) and Liam Joseph (5).
Marissa J.G. Atoigue Marissa J.G. Atoigue has been a Word Processing Secretary within the Director’s Office in the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency (CQA) since 2004. As part of her daily duties, Marissa is responsible for the secretarial support for multiple division within CQA, including the Inspection & Control Division, Maritime & Air Cargo Division, Logistics, Supply & Technology Division, Special Enforcement Division, and Administration, Policy & Personnel Division. She is also responsible for maintaining interdivision records, handling inventory and requisitioning of supplies and timekeeping of CQA’s employees. Marissa began her career in the Government of Guam in 1996 as a Clerk in the Department of Public Health and Social Services. She was then promoted in 1998 to Customer Service Representative, where she was responsible for processing applications for various health and welfare mandates, including health certificates, sanitary permits, etc. After spending seven years with DPHSS, Marissa transferred to CQA. Prior to her Government of Guam career, Marissa worked at the Bank of Guam and Bank of Hawaii as a bank teller.
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In addition to her regular duties, Marissa is the Co-Coordinator for the Customs & Quarantine Relay for Life team and has participated in volleyball and softball leagues within the Government of Guam. Marissa, and her husband of 18 years, Frank C. Atoigue, are blessed with three children, Christian, Chanel, and Tyler.
Marie T. Babauta-Balbin Marie is a native of Guam and resides in the village of Agat. Her parents are Celestin and Virginia Babauta of Agat. She is married to John J. Balbin, and has a son named, Noah J. Balbin. Her educational background and experience have been in the area of Health and Behavioral Sciences. She received an Associate’s Degree in Health from Mt. Saint Mary’s College in the year 2000, and then later achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice in 2003 from the University of Maryland. In 2009, she gained her Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Guam and received her certification as a school counselor for grades K-12. In 2003, Marie worked as a social worker with Guma Mami, a non-profit organization and provided services for adults with disabilities. In 2004, she was promoted to Program Coordinator, in which she oversaw social workers, and managed a federal grant that focused on providing services to adults with disabilities who have been abused. For the past 10 years, she has been employed as a School Guidance Counselor with the Guam Department of Education at Marcial A. Sablan Elementary School. She is a member of the Guam Association of School Counselors. Her counseling program models the American School Counseling Association, thus ensuring that students are being given support in academics, career, and emotional/social development. In addition to promoting positive character development with all students, she networks with community agencies and the military in support of her program and school goals. Marie also takes part in the community here on Guam. She has been involved in volunteering with her church fundraising activities and was a member of the Pro-Life committee. Marie has also volunteered at the San Francisco’s Food Bank during the Christmas season in preparing food boxes for families in need.
Leah Ann Tamondong Balansay Leah Ann Tamondong Balansay is a School Guidance Counselor with the Guam Department of Education at Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School for the past three years. She received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work in May of 2011. At the University of Guam she learned to be sensitive to cultural and ethnic diversity with the utmost intentions of ending social injustice. In May of 2014, Leah received her Masters of Arts in Counseling. She is certified by Guahan Commission for Educator Certification, as an Initial School Counselor K-12. Leah’s current duties entail addressing the social and emotional needs of the students. She also teaches the students by conducting character education classes that promote academic and social excellence. In addition, Leah also conducts group and individual counseling sessions and facilitates Child Study Teams (CST). School leadership roles include Cooperative Culture Data Analyst, ACT Aspire Assessment Coordinator and Standard Based Assessment Co-coordinator. While attending college, Leah worked at BankPacific, Ltd. as a part-time teller in 2003-09. In 2010-11 she gained work experience as an intern which included co-facilitating group counseling and in-take interviews at Oasis WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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Empowerment Center, Counseling & Mental Health, Rehabilitation Center, Career Counseling for Women, and the Salvation Army Lighthouse Recovery Center for Men. She has earned certificates for attending conferences/trainings in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), CONNECT Suicide Postvention Program, Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center (GBHWC) Collaborative Problem Solving Training, Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) & School-Wide Information System (SWIS) Training, Equity Training (504), District Wide Assessments-ACT Aspire & Standard Based Assessment (SBA) Training. Leah has also worked as a liaison between the school and several community organizations. Leah is married to Roald S. Balansay who is a teacher at Simon Sanchez High School and has three children. Her eldest child is Abcde Aubrey Ann who is 17-years-old and a senior at Simon Sanchez High School. Second eldest is Sebastian Theron, who is 8-years-old and will be fourth grade at Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School. Finally, the youngest of them all is Dontes Sven, who is 4-years-old and will be in Pre-School this upcoming school year. For the upcoming school year 2015-2016, Leah plans to establish an Advisory Council which will be used to evaluate her school counseling curriculum. She also plans on strengthening career readiness for the intermediate grade levels. Leah and her co-counselor will be working on career awareness for the primary grades according to the Guam Comprehensive School Counselor Program, which is based on the national model of the American School Counselors Association (ASCA).
Kate G. Baltazar Kate G. Baltazar started her career in advertising/brand management at Mobil Oil Guam, but found her heart in social services serving the most vulnerable of our population--women and children. She served for about 10 years at such agencies as VARO and Sanctuary, Inc. She was Guam's first state director for WestCare Foundation, a national nonprofit behavioral health organization, building the local organization from the ground up; she added a veterans service program, counseling for at-risk adolescent girls and successfully merged Guam's only HIV/AIDS service organization, the GUAHAN Project, under WestCare. She is a founding board member of Payu'ta, the umbrella organization of nonprofits on Guam and served on the Micronesian Youth Services Network board of directors for several years, with successful annual regional conferences in multiple years under her belt for both organizations. Kate was awarded the Patriot Award in 2012 by ESGR-Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve for her outstanding support for the military personnel on her staff. In the same year, she was also awarded the Public Citizen Award by the National Association of Social Workers - Guam Chapter. Kate studied Psychology and Communication at the University of Guam and currently serves as the Administrator of the Guam State Clearinghouse (Office of Grants Management) under the Office of the Lt. Governor.
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Monique S. Alvarez Baza Monique S. Alvarez Baza is currently employed with the Guam Department of Education as a World History teacher at George Washington High School in Mangilao, Guam. She began her career in education in 2006. Attending the University of Guam, Monique received her Bachelor’s in Communications Studies in 2000 and her Master’s in Public Administration in 2005. Monique is also a member of the United States Air Force Reserves, 44 Aerial Port Squadron and has served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedome, and Operation New Dawn. Alongside being an educator, Monique has more recently become an advocate in the fight to end violence and sexual assault within our island community. She is a member of a grassroots movement, Random Women’s Rally or RaWR, a group whose current efforts include the reinstatement of the Family Justice Center on Guam and the Man-Up Initiative.
Michael Lujan Bevacqua, Ph.D. Michael Lujan Bevacqua, PhD, is the grandson of Elizabeth De Leon Flores Lujan, familian Bådu, Kabesa and the Chamorro Master Blacksmith, Joaquin Flores Lujan, familian Kåtson, Bittot. He is the son of Rita Flores Lujan Butler and Robert Francis Bevacqua, and has two children: a daughter, Sumåhi Chan Bevacqua and a son, Akli’e’ Chan Bevacqua. Bevacqua graduated from the University of Guam with a BA in art and literature in 2001 and an MA in Micronesian studies in 2004. He completed an MA in ethnic studies from the University of California, San Diego in 2007 and was conferred a PhD degree in 2010. In 2011 he led a faculty task force in successfully creating a Chamorro Studies BA program at the University of Guam and he currently serves as the coordinator for the program. Bevacqua’s research deals with the impact of colonization on Chamorros in Guam and theorizes the possibilities for the decolonization of their lands and lives. He is a passionate advocate for the revitalization of the Chamorro language, and has translated manga comic books, rock songs and even Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” into Chamorro. On March 1st, 2015 he worked with others to organize the first ever “Ha’ånen Fino’ Chamoru Ha’” or a day where people were encouraged to speak as much Chamorro as possible in all their interactions. He has been interviewed for a number of documentaries dealing with Guam, such as Talent Town (2014) and Island of Warriors (2015) and was also featured on several NHK Japan documentaries and the television show Dan Rather Presents. In 2015 a documentary he co-produced titled War for Guam, directed by Frances Negron-Muntaner was released, which chronicles the struggles of Chamorro people during and after World War II. He was a consultant for the Chamorro non-profit group, Guam Communications Network from 2003 to 2004 where he assisted in the translation of health documents into Chamorro, wrote narratives and painted images for the Chamorro Providing Access to Health Book. From 2006 - 2008 Bevacqua worked as the assistant managing editor for two academic journals Social Identities and African Identities. He is currently on the editorial board for the journal Micronesian Educator. He was also co-editor of Chamoru Childhood, an anthology of Chamoru stories published by Achiote Press in 2009.
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Bevacqua has co-organized several conferences and events both on Guam and in California. Most notable are the first ever Human Rights Watch Film Festival in Guam and California (2003), the conferences ”Famoksaiyan: Decolonizing Chamorro Histories, Identities and Futures” (2006), “Ghosts, Monsters and the Dead” (2007), and Famoksaiyan, “Our Time to Paddle Forward” Summit on Native Self-Determination and Decolonization (2007). In 2004 and 2006, Bevacqua received the Tan Chong Padula Humanitarian Award from the southern California non-profit organization Guam Communications Network for his outstanding commitment and service to the Chamorro community. He is a board member of the Chamorro Cultural Center in San Diego and in October of 2007 he testified before the Fourth Committee of the United Nations on the political status of Guam. He has been invited back to the United Nations to testify as an expert about the political status of Guam in 2013 and 2015. Since 2004 Bevacqua has maintained a personal blog No Rest for the Awake – Minagahet Chamorro, which is one of the oldest continuously maintained blog dealing with Chamorro and Guam issues. He writes a weekly column in The Marianas Variety titled “When the Moon Waxes” and is a co-host for the KPRG show Beyond the Fence. (Republished with permission from Guampedia)
Yvette T. Blas-Ananich Yvette T. Blas-Ananich is a Senior Probation Officer with the Probation Services Division of the Judiciary of Guam. She began her career as a Probation Officer in 1999, assigned to the Office Duty/Intake Section. In her sixteen (16) years of service with Probation, she has supervised hundreds of defendants, to include juvenile offenders, family violence offenders and most recently, drug offenders. Officer Blas-Ananich is currently assigned as Officer in Charge of the Adult Drug Unit, which supervises over four hundred drug offenders, both pretrial and post-judgement cases. A 1994 graduate of the Academy of Our Lady of Guam, Yvette received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Seattle University in 1998. After working for the Government of Guam for several years, Officer Blas-Ananich applied for and received the Doc Sanchez Scholarship. Not only was she able to complete her graduate studies in one year while she continued working full-time with the Probation Division, Yvette also received the Meritorious Award when she obtained her Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of Guam in December 2008. Yvette follows in the footsteps of her parents, Former Lt. Governor Frank Blas and retired Department of Public Health Registered Nurse Tina Tenorio Blas; and her brother, former Guam Police Department Officer and current Senator Frank Blas Jr., in service to the people of Guam. Her family values a strong commitment to public service; her brother Paul serves in the United States Navy, and her sister, Y’Buena, just recently began her career with the Government of Guam. Yvette’s daughter Kamryn, is her reason to excel, both as a full-time mother, and full-time GovGuam employee. Her commitment to service goes beyond the public sector. She is very involved in supporting Kamryn’s formal and creative education, as past President of San Vicente Catholic School’s Parent Teacher Association and current President of Talent Box Travel Group, a non-profit organization which promotes local talent through dance. She is a daughter, a sister, a mother, a probation officer, and a proud employee of the Government of Guam.
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Angelica Enriquez Blas Angelica Enriquez Blas is currently the School Librarian at F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School in Yigo. She began her 18-year career in education as a Social Studies and Reading Teacher at F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School, including stints as a summer school teacher at George Washington High School and John F. Kennedy High School. She holds a Master Educator certification in Reading K – 12 and Social Studies 6 – 12 from the Guam Commission for Educator Certification (GCEC). She also has professional endorsement as a school librarian from GCEC. In 2014, Angelica received her Library Science Certification from the University of Phoenix. She earned a Master’s of Arts in Education, Language and Literacy in 2002 and her Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Social Studies in 1996 from the University of Guam. She is a 1992 graduate of George Washington High School in Mangilao. In addition to her regular duties as a librarian, Angelica has also served on various school community committees, including the Professional Development Committee, End of the Year Teacher Workshop Committee, Accreditation Committee and Focus Group Leader, School Librarian Conference Committee, School Librarian Comprehensive Evaluation System Committee, and Student Planner Committee. She is also the Big 8 Literacy Strategies Cadre Trainers for the school. As a teacher, she also served in leadership capacities as the Reading Department Chair, Social Studies Chair, and ESL Coordinator for her respective grade level teams. She has also served as the school representative for the ReadA-Thon, facilitator for Rainbows for All Children, and one-time coach for the school's Academic Challenge Bowl team. Outside of the school community, Angelica is a member of the Guam International Reading Association, International Literacy Association, and Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. In 2006 she was nominated for the MagHOPE 2006, Honoring the Silent One. In 2015, she was nominated for Guam Teacher of the Year. Angelica’s parents are Vincent U. and Angelina E. Blas (Familian Ochai) of Chalan Pago.
Charrisse Aquino Bolabola Charrisse Aquino Bolabola is currently a physical education/health teacher with the Department of Education. She began her teaching career in January 2011 at F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School in Yigo and most recently transferred to Jose Rios Middle School in Piti. Charrisse holds a professional educator certification in physical education and health 6-12 from the Guam Commission for Educator Certification. Charrisse received her Master of Science in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science with a concentration in Adapted Physical Education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in December 2014. She graduated from the University of Guam with a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a concentration in Physical Education (PK-12) in December 2010. In addition to her regular classroom duties, Charrisse has also coached middle school volleyball and served as a school advisor for the F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School Student Body Association, Youth for Youth, and Athletic Director. WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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Charrisse holds certifications in First Aid and CPR and FIVB Level I Coach. She has received specialized training as a F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School Rainbows Facilitator. She is also a Management Trainee with the FIBA Oceania Basketball Association. Charrisse is a member of the Guam Women’s National Basketball team and most recently represented Guam in the 2015 XV Pacific Games in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. She has also participated in the 2013 FIBA Oceania Pacific Basketball Championship in New Zealand and the 2013 6th East Asian Games in Tianjin, China. She is also a member of the Haggan La Femme Volleyball Team and a former member of the SHANK Junior Volleyball Team and Yigo Jokers Basketball Club. Charrisse credits her mother, Rosalie “Sally” Aquino, as her motivation to strive to be successful in everything she does and describes her as “my hero, my rock, and my role model. I owe everything to her.” She is the youngest of three children and only girl. Her brothers are Paul Tagorda (San Diego) and Maynard Bolabola (Hawaii). Charrisse is a resident of Barrigada.
Simone Bollinger Simone Bollinger is a traveler, writer, editor, educator and mother. She received a Master’s in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a bachelor’s degree in English from Dickinson College. She currently teaches in the English Department at the Guam Community College. After graduating from Dickinson College in 2005, Simone spent time traveling in Latin America. From the Atacama Desert in Chile to the urban scene of Buenos Aires, her love of the unfamiliar has taken Simone around the world. She spent three years living in Querétaro, Mexico teaching English as a Foreign Language, and she is fluent in Spanish. After Mexico, Simone spent two years in Santa Barbara, CA where she tutored college writing at Santa Barbara City College and taught high school Spanish and ESL. In 2009 at Harvard, Simone studied Guam’s education system from afar, planning to bring the research from the nexus of educational research and practice to her home island. Her specialization was Language and Literacy, and she was the co-president of the Language and Literacy Club. Since starting at GCC in 2011, Simone has worked with colleagues to reestablish the General Education Committee and has been its chairperson for the past two years. She is currently updating the Adult High School literacy curriculum, and most recently co-organized the On Art in Research Showcase (ON AIR), a two-day display of students’ strengths and talents through the literary, visual and performing arts. She presents with her speech classes annually at the Student Leading Students Conference. Simone is also a research associate and editor of the I Ma’adahen i Fino Chamorro gi Koleho (Chamorro Language Curriculum for Post-Secondary Instruction) ANA Grant Project run out of the Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC) at the University of Guam. She works with Chamorro language experts to develop a curriculum to be used at the Guam Community College, the University of Guam, Northern Mariana’s College, and the University of Hawai’i. Her writings span local and international publications including Storyboard 12: Crossings (Guam); Word of Mouth: Pacific Stories from Guam (Guam); Teachers as Writers (Cambridge); and a chapter entitled Language Learning and Chamorro Culture on Guam in the book Languages in a Global World: Learning for Better Cultural Understanding (CERI/OECD Publications). She has presented at the Annual Convention of World Languages Expo (Boston, MA); WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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the Student Research Conference at the Harvard Graduate School of Education; and at a professional development workshop for the St. Francis and Notre Dame teachers on Guam. Her academic interests focus on language, culture, and identity. She believes that the study of these three aspects of everyday life is vital to education at all levels on Guam, as the island’s search for its political and cultural identity is at a critical stage. Simone Bollinger finds herself in the growing company of educators who aim to equip future generations with the skills they need to become ethical citizens in local and global communities. She is an advocate for literacy in all forms, and enjoys reading with her two-year old daughter, Ena Ramone.
Brian Jacob Vincent M. Borja Brian J. Vincent Borja is currently the Marketing Officer for Greater China market, which includes Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China, at the Guam Visitors Bureau. Brian is responsible for promoting Guam as an overseas destination for these respective markets. He first joined GVB in April 2012. Brian graduated from the University of Guam with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Marketing and Finance/Economics, Minor in Communications in 2010. While pursuing his degree, he was involved in the UOG Collegiate Chapter American Marketing Association (UOG AMA) and the UOG Student Investment Club. Brian graduated from the John F. Kennedy High School in 2006. He was involved in the National Honor Society, Vice-President for the Class of 2006, We Are You (WAY) JFKHS Student Body Association, and member of the Mock Trial team. Brian is currently the President of the Rotaract Marianas, a service club for college students and young professionals ages 18 to 30 that focuses on community service work around the island, international service projects in other countries, and professional development opportunities to learn and network, as well as opportunities for fellowship.
Kisha A. Borja-Quichocho Kisha A. Borja-Quichocho (commonly known as Miss BQ amongst her students) is from the village of Mangilao. She is a mother, an educator, a lover of the Chamoru culture and history, and an advocate for Pacific literature. She has a B.A. in English from Hawai`i Pacific University, an M.A. in Pacific Islands Studies from the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa, and an M.A. in Teaching from the University of Guam. For four years, Kisha taught various Language Arts courses at her alma mater, George Washington High School (GWHS), including English 10, Creative Writing, and Speech and Drama. She served as an advisor for several student organizations, such as the 2010-2011 Student Body Association, the 2012 Senior Class Council, Na`matatnga I Manhoben, Running Club, and Performing Arts Club. She was also the assistant coach for the Gecko cross country team for two seasons. Moreover, as a firm believer in creating spaces for her students to express their talents, Kisha created the annual “Night of the Arts Talent Showcase” (2010-2014) as well as a student literary magazine entitled Writing the Waves of Our Ocean. In addition, Kisha served as the Sinangån-ta Youth Movement (SYM) point teacher and helped revive the poetry slam scene at GWHS, even guiding several students to the SYM grand slam championship three seasons in a row. Finally, while at GWHS, Kisha was honored with the Most Inspirational Teacher award for three years.
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Since 2010, Kisha has also been an adjunct instructor of English at the University of Guam and, in the 2014-2015 academic year, became a full-time instructor in the School of Education and an affiliated faculty member of the Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC). While at the School of Education, Kisha was an advisor for prospective educators focusing on the Chamorro Language and Culture specialty. Her research for the MARC focused on determining the needs for local literary sources in Guam classrooms. In addition to serving as an advisor for several student clubs and organizations, she has participated in various community service activities, including the International Coastal Cleanup. She has also been a lector and confirmation retreat facilitator at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Toto and has prepared and served food at the Kusinan Kamalen Karidåt. Kisha has shared her published work with Guam Department of Education students from Inarajan Middle School and Astumbo Middle School. During this past academic year, she and her students created and organized the School Supply Box Challenge, where they collected school supplies and donated them to eight elementary schools throughout the island. Kisha is also the project coordinator for a Guam Humanities Council grant project called “Our Voices, Our Stories, Our Ocean: A Pacific Literature Conference.” Further, she has been actively involved with local organizations which promote the protection and perpetuation of the Chamoru culture and sustainable living in the Marianas (e.g., We Are Guåhan). Kisha’s research and writing interests focus on Pacific literature, more specifically on the inclusion of the genre in Guam’s public schools. She has published several poems and essays which focus on Chamoru identity and the perpetuation of the Chamoru culture. Aside from work and community engagements, Kisha has also been a delegate for Guam, representing the island and the Chamoru culture at the 10th and 11th Festival of the Pacific Arts in American Sāmoa and the Solomon Islands, respectively. She is also a host on Nihi! the first children’s television show which promotes the Chamoru language and culture. Kisha’s passions include sharing her love for the Chamoru culture, writing poetry, reading Pacific literature, and engaging in meaningful projects. But perhaps her biggest, most meaningful passion, is working alongside her fiancé Vito to raise their daughter Lina`la`.
David Burdick David Burdick, an advocate for coral reef conservation and for coastal communities dependent on reefs, currently works as a Research Associate at the University of Guam (UOG) Marine Lab. In recognition of the importance of coral reefs to the people of Guam, as well as the continued decline in reef health on Guam and around the world, Dave has dedicated his life to improving our understanding of reef ecosystems and actively participating in their conservation and management. Since 2007, he has served as the coordinator of the Government of Guam’s long-term coral reef monitoring program, the aim of which is to track changes in coral reef health at priority reef sites and to identify the possible causes of these changes. Dave contributed to the recently-published book, Environments of Guam, edited by Danko Taborosi (a UOG alumnus), and is currently working on a comprehensive account of the shallow corals of the Mariana Islands with Richard Randall (a UOG Professor Emeritus), as well as an “Echinoderms of the Marianas” book with Dr. Alex Kerr of UOG and Dr. Gustav Paulay with the Florida Museum of Natural History (and formerly with UOG). He also authored the Guam Coastal Atlas, a 2005 publication that provides detailed maps of Guam’s near-shore coastal resources. An avid amateur underwater photographer and naturalist, Dave has also set up a website that aims to raise awareness of Guam’s rich marine biodiversity and document the beauty of Guam’s marine life at www.guamreeflife.com. The WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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website offers thousands of photographs, including photos of over 2,700 marine species and 130 reef sites around Guam, which are free to use for non-profit outreach and education activities. In addition to providing free access to images of reef life from Guam’s nearshore waters, the website also provides information about the health of Guam’s coral reefs and current reef conservation efforts. Dave is originally from Conneaut, Ohio. He graduated from Hiram College in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology and the College of Charleston in South Carolina in 2006 with a Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies. Dave carried out an investigation of the effectiveness of a coral reef restoration technique on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas for his Master’s thesis.
Colleen Marie Cabedo At the age of 24, Colleen Marie Cabedo is the Marketing Officer for Korea and North America at the Guam Visitors Bureau. Ms. Cabedo is responsible for over $2 million in government funds to promote the Guam destination overseas in her respective markets. As an aspiring government leader, Ms. Cabedo works alongside local leisure and travel businesses to effectively market Guam outside its borders. Ms. Cabedo participates in overseas travel trade events to meet with influential travel trade media and agents that sell international destinations; as well as attends consumer events to promote the Guam and Micronesia region to the general public. Prior to being the Marketing Officer, Ms. Cabedo was the Executive Secretary to Board of Directors and General Manager at the Guam Visitors Bureau, Business Development Manager at Splash Telecom, and Marketing Consultant at KUAM and had participated in international publications. Ms. Cabedo has attended the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington in Seattle and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Marketing. She is continuing her studies and is expected to graduate next spring with a Master’s in Public Administration Degree at the University of Guam. When she does have time-off from working and studying, Ms. Cabedo enjoys spending quality time with her family, gardening, cooking up exotic recipes, and traveling.
Michael D. Cabral Michael D. Cabral has worked for the Department of Administration since 2000 in a number of increasingly responsible positions. Michael currently serves as General Accounting Supervisor responsible for preparing financial statements of the general fund, special revenue funds, the federal fund, bond funds, and the debt service fund. In addition, Michael supervises and manages the operations of the Department of Administration’s Federal Grants/Single Audit and Compliance Branch while providing system-wide support to the Department’s financial reporting requirements, internal controls, budget, and accounting processes. Michael also maintains, reconciles, and prepares inventory depreciation reports for fixed assets for all GovGuam line agencies as well as coordinates with the Treasurer of Guam in implementing and preparing the Cash Management Initiative Act Agreement with the US Treasury Office. Michael’s supervisor credits him with being instrumental in Guam receiving its first ever unqualified audit opinion for their FY 2007 single audit. Michael received his Bachelor of Arts in Accountancy from the University of Guam. In 2009, Michael was part of the first cohort of the Executive Leadership Development Program managed by the Graduate School USA's Pacific Islands Training Initiative. He is active in a variety of youth sports and other civic clubs and organizations. WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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Anna G. Calvo Anna G. Calvo is currently a secondary Language Arts teacher in the Guam Department of Education and a graduate student in the University of Guam's Master of Arts in Teaching program. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English with an emphasis in Literature and a minor in Sociology in 2008 and her Master of Public Administration in 2013, both from the University of Guam. In 2011, she represented Guam internationally as Miss Earth Guam in Manila. Anna has been teaching for five years in both the private and public sectors and expects to graduate with her second postgraduate degree in December 2015. Anna currently resides in Tamuning, Guam.
Vito Kisa Calvo, Jr. Vito Kisa Calvo, Jr. comes from a large Chamoru family. He grew up in the village of Toto setting up canopies for family functions, building forts in the jungle, and exploring his backyard of Agana Springs with his relatives. Vito has a Master of Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and a Bachelor of Arts in English & Secondary Education from the University of Guam. He graduated with his diploma in 1999 from George Washington High School. He attended L.P. Untalan Middle School and J.Q. San Miguel Elementary School. Vito has been a Government of Guam educator for nearly a decade. He is currently an instructor for the English Department at the Guam Community College (GCC). However, much of his teaching career has been with John F. Kennedy High School (JFKHS) as an English teacher. Vito’s first year of teaching was with JFKHS’s first ever Freshman Academy (the Academy). He volunteered as team leader for multiple quarters and from 2009-2013, he served as the coordinator. While teaching and coordinating the Academy, he became a certified professional development trainer through the National Association of Secondary Principals. Thereafter, Vito joined the JFKHS Professional Development Team. When the team created the Literacy Project – a program designed to promote, record, and analyze effective interdisciplinary literacy strategies at JFKHS – he served as its coordinator for two years. From 2010-2013, Vito and his team shared bestteaching practices with JFKHS faculty. In 2012, he presented the progress of the Literacy Project at the Guam Department of Education: Principal’s Conference. In 2013, he also provided assistance to the school’s clubs and organizations as the Activity Coordinator. And before his departure to GCC, Vito served as JFKHS Class of 2013 Senior Class co-advisor, Sinangån-ta Youth Movement point teacher, and finally the school’s Accreditation Cocoordinator. When Vito joined GCC in August 2014, his leadership in the educational arena continued. He participated in curriculum planning with colleagues such as improving student writing workshops and calibrating essay grading procedures. In addition, he has collaborated with other English instructors to celebrate student achievement through literary showcases – “EN111: Writing for Research Journeys Exhibit” and “English Department’s ON AIR (On Art In Research) Showcase.” These events were inspired by Guam Humanities Council’s (GHC) “Journey Stories” and “Sindålu Exhibit” as well as the Muña Bros. “Talent Town” documentary. The events also included a community partnership with the University of Guam’s Isla Center for the Arts.
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In his service to the community, Vito serves as lector and confirmation retreat facilitator at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Toto. His family has also served meals at Kusinan Kamalen Karidåt on several occasions. In May 2016, he and members of an ad hoc committee, under the assistance of GHC, will host a conference to spread awareness of Pacific literature to Guam’s youth, fellow educators, and literary enthusiasts. In the meantime, Vito and his fiancée Kisha hope to raise their daughter Lina’la’ to become a Chamoru leader.
Lavina L.G. Camacho Lavina L.G. Camacho, a native born and raised on the island of Guam is the proud daughter of Fraim and Vida Leon Guerrero. She is happily married to Glenn Camacho and they have three beautiful daughters, Antonia Mari (age 15), Linda Sophia (age 9), and Olivia Vida (age 7). In December 2012, Mrs. Camacho became a Wrap Coordinator at Project Kariñu, Guam’s Early Childhood Systems of Care, a program that provides promotion, prevention and individualized intervention for children, from birth through five years of age, and their families, related to the development of their healthy social and emotional well-being. Mrs. Camacho began her career in 2004 at the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, working with youth and transition age adults in the program, I Famagu’onta. Mrs. Camacho has over 10 years of combined experience working with youth, from birth through twenty-one years, with social, emotional, and behavioral concerns and their families using the Wrap Around philosophies and values and is committed to continue work that improves the lives of children and families on island. Mrs. Camacho is a proud University of Guam alumni, having earned a B.A. in Psychology. She then completed an M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Capella University, and is currently a doctoral student in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior. Mrs. Camacho is also a Maternal Child Health (MCH) Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental & Related Disabilities (LEND) alumni (Cohort 2013-2014) and is currently a licensed Individual, Marriage, and Family Therapist (MFT-136) and a Play Therapist Intern.
Felixberto M. Camacho Jr. Officer Felixberto M. Camacho Jr. is a sixteen (16) year veteran of the Guam Police Department who was first hired as a Police Recruit in 1998. After completing the police academy and serving five years on patrol at the Hagatna, Dededo, and Tamuning Precincts as a patrolman, Officer Camacho was reassigned to the Special Operation Division. While assigned to the Special Operations Division Officer Camacho received specialized training in Special Weapons and Tactics in 2003 receiving his SWAT medallion. While assigned to the SWAT Section Officer Camacho climbed through the ranks and eventually worked as the Officer in Charge of the SWAT Section, overseeing SWAT operations and managing full-time SWAT personnel as well as SWAT reservists. Officer Camacho is a recipient of the Pedro “Doc” Sanchez scholarship and graduated cum-lade obtaining his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Public Administration from the University of Guam, in May 2012. Officer Camacho has received instructorship training in several specialties, some of which include; Rappel Master (Vertical Options, Florida), Special Weapons and Tactics Instructor (Government Training Institute, South Carolina), Taser (Taser Inc., Arizona), and Glock Firearms (Glock, Arizona). In addition to his service records and training, Officer Camacho has been decorated with several awards and medals for outstanding performance in the line of duty. WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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In December 2013 Officer Camacho was selected to his current position which he now serves as the Supervisor/Team Leader of the Criminal Justice Strike Force Unit. The CJSF unit was enacted through executive order (#14-02) by the Governor of Guam, Eddie B. Calvo to combat “War on Crime” and violent criminal activity. The CJSF unit launched a campaign to deter and apprehend criminals by deploying tactics, pro-active policing and conducting immediate investigation follow-ups to apprehend offenders. Officer Camacho advocates Teamwork, Dedication, and Commitment that holds high standards for the department he represents. He believes in the importance of advancing professionalism through participation in training opportunities, professional organizations and community partnerships. Officer Camacho’s character is a true inspiration of a quote by; John Maxwell “Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.”
Adam Philip Carbullido Adam Philip Carbullido is the Communications Director for Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo where he serves as her primary spokesperson and develops and implements media and communications strategy and constituent outreach. He is also responsible for managing Congresswoman Bordallo’s health care, financial services, tax, judiciary, civil rights, labor, and housing legislative portfolios. In addition to his legislative responsibilities, Adam serves as the Treasurer of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association. Prior to joining Congresswoman Bordallo's office, Adam worked as a tax intern for Crowe Horwath LLP in Chicago, Illinois and Ernst & Young LLP in Guam during the summers of 2009 and 2008, respectively. Adam graduated from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana in 2010 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accountancy and a minor in the Hesburgh Program in Public Service. He received the 2010 Tara K. Deutsch Award from Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business, which is given to an accounting senior who has displayed exemplary social consciousness and devotion to assisting the less fortunate. Adam is a resident of Piti and currently lives in Washington, D.C.
Earl Errol Abao Carter Earl Errol Abao Carter is currently a Computer Technician with the Financial, Student Administrative Information Systems (FSAIS) in the Department of Education since 2013. As an Information Technology (IT) professional, Earl supports GDOE public schools and divisions in troubleshooting, configuring, and maintaining computer systems. Earl received his Associates of Science in Computer Science in 2008 and his Certificate of Science in Computer Science in 2007 from the Guam Community College. As an IT professional for the past seven years, Earl’s has experienced different type of technologies which helps in diagnosing hardware and software problems. Prior to DOE, Earl worked in the private sector as a Computer Technician at Sharp Business Systems, Lin’s Jewelry Co., and Radical PC. He was also a Computer Lab Assistant/Technical at the Instruction Technology Center at the Guam Community College. WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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William “Wil” M. Castro Wil Castro is the Director for the Bureau of Statistics and Plans and serves on Governor Calvo’s Senior Staff as Special Assistant for Research, Planning and Technology. He is also the Governor’s Point of Contact for Coral Reef Initiative and is a committee member on the Western Pacific Fisheries Management Council committees on research and Climate Change. Wil is the immediate past Chief Technology Officer for GovGuam; and was a Director, Chief Planner, and educator in a K-12 environment; Director of Institutional Effectiveness at a college; and Special Assistant to the President and Chairman at a regional university; senior policy analyst at the Guam Legislature under the late Senator Angel L.G. Santos and former General Manager and Webmaster for an e-commerce company. Wil attained doctoral candidacy status at Columbia University and holds a Master’s Degree from Harvard University with additional graduate credits from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has remained an active volunteer in the community having served as past Lion’s Club president, past secretary for the UOG Alumni Association, current member of the Barrigada Municipal Planning Council, coordinator for the Barrigada Neighborhood Watch program, Sir Knight with the Knights of Columbus within the Santa Teresita Council, and incumbent public information officer and co-chairman of the Centennial Committee for the Young Men’s League of Guam. Wil is engaged to Dr. Debra Tudela Cabrera and has four beautiful children Ashley Hope Castro, Cameren Ha’ane Castro, Liam Castro, and Mariana Jesusa Castro. Outside of work and home he enjoys riding his Harley Davidson CVO Breakout.
Annabel Certeza Annabel worked at Cars Unlimited Rental Car in 2000 until August 2006. Her responsibilities for the company included executing Small Claims collections, auditing, accounts receivables, human resources, payroll, bank deposits and customer service. On June 2007, she began her Government of Guam career when she accepted the Executive Secretary position at the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB), primarily recording Board meetings and minutes, scheduling appointments for the General Manager and other administrative duties until December 2007. On December 2007, she was hired at the Superior Court of Guam as a Data Entry Clerk for the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Realizing her passion and love of her culture and the tourism industry, Annabel was given another opportunity and accepted the Clerk Typist III position in the Marketing Department at the Guam Visitors Bureau on June 2009. On July 2013, she was promoted to Administrative Assistant for the Administration Department and currently is responsible for correspondences, requests for quotations, purchase requisitions, and other administrative transactions. As part of her other duties she arranges conferences, meetings, appointments, and assists with personnel.
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A graduate of Asmuyao Community School in 1998 she pursued her education, and in 2004 she received her certification as a paralegal from online courses at Thomson Education Direct, which is now called Penn Foster Career School. A three-time nominee for the Governor’s MagPro Award of Excellence for Customer Service Professional of the Year Front Office and Support Services on 2012 and 2013, she humbly accepted and received the award in 2014. Annabel loves to sing, dance, read the bible and spend quality time with her husband and children.
Jonathan Kris Chargualaf Jonathan K. Chargualaf graduated from George Washington High School in 1996. Immediately after graduation he joined the United States Army at the age of 17 and served as an Aviation Operations Specialist. He earned an Honorable Discharge and continued his federal service as a contractor with Honeywell Technology Solutions (Aerospace Division) as a Range Control Operations Leader. Jonathan decided to return to Guam in 2004. With a reputable background of professional service, he continued to evolve and excel as he tenured positions in the Insurance and Hospitality industry. He understood the value of education and training as he juggled working full-time in an Executive position while also attending college full-time. He endured the tough obstacles and earned his Associates of Science degree in Computer Networking with the Guam Community College in 2011. Jonathan joined the Guam Power Authority that same year and was assigned to the Power System Control Center (PSCC) Division as a Communications/Electronics Technician II. He now serves as the Communications/Electronics Technician Supervisor where he continues to effectively enhance the operational capabilities of the Authority. Employing his technical expertise, he has authored and/or co-authored various bid documents and technical specifications for keynote capital improvement projects which include; the Replacement of the Centrex System, the Upgrade of GPA’s Primary Very High Frequency (VHF) Communication System, Upgrade of GPA’s Secondary Communication System, and the Power System Control Center Digital Map Board. He has served on several organizational committees inclusive of a one-year term on the Employee Incentive Award Board, and is the coach and manager of the 2015 GPWA basketball league champions. His training is comprised of industry standard certifications and training correlating to his education and position. He is a certified Electronics Technician Association International Fiber Optic and Data Cabling Installer. He has also acquired various certifications such as CompTia certifications in A+, Network + and Security+ and is trained in Cisco Networking technologies and solutions up to the networking professional level. Jonathan attributes his success to his family; His common-law wife of twelve years, Patsy, and his four children: Shirae, Shawndee, Quintina, and Jayden; Parents - Mr. Juan Chargualaf and Mrs. Maria Fejeran Chargualaf of Latte Heights (Mangilao); and his younger siblings - brother Timothy and sister Jenna.
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Franklin J.T. Cooper-Nurse Franklin J.T. Cooper-Nurse is currently the Chief Auditor of the Internal Audit Office in the Guam Department of Education (GDOE). As the Chief Auditor, Franklin assists GDOE’s board and management by providing independent audits, analysis, counsel, information, assurance services and recommendations. This includes the promotion of effective controls for the recording and reporting of operational activities and for the custody and safeguarding of assets to improve the effectiveness of risk management, and the governance process. Franklin was hired to rebuild and establish the internal audit function of GDOE. In little over a year, he made significant contributions. Franklin developed GDOE’s audit framework for operational improvement, which includes: the identification and assessment of risk, the examination of operational vulnerabilities or weaknesses, the review and establishment of standard operating procedures and internal controls, and the issuance of standardsbased audits with recommendations for process improvements. Franklin also serves other roles in the department; he currently works with the Superintendent, the United States Department of Education, and GDOE’s management team on implementing and validating the Comprehensive Corrected Action Plan. Franklin is assigned on a leadership team that works closely with the Third Party Fiduciary Agent (TPFA) to address critical paths to transition the roles and responsibilities of the TPFA back to GDOE and guide GDOE into a position of independent financial management over federal funds. Franklin is the designated audit representative for GDOE by providing all audit liaisons, to include resolution of audit findings and implementation of corrective actions. Under his watch as Chief Auditor, GDOE has achieved its best financial audit performance in its history and has resolved all questioned cost. He earned his Master’s in Business Administration in 2009 from Troy University. He received his Bachelor’s in Business Administration: Finance and Economics in 2004 from the University of Guam. He graduated in 1994 from Father Duenas Memorial School. Prior to joining the Department of Education, Franklin worked over 10 years with the Office of Public Accountability (OPA) as a management analyst, auditor, and audit supervisor. While employed at OPA, Franklin was responsible for conducting performance, financial, operational, and compliance audits. Prior to his government service, Franklin learned fundamental business principles and entrepreneurship working in the private sector for nearly 10 years helping run several family owned and operated businesses to include Guam’s Own TV14, Guahan Magazine, and Java Jay Traders. Franklin currently resides in Chalan Pago and is married to Dr. Lisa Cooper-Nurse and they have three children. He is the son of Lydia and the late Ramsay Cooper-Nurse of Sinajana.
Lisa Marie S. Cooper-Nurse, Ed.D. Dr. Lisa Marie S. Cooper-Nurse is currently the Principal for H.B. Price Elementary School in Mangilao. She earned her Doctorate in Education from Argosy University in 2011. Dr. Cooper-Nurse’s dissertation focused on the Effectiveness of Teacher Evaluations and Professional Growth in the Department of Education. She earned her Masters of Education: Administration and Supervision in 2004 and her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1999 from the University of Guam. She graduated from Academy of Our Lady of Guam in Hagatna in 1995. Dr. Cooper-Nurse has implemented the GDOE district wide expectations at Price Elementary; she is currently leading her school toward initial accreditation by the Western WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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Association of Schools and Colleges. Prior to her assignment at H. B. Price Elementary School, Dr. Cooper-Nurse served as the Principal at Astumbo Elementary School and as a teacher at Machachanao Elementary School. She has been an educator for the past 15 years. Dr. Cooper-Nurse also serves as a part-time Adjunct Professor at the University of Guam since 2013 teaching Personnel Management and Clinical Supervision to graduate students. She is certified as a Master School Administrator: K-12 and Master Educator: Elementary K-5 with the Guam Commission for Educator Certification. In 2015, Dr. Cooper-Nurse was appointed by Governor Edward Calvo to serve as the School Principal/Administrator member of the Guam Commission for Educator Certification. She was unanimously confirmed by the 33rd Guam Legislature. She is also a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Dr. Cooper-Nurse currently resides in Chalan Pago and is married to Franklin Cooper-Nurse and they have three children. She is the daughter of Richard and Debra Santos who reside in Dededo.
Gregory J. Cruz II Gregory J. Cruz II completed the Guam Community College CJA 6th Cycle in 2008 and earned his Associates of Science in Criminal Justice. He is currently a student at the University of Guam where he is pursuinig a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. He was first employed with GIAA in 2006 as a security guard and was then promoted to Airport Police Officer I in 2010. In addition to his duty as a police officer, he is currently the Officer-In-Charge of Internal Affairs. Officer Cruz received the Police Commendation and Meritorious Service Award as well as the prestigious award for MagPro Employee of the Year for Security and Correction in 2014. His expertise and leadership extend to his military career as a Senior Airman with the Guam Air National Guard. He was an honor graduate from the Air Force Basic Military Training in Lackland, Texas, and was a recipient of the Airman of the Quarter Award at Ali Al Salem Air Force Base, during his deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2012.
Roe-Ann Jean M. Cruz Roe-Ann Jean M. Cruz is currently a Supervisor and Project Coordinator for the Island wide Beautification Task Force, which is under the purview of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Guam. A 2003 graduate of George Washington High School, Roe-Ann began her government service in 2009 as a Secretary/Receptionist for thenSenator Ray Tenorio in the 30th Guam Legislature. As IBTF Supervisor, Roe-Ann directly supervises special projects staff in the daily duties and oversees coordination of beautification events. Some of the projects she helped establish include Project Minagof and the Guam Seal Bus Stop Project. She and her staff administrate these projects as well as the Roadway Adoption Program, the Adahi I Tano program and other special projects of the IBTF. She is also the Guam Seal Designee of the Lieutenant Governor of Guam. She assists him in his official capacity as the Keeper of the Guam Seal by drafting and reviewing Guam Seal Permit applications. Roe-Ann has also worked in the Guam State Clearinghouse, a bureau within the Office of the Lieutenant Governor that oversees all Federal aid programs, grants, loans, contracts, and other Federal funding sources for the WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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Government of Guam. Roe-Ann co-authored and was awarded two Department of Interior Technical Assistance Program grants valued at $273,054 for park construction and $250,050.48 for disaster relief. She was chosen to manage the park construction grant. She has also coordinated two annual Grant Writing and Project Management Workshops for local Government of Guam agencies. In 2012 and 2014, Roe-Ann was voted Employee of the Year by her colleagues and supervisors within the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. Prior to working for the Government of Guam, Roe-Ann worked as a Mail Clerk at a Bank of America Lock-Box in Richardson, Texas and as a Waitress/Hostess at the New Kinney’s Restaurant in Agana Heights. Roe-Ann was born the younger of two daughters to Jeanily Van Unen and Robert Martin†. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, she moved to Guam with her parents and sister, Bobbi, in 1990 after both her parents separated from the U.S. Navy. She and her husband Trevor are high school sweethearts and were married in 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She has since then been blessed with a beautiful Niece, Sophie Mae and adorable nephew, Shaughn Henry.
Lloyd Cubacub Lloyd Cubacub graduated from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa with a major in Biology and a minor in Mathematics. At UH Lloyd took interests in many activities separate from his field of studies, including culinary arts, sports management, and martial arts. After graduating, Lloyd began working for one of the state’s largest banks. Eventually, Lloyd decided to return to Guam and put his degree to work as a Project Manager for the Island wide Beautification Task Force, which is under the purview of the Lieutenant Governor Ray Tenorio. As the Senior Project Manager for the Island wide Beautification Task Force, Lloyd is both an innovative contributor who has propelled the IBTF to attain many of its goals. The mission of the IBTF is to enhance and restore the beauty of Guam as well as improve public awareness and civic pride, promote involvement and coordination of services, in the pursuit of further beautification of the scenic and historic sites of Guam. Lloyd was instrumental in the completion of the IBTF’s flagship projects, which are the Restoration of the Archbishop Felixberto Flores Memorial Loop and the Retaining the Spirit of Guam, U.S.A Wall (East Hagatna Wall). Lloyd is the Treasurer of The Works! Foundation, a non-profit organization that seeks to encourage community support toward the beautification of Guam and strives to protect, preserve and perpetuate Guam’s unique culture, heritage and language. For the past six years Lloyd has supported the development of many of the island’s top Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athletes, wearing many hats as training partner, manager, corner man and confidant. Lloyd currently manages Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Jon Delos Reyes and is directly involved with contract negotiations, matchmaking, obtaining endorsements, and scheduling his guest appearances. He can often be found hard at work dealing directly with Jon and sponsoring companies guaranteeing that everyone involved is successful and comes out a winner. When Lloyd is not working on IBTF projects or his fighters, he is working on improving himself and his community. He regularly volunteers his time assisting with teaching the kid’s class at Purebred Jiu-Jitsu Academy sharing his athletic skills and knowledge. Lloyd continues to immerse himself in the athletic community by training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with the Purebred Jiu-Jitsu Academy under Professor Stephen Roberto. He is married to Rachel Field; and is the son of Lomar and Lydia Cubacub of Dededo.
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Natasha Jo Afaisen Dela Cruz Natasha Jo Afaisen Dela Cruz is an Assistant Principal at M. U. Lujan Elementary School in Yona. She received her M.Ed. from the University of Guam and began her career as a school administrator at Inarajan Middle School in 2010. Prior to that she was teaching 8th grade Mathematics at IMS from 2004-2010. During that time she was an advisor for various student clubs and organizations, the schools accreditation coordinator and a summer school coordinator. She was recognized by the faculty and staff at IMS for Excellence in Leadership in SY2013-2014 and was given the Hachon Tiningo’ award in SY2010-2011 and SY2011-2012. In 2005, she held the title of Miss Guam Tourism and traveled to Japan and Korea where she represented and promoted Guam at various events. She currently resides in Talofofo with her husband Eric and their daughters Sarai, Terah & Naara.
Noel Dela Cruz Noel Dela Cruz obtained his Law Enforcement Certification through the Guam Community College ProTech Institute 9th Cycle Basic Law Enforcement Academy. He began his law enforcment career in 2002 with the A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority and has undergone vast amounts of training in numerous aspects of law enforcement. Officer Dela Cruz has received a Police Commendation, Distinguish Service Award, MagPro Employee of the Year, and is one of several officers who earned the prestigious Airport Certified Employee (A.C.E.) Certification in Airport Security/Law Enforcement. He is currently a Police Officer II and the Team Leader of the Regulatory Access Control Compliance Section (RACCS), Badging Office, Property and Evidence Section. Despite his extensive duties and responsibilities, he continues to broaden his knowledge of and strengthen his skills in law enforcement.
Jon Nathan Pangilinan Denight A native of Guam, Jon Nathan Pangilinan Denight has more than 10 years of privatesector marketing experience, specializing in brand management, video production and event planning. He served as Deputy General Manager for the Guam Visitors Bureau since July 2011 and in January 2015, he was unanimously appointed to serve as GVB’s General Manager. After earning a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Santa Clara University in California in June 1999, Denight returned to Guam to begin his career. He quickly worked his way up from Business Development Manager to Operations Manager at Mark’s Motor Corporation, before opening his own company, Revolution Productions, in 2004. Denight comes from a successful family business background. Grandson of Mark V. Pangilinan and Son of Jon Denight, Denight was inspired by their entrepreneurship and guided by their experience. In his first year at the helm of the Guam-based company, Denight was honored with awards for “Best Television Commercial of the Year” and “Overall Best Ad of the Year” from the Guam Marketing Association, where he eventually served as president in 2005.
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In 2007, Denight accepted a position as Creative Director of Denight Marketing Group while continuing to manage his production company. Revolution Productions successfully launched Guam’s No.1-selling magazine, Uno, and developed the island’s first 30-minute auto enthusiast television program, RevTV. At Denight Marketing Group, Denight led creative development for some of Guam’s largest brands. A specialist in video production and event planning, he played an instrumental role in large-scale events including the Chef’s Cup, DFS DanceFest, Hot Import Nights, and several concerts. During his time at GVB, record arrivals soared past 1.3 million visitors annually through much effort to grow and diversify Guam’s source visitor markets. GVB also won numerous awards with the Governor’s MagPRO Awards, including GVB’s marketing department winning Department of the Year. Denight is the co-author of the Tourism 2020 plan, which sets to transform Guam into the world class destination of choice by the year 2020. Denight enjoys basketball and golf. He lives on Guam with his wife Lana and his puppy Cali.
Jeremiah F.B. Diaz Jeremiah F.B. Diaz currently has nine years of experience in the technical and electrical field that led him to take on a role as an Electrician Leader in the Production and Treatment Section of the Guam Waterworks Authority from 2012 through 2014. Because of these leadership abilities, Jeremiah has presumed the detail appointment as a Systems Control Dispatcher who is responsible for system adjustments of Water and Wastewater Operations at the Guam Waterworks Authority. These successes, passion, and hard work elevated Jeremiah’s belief that the next generation, “his generation” will continue to improve the legacy of providing quality service to the people. But it all started in 2006 when he enlisted in the Guam Army National Guard 1224th Engineer Support Company as an Interior Electrician (21R). The invaluable lessons in this military occupational skill allowed him to receive the necessary training that earned him educational courses at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After several years of practice in the trade, Jeremiah offered himself once again as a Heavy Equipment Operator in support of the Horizontal Construction Company, a component of the Guam Army National Guard. He has also completed The Warrior Leadership Course in Waimanalo, Hawaii in 2009. Simultaneously while enlisted in the Guam Army National Guard, in 2008 he was selected to be part of the Guam Waterworks Authority Apprenticeship program. He attended the Guam Community College where he successfully completed the academic portion of the program. He worked diligently to acquire the skillsets and hours necessary to complete the hands on training of the program and after four years he graduated as a nationally recognized and certified Instrument Technician Journeyman in 2012. He also obtains a nationally recognized certification as an Industrial Electrician made possible by the Guam Trades Academy in 2012. He holds the Water Distribution Certification Level II and Water Treatment Certification Level I. Jeremiah has earned The Quality Service award from GWA in 2012. His dedication and hard work displayed his worthiness to receive two consecutive Army Awards and Commandants List from the Guam Army National Guard in 2009 and 2010. He successfully completed his military term and was awarded honorable discharge in 2012. He is loved, blessed, and rooted by his lovely wife Jennifer C. Diaz, daughters Jenesa, Alana, Jonaye, Amaya, sons Ziah and Jeremiah the second.
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Rochelle Alave Diaz, Ed.D. Dr. Rochelle Alave Diaz is currently a 5th grade teacher at Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School in Dededo. She has been teaching for 13 years and has taught various grade levels from second to fifth grade. Rochelle received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education (B.A.Ed.) in 2001 from the University of Guam, her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership (M. Ed) in 2005 from the University of Portland, and more recently, her Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) in 2014 from Argosy University. Rochelle is always up for challenge. In addition to her teaching duties as a regular classroom teacher, Rochelle coordinates the A.S.P.I.R.E. Program (After School Program for Instructional Remediation and Enrichment) which was formerly known as the D.E.E.D. Program. As an ASPIRE coordinator, she organizes the daily operations of the program and works closely with school personnel in identifying students’ needs and monitoring student progress to provide needed resources and support. Rochelle also serves in the school’s Parent-Teacher-Organization (P.T.O.) as a former secretary and currently the Public Relations Officer. As an officer of the P.T.O., she organizes various fundraising events to help with school improvement projects. Furthermore, she is part of the school’s Curriculum Leadership Team where she is actively involved in curriculum planning and implementation. She enjoys being active in the school and has coached several extra-curricular activities such as the Math Olympiad and the W.A.V.E. Club, and has chaired various school-wide events. With such drive to not only inspire her students, she willingly mentors new teachers and students from the University of Guam who are studying and aspire to become future educators. She has served as a Classroom Supervisor/Master Teacher to many who are her colleagues today. Rochelle’s passion to help and serve others is not limited to the school. Outside her role as a teacher, she still finds time to positively contribute and serve the community as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector/Commentator at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Tamuning. She continues to share her love for God and passion for teaching as a volunteer 3rd grade CCD teacher on the weekends. She is also actively involved in Couples for Christ program. Her pastime includes spending time with family and friends, exercising, reading, and learning new things. Rochelle is married to Reginald “Reggie” and reside in the village of Dededo. Together, they have a 4-year-old son named Xavier and are expecting their second child this summer.
Sophia Santos Diaz Sophia Santos Diaz is Staff Attorney for the Judiciary of Guam (since 2014) after serving as Administrative Counsel to the Civil Service Commission (20102014). Prior to her government service, she was an Associate Attorney at the law firm of Calvo & Clark, LLP. Since joining the Judiciary, Sophia has guided the court’s implementation of the Competitive Wage Act, COPPS Act, and POST Commission Standards. Sophia has also served in the acting capacities of Human Resources Administrator, Director of Policy, Planning and Community Relations and Public Guardian at various times over the course of her Judiciary service. Currently, she is a member of the Guam Law Library’s Board of Trustees. She is also a past chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guam Housing Corporation and former law clerk to the Honorable Anita A. Sukola.
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A graduate of Notre Dame High School, Sophia received a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame and a Juris Doctorate from Gonzaga University, where she was a Dean’s Scholar. Sophia is licensed to practice law in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Sophia is married to Randy Diaz and they have three children: Haley Isabella, Irish Dionicio, and Atticus Ephraim. They make their home in Nimitz Hill.
Melanie Cruz Escobar Melanie Cruz Escobar is a wife, mother, educator, and school community leader. She is currently a fifth grade teacher and plays active leadership roles at Wettengel Elementary School in Dededo. For the students, Melanie leads the student body in a fitness fusion to help keep the students healthy and active. She is the head coach of the school’s Kids’ Athletics Track and Field Team. With the assistance of her colleagues, Melanie has led the team to a 2nd place title in 2014 then moving up to 1st place in 2015. She was co-coordinator for the after school program, DEED/ASPIRE for two consecutive years from 2012 thru 2014. For her colleagues, Melanie has facilitated trainings and presentations in preparation for the implementation of the Common Core State Standards. She was an active member of the Wettengel Employee Fun Club and eventually became the chairperson for two years. For the school families and community, Melanie served as the PTO President for school year 2014-2015. She has assisted in coordinating family events such as Health Fairs and school carnivals. Overall, Melanie has displayed leadership in the school system and continues to serve as a young leader by actively being a member of the school leadership team. Prior to being an educator, Melanie worked in the private sector at Bank of Hawaii and Citizens Security Bank. After eight years with the bank, she returned to school to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education at the University of Guam. She began her teaching career with Guam Department of Education at LBJ Elementary School and then moved on to middle school, teaching remedial math. After a year, Melanie returned to the elementary school level teaching third grade, kindergarten, and now fifth grade at Wettengel Elementary School. Within her seven years of teaching, she has taught five different grade levels under four different administrators. From all of her work experiences, Melanie has gained the qualities of being a young professional leader. Melanie is the youngest daughter of Ben and Ellie Cruz of Tamuning. She is the military wife of Heracleo M. Escobar III, better known as Buzz. Together they raise their six children: Christian-17, Jestin-17, Ashton-13, Journie-10, Lyvia-4, and Payton-4. When not in classroom, Melanie is out supporting their children in their sporting events.
Josephine D. Evangelista Josephine D. Evangelista is currently a Management Analyst at the Guam Waterworks Authority (GWA). She began her government service with GWA in 2012 as an Administrative Assistant. She was then promoted to the Management Analyst position performing research, analysis and evaluation. Thus, this work gave her the opportunity to gain experience through a detail appointment as the Acting Chief Budget Officer. Josephine is also the Proprietor of Guam Events, an investment education company whose purpose is to foster continuing education outside the academe. She opened WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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her business in 2015 which deals with life and corporate events through forums, conferences and expositions with the personal, professional and financial excellence as its return on investment. Josephine will also launch her rental property business in the Philippines in 2016 and take advantage of the growing economy in the said country. She is working towards building her exponential income at a gradual pace while receiving a linear income at the same time. Prior to her government service, Josephine had a decade of experience in the airline industry as a Sales and Agency Coordinator with Goodwind Travel and Tour Corp., Inc. GSA for Philippine Airlines. Her interest for travel and exceptional work ethic contributed to her longevity in this field. Josephine’s exemplary level of communication and interpersonal skills were honed as she was once a local radio personality on KTKB 101.9 FM Radio Station as one of the hosts of the Radio Breakfast eXtreme (RBX) Program on primetime at Megamixx. Though she is truly missed by her followers, she still continue her affiliation with the radio station as a Sales Executive. Josephine is a 1995 high school graduate of St. Mary’s College of Meycauayan at Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines. She received her degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce with a major in Management in 1999 from St. Paul University Quezon City at New Manila, Quezon City, Philippines. She also received her Professional Master of Business Administration in 2014 from the University of Guam at Mangilao, Guam USA. Josephine is the only daughter of Mario and Mamerta Evangelista. As an emerging leader, she upholds the values and virtues she was once taught and had acquired along the way. She said, “Let it be one’s advocacy to primarily love its people and have desire to serve with honesty. This mission will fuel one’s passion to lead.”
Natalia S. Faculo Natalia S. Faculo currently serves as a Supervisor in the Commerce & Economic Development Division (CED) of the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA). Natalia and her team are responsible for conducting micro and macro-economic research and financial analysis concerning economic development initiatives for the territory of Guam. Natalia's responsibilities include, integrating CIP's for government financed projects, analyzing economic and social growth patterns for fiscal policy development, applying current socio-economic models to evaluate developmental trends, and formulating demographic and economic projections for development planning. Prior to assuming this position, Natalia served as an Industry Development Specialist in GEDA's Business Development & Marketing Division. Natalia also served as a staff assistant to both the Governor’s Legal Counsel and the Governor’s Chief Fiscal Advisor. Natalia earned a Bachelor’s Degree of science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Public Administration from the University of Guam in 2010. She also recently completed the Executive Leadership Development Program under the Graduate School USA’s Pacific Islands Training Initiative. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and anticipates graduating in December of this year. Natalia is a past affiliate of the Rotary Club of Tumon Bay, Soroptimist International of the Marianas and the Guam Young Professionals. She is a free-lance musician who sings and plays the guitar and drums. Natalia’s parents are Matthew and Lailanee Faculo to whom she attributes her musical talents and ability to integrate professional development and her love of music, in her life. She has one brother, Kohlin, who inspires her with his penchant for learning and his anticipation of new experiences that each day may bring.
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Christine Camacho Fejeran Christine Camacho Fejeran was raised on family property in Yigo, off Wusstig Road. She received her bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University in Wildlife & Fisheries Science with a minor in Environmental Resource Management. She worked as a wildlife biologist in Hawaii monitoring endangered waterbird breeding and nonbreeding seasons. She served on the Hawaii Board of Directors for the Hawaii Audubon Society for two terms. Christine’s previous work experience included working for the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, as a Deputy Sheriff/Animal Control Officer, in South Carolina. Christine graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, and was a deputy up until returning home to Guam in 2011. As a Sheriff’s Deputy, Christine responded to a variety of call types immersing her in all aspects of community, the good, bad and the ugly. The rewards were great however, Christine learned what it took to communicate with individuals coming from all walks of life, and found communication and respect to the be the common links to success regardless of where one came from. She was proud to be a law enforcement officer. Christine also responded to numerous animal control calls and was responsible for successfully prosecuting cruelty cases brought to court. Christine served as a Board Member for the Guam Animals in Need (GAIN) for half a term. She is currently an active community member who continues to support environmental outreach and a huge supporter of spay/neuter programs. Christine has been employed with the Government of Guam for four years and continues to take pride and joy in her work and her colleagues. Christine’s Government of Guam resume includes being a Watershed Coordinator and Planner III for the Bureau of Statistics and Plans, Guam Coastal Management Program (BSP-GCMP). In 2014, Christine received the Guam Fire Department’s “Citizens Award for Exceptional Service” for her coordinated efforts and support for the Fire Department and fire awareness efforts within the community. The recognition was an honor for Christine, but would not have been possible if not for her work for BSP-GCMP and all the partners involved. It has been a privilege for Christine to proudly represent the Government of Guam, natural resource agencies and partners in their combined commitment to the community and protection of our island’s natural resources through effective outreach. Fostering community awareness, natural resource stewards, and a community proud to call Guam home, have been Christine’s driving goal. Currently, Christine is a Forester with the Department of Agriculture’s Forestry and Soil Resources Division and is responsible for managing Forestry’s Cooperative Fire Program (wildland fire program) – “Munga masongge Guåhan, Don’t burn Guam!” Christine is driven and working toward building a more aware and fire-wise community for Guam. In her new role as Forestry’s Cooperative Fire Program Manager, she is working on Guam’s Fire Protection Plan and tailoring outreach to build a sense of pride and community ownership for our natural resources, to reduce the number of wildland fires caused by arsonist each year. Our forest resources belong to everyone and the few who choose to set fire to those resources need to know that these are acts of arson and shall not be tolerated. We are a community, Guam’s natural resources belong to all the people so to burn our forests and land is to rob us of what’s ours to connect, protect and respect. Wildland fires erode away at community safety and the benefits of healthy forests, watersheds and marine resources – “Munga masongge Guåhan, Don’t burn Guam!” With the continued support of her husband, Eric C. Fejeran and their families, Christine has the necessary foundation to continue to be a productive and effective partner for all inspired and desiring to enhance, protect and respect our island’s unique natural resources, culture and community…
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Janna B. Fernandez Janna B. Fernandez is the daughter of Dr. Juan Q. Fernandez, Ph.D. and Mrs. Gloria P. Fernandez from the village of Yona. Her supporting cast includes her twin sister Joelle, her brothers Jon and Chris and their families. Janna graduated from the Academy of Our Lady of Guam in 2007. There she discovered a love of service and excellence. She pursued her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Guam finding a passion for intercultural studies, political philosophy, and the colonial history of Guam. She graduated Magna Cum Laude earning her degree in Public Relations with a minor in Political Science. At the university she, along with a few of her classmates, revived the Communication Society laying the foundation for the first nationally recognized Communication Honor Society at UOG-Lambda Pi Eta. After graduating in 2011, she resigned from the private sector to dive head first into public service. Her first position in the Government of Guam was a grant analyst and grant writer for the Guam State Clearinghouse. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Ray Tenorio, she wore various hats writing grants, as well as serving as a Public Safety Liaison for the Guam Police Department. In 2013, she accepted a position to be part of the esteemed Communications team of Governor Eddie Baza Calvo and Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio serving as one of their Deputy Press Secretaries. During her time at Adelup, Janna learned to translate passion into public service and found complete happiness empowering people by helping them access government services and information. In 2014, she left the Governor’s office and began work at Guam Community College focusing on workforce development. She is currently the Program Coordinator for the GCC/Guam Department of Education WorkKeys project aimed at helping Guam’s public high school students become career-ready. Driven by her passion to help students realize their potential, she works with GDOE administrators and teachers prepare their students for their dream career—whether they enter the workforce after graduation or pursue their college degree. During her time at GCC, she spreads her love and passion for communication through her class at GCC’s Adult High School program. Her professional achievements include two federal grants awarded to the Guam Fire Department and the General Services Agency, which she co-authored, managing Governor Calvo’s PROA newsletter content from 2013 to 2014, and completing her first semester teaching Fundamentals of Communication for Adult High School. Trained by her experience in the private sector, Janna knows that you have to make the most of your resources, and relies on her creativity and resourcefulness to make every project she tackles in the government successful— whether it’s reaching out to her professional network or finding alternative resources. She reminds herself to remain solution-oriented when problems arise, instead of letting obstacles determine the success of a project. Janna believes that collaboration is the key to every project, and knows how important it is to be able to work with people of different backgrounds.
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Rachel P. Field Rachel P. Field is currently the Associate Budget Administrative Procurement Officer at the University of Guam. Rachel is responsible for the development and preparation of annual budgets for general operations, auxiliary, and non-appropriated funds. She first joined UOG in 2014. Prior to joining UOG, Rachel worked at the Office of Public Accountability as an auditor from 2009 through 2014. As an auditor, Rachel performed financial, operational, and compliance examinations and evaluations of varied programs within the Government of Guam. Rachel received her Professional Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Guam in 2014. She graduated from the University of Guam with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting in 2009. While pursuing her degree, she was involved in the Junior Accountants Society. Rachel graduated as valedictorian from St. Paul Christian School in 2005 and served as Student Body Association President. Rachel is an active member of the Association of Government Accountants since 2009 and has served in various leadership roles as Immediate Past President (2015-present), President (2014-2015), President-Elect (2013-2014), and Secretary (2010-2011). She has also been part of several executive committees and sub-committees, including the Guam Professional Development Conference sub-committee and the annual 5K run sub-committee. Alongside her involvement in the accounting profession, Rachel is also active in her home church where she plays piano during worship services since 2003. She has also held leadership roles in its youth and young adult group from 2004-2013.
John M. Flores John M. Flores is a 2001 graduate of Simon Sanchez High School. In 2002, he completed the Basic Law Enforcement Academy from the Guam Community College. He then joined the Airport Police Division at the A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam (GIAA) as an Armed Security Guard from June 2002 to July 2004, at which time he was then promoted to Airport Police Officer I. From April 2005 to December 2006, Officer Flores became an Investigator with the GIAA Police Special Investigation Unit. It was also in December 2006 that he became a member of the GIAA K9 Unit as a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Explosive Detection K9 Handler. His law enforcement training is quite extensive. In 2006, he completed the Aviation Security for Law Enforcement Training from the American Association of Airport Executives. In the following year, he completed the Explosive Canine Handler Course with the GIAA Airport Police Division. In 2008, he completed the National Explosive Detective Canine Handlers Course from the Department of Homeland Security TSA. He also completed Incident Response to Terrorist Bombing Training in 2013 from New Mexico Tech. His training extends beyond law enforcement. He is currently a Staff Sergeant with the U.S. Air Force Reserves, 44th Aerial Port Squadron. In 2009, he received a U.S. Air Force Basic Training Certificate and completed the U.S. Air Force Air Transportation Apprentice Course. Most recently in 2013, he completed the Airman Leadership Distance Learning Course from Air University. Officer Flores is a recipient of numerous recognition and awards. In 2009, he received the U.S. Air Force Distinguished Graduate from the Air Transportation Apprentice Course. In both 2010 and 2013, he received the Airport Police Commendation Award. In 2011, he was the recipient of the Airport Police Good Conduct Award and was nominated for Officer of the Quarter. WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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Florence Ann L.G. Francisco Florence Ann L.G. Francisco has a diverse background in the public and private sector. She has worked clerical jobs with private businesses and government entities and has strived to further her experience and professional skill set throughout her career. Her consistent pursuit to enhance her knowledge in the administrative and clerical professions has led her to where she is today. Florence has been employed with such businesses and government entities as Prestige Automobiles, Luen Fung Enterprises, Guam Department of Education, Guam Air National Guard and the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority (GHURA), where she is currently employed. Throughout her employment with GHURA, Florence has performed duties in the positions of an Administrative Clerk, Administrative Aide, Housing Specialist (Detailed), Interview Clerk and Administrative Assistant (Detailed and Promoted). Florence has been employed with GHURA from July of 2004 to present and recently graduated from the GHURA Apprenticeship Office Manager/Administrative Services program through the Guam Community College. The varied tasks, responsibilities and range of duties have given Florence a diverse and extensive background in the administrative management and clerical professions. This same background has enabled her to assist tenants, landlords and families in the Section 8 and low cost housing programs as well as protect these programs against abuse and fraud among many other responsibilities. Her duties have ranged from general clerical tasks to mass applicant screenings/interviews, Section 8 program briefings, technical advisement of landlords and tenants, review of client documents, preparation of inspection reports and investigative work to name a few. The culmination of all her efforts has led her to her latest accomplishment of promotion to Administrative Assistant at AMP2. She continues and strives to increase her skill level and professional experience. Additionally, Florence has received certifications for numerous training and certification programs during the course of her Government service that was also instrumental in her career achievements. The leisurely side of Florence enjoys going to beach, family functions and attending fundraising events with coworkers. She occasionally enjoys going to the movies and restaurants as well. But her biggest passion is spending quality time with her children and immediate family during the holidays and special occasions. She aspires to one day build her own home, to travel to different parts of the world and most importantly provide the best possible life and future for her children.
Terilynn Francisco Terilynn “Teri” Francisco is currently a Psychiatric Social Worker with Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center (GBHWC) in the Adult Counseling Services Program. As a Psychiatric Social Worker, Teri helps to address the psychotherapy needs of those in the Guam community, as well as provides consultations, referrals, and collaborations with agencies in the government and private sectors. Teri returned to island after receiving a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Hawaii in 2014. During graduate school she was an East West Center scholar and has also received social work licensure from the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs- Professional and Vocational Licensing Division. She was also a member of the Nu Sigma Phi Alpha Honor Society. Teri received her Bachelor’s in Social Work with a Minor in Sociology, graduating cum laude, from the University of Guam in 2011. Towards the completion of her studies, she was named the National Association of Social Work Student of Year 2011. WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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Prior to GBHWC, Teri was a social worker with Catholic Social Service- Karidat Programs, a program that offers twenty-four (24) hour residential placement and support services for adults with significant disabilities. For self-care, Teri participates in the I Fanlalai’an Oral History Project as a Principal Chanter and is active in the planning for the 12th Festival of Pacific Arts 2016, as a member of the Performing Arts Delegation. As a social worker, Teri is committed to the overall care and service of our island’s people.
Rodalyn May A. Gerardo, CPA, CIA, CGFM, CGAP, CGMA Rodalyn May A. Gerardo is a Special Assistant with the Office of Public Accountability (OPA). She graduated from the John F. Kennedy High School in 1999 and obtained her Bachelor in Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Guam (UOG) in December 2002. She interned at OPA during her last semester at UOG and was hired in January 2003 as an entry-level auditor. Over the past 12 years, she rose through the ranks and has been a part of OPA’s management team since 2009. Her professional accomplishments could not have been attained without hard work and commitment to her chosen profession as a public servant. She consciously tries to lead by example and serve as a role model for the younger and newer OPA staff, as well as all those she encounters. She wants to inspire her staff and all aspiring accountants and auditors to aim high and better themselves, as well as seek the satisfaction of serving Guam’s citizens through being a government employee. She does so by delivering presentations to promote accounting and auditing at conferences and auditing classes for university and college students. Rodalyn holds five professional certifications- Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Government Financial Manager, Certified Government Auditing Professional, and Chartered Global Management Accountant. More recently, she was humbled when a newly hired Auditors said he wanted to work for the office ever since he took a company tour at OPA while he was a UOG student because he was inspired by the number of professional certifications Rodalyn has. Rodalyn is a member of several organizations, including the Guam Society of CPAs, American Institute of CPAs, and the Institute of Internal Auditors. She has been an active member of the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) since 2003 and has served in various leadership roles within our local AGA chapter Regional Vice President (2014 to present), Chapter President (2008 to 2009), Chapter President-Elect (2007 to 2008), and Treasurer (2005 to 2007). She was also a part of several executive committees and sub-committees- Education Committee, Guam Professional Development Conference sub-committee, Bylaws Committee, and the annual 5K run sub-committee under Community Service. As AGA Education chair, she successfully coordinated the biennial Guam Professional Development Conferences to bring professionals from the region together to enhance their skills. She also assists in the chapter’s annual AGA 5K run, which have resulted in the contributions to various charitable organizations, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Erica’s House, Girl Scouts, Autism Community Together, and the AGA scholarship fund. Rodalyn is the recipient of several awards, including the AGA Chapter Platinum Award (2009) and the AGA Chapter Education Award (at both the National and Guam Chapter levels in 2012). She was recently informed that she was selected to attend the prestigious AICPA Leadership Academy for Young Professionals in October 2015. Rodalyn is the mother of Theone Jay (age 10) and Gabriella May (age 4). She is the eldest of four children and the only daughter of Roger and Soledad Gerardo.
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Raymond David “R.D.” Gibson Raymond David Gibson, more commonly known as “R.D.”, is the son of Mary Michelle “Shelly” Gibson of Barrigada Heights, by way of Agaña. He attributes many of his achievements to the support from, and the drive instilled in him by his mother and grandmother. R.D. remembers loving the written word since he was a young. The only child to a single mother, he had to find ways to satisfy his overactive imagination. Growing up, he found himself doing a variety of things, like golf, tennis, piano lessons, musical productions and writing. In the seventh grade, R.D. turned his writing hobby into a weekly column for the then-Guam Variety. In high school, he continued his work in journalism as a teen reporter for the VIBE program at the Guam Pacific Daily News and the Beat program at KUAM TV Studios. There, he learned the fundamentals of reporting and “storytelling” for the masses. His early start in journalism laid the foundation for a college degree. He graduated from the University of Guam in 2010 with a degree in Communications with emphases in Journalism and Mass Media, and a minor in Japanese language. While at university, he sang for the Arluis Weddings, and was actively involved in the University’s theater and musical communities, he was Editor-in-Chief of the student-run campus newspaper – the Triton’s Call, the UOG AmeriCorps tutoring program, and Student Government Association. College taught RD all the valuable skills, including collaborating with diverse personalities, remaining organized in chaotic situations, holding leadership positions, and being resourceful. After graduating from UOG, R.D. served as Deputy Press Secretary for Lieutenant Governor Ray Tenorio. Later, he would hold the same position for Governor Eddie Baza Calvo in a joint Communications Office for the CalvoTenorio Administration. For nearly three years, R.D. wrote weekly columns and addresses, speeches, and letters for the chief executives, he managed the Communications Office, designed and organized the original PROA Newsletter, assisted with the creation of the My Village Project, aided in the composition of three State of the Island Addresses, and played photographer on occasion. As “millennial” as it might sound, he searched for other ways to demonstrate his creativity and skills. In 2014, he left the Governor’s Office, and, that Fall – with the support and encouragement of his friends and family - became a teacher. He took a position at Jose L.G. Rios Middle School in Piti, Guam teaching 7th grade Language Arts. Truth be told, he was terrified. With no prior teaching experience, except for tutoring in college, and a “limited-term teacher certification” status, he walked into his classroom every day to teach, guide, mold, create, and enlighten. The experience proved to be equally enriching and enlightening. In his spare time, R.D. works on his blog Under Construction, participates in the arts community, writes freelance for a few publications, and is expanding his creativity through a writing project he’s been working on for a few years. He is looking at possibly pursuing his Master’s degree in either Global Studies or Communications. But, mostly, he just wants to travel and write about his experiences.
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Christian David Gomez Christian David Gomez is currently a 7th grade language arts teacher at L.P. Untalan Middle School (UMS) in Barrigada. Christian began his career in education in 2005 as a language arts teacher at V.S.A. Benavente Middle School before moving to UMS a year later. In 2013, Christian taught a semester at the Guam Community College as an Adjunct English Instructor. He holds a teaching certificate in Secondary Education (6-12) in Language Arts from the Guam Commission for Educator Certification. Aside from his regular duties, Christian volunteers his time as a Coach for winning middle school teams for sports and academics. Specifically, he has coached the UMS Academic Challenge Bowl team, Girls and Boys Track and Field teams, and Girls Cross Country team to multiple middle school championships. He is also the Head Advisor for the UMS 7A Griffins Council, a student council for the 7th grade. During school year 2012-2013, Christian was awarded the Top Teacher Award for UMS. Christian received his Master of Arts in English from the University of Guam in 2012. He graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Religious Studies in 2005. He is a 2001 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School. Christian is also involved in his parish of Santa Barbara Catholic Church as a Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) teacher and Eucharistic Minister since 2005. He has also previously assisted a Confirmation Facilitator for Santa Barbara. Christian is an avid runner and frequents most 5K and long distance races. His love for running not only helps him stay fit, but also helps him reflect on life and mentally prepares him for the near and far future. In the near future, he would like to participate in triathlons. Christian is one of three children of Francisco and Amelia Gomez. His brother is James Paul Gomez and sister is Arlene Gomez Catapang.
Angela M. Tamayo Gonzales Angela M. Tamayo Gonzales is the daughter of Fabian John and Anna Marie Torres Tamayo of Talofofo, Guam. Her father is employed at the Department of Public Works as a heavy equipment operator. Her mother is a retired Guam Department of Education teacher, who still teaches. Angela’s parents instilled the value of education, hard work, responsibility, and commitment at a young age. As the oldest, Angela was expected to set the example of responsibility by taking care her siblings and completing chores around the house. She was expected to bring home straight A’s and E’s year-round, every school year. As the child of a teacher, she was always at school, before school, after school and during the summer. Becoming an educator was inevitable, as she had such a passionate educator for a mom. In August 2000, Angela began her college career at the University of Guam and graduated in December 2004, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Consumer and Family Science. A few years later, in December 2009, she earned my Master’s Degree in Special Education. Angela’s teaching career began at Jose Rios Middle School, where she remained for eight years. Throughout that time, she taught Home Economics, Special Education in the Resource Room and Basic Life Skills. She has been teaching Home Economics at Untalan Middle School for the past two years. Throughout her teaching career, Angela has had various training opportunities: Autism Awareness, Safe Crisis Management, CPR and First-Aid, Classroom Instruction that Works, Graphic Organizers, and Differentiated WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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Instruction, to name a few. She has advised student council and bible club. She’s chaired the Faculty and Staff Social Committee. Recently, she had the opportunity to be a part of a cadre of Consumer and Family Science teachers, in which they are reviewing and creating updated standards for their content areas. She submitted a set of proposed standards based on her research. Angela’s hope is that Consumer and Family Science will finally have updated standards and programs for the Guam public school students. Throughout the course of her career, Angela has also pursued other interests. She is a dance fitness enthusiast and became a licensed Zumba Fitness Instructor in November 2011. She is also certified in Les Mills BodyJam since 2014. She has taught many Zumba classes after school with her colleagues, in an effort to promote healthy habits and improve morale within her school. Paradise Fitness and the GovGuam Wellness Program have afforded her opportunities to teach Zumba to other government agencies at their location. Promoting and leading in health and fitness in her school, gym, and various government agencies has been an enriching and fulfilling experience. In the midst of all this, she is a Christian, wife, and mother of two. Her husband leads the worship ministry in the Guam Christian Church, where they are active members. Her faith and family have been the backbone to everything she has done and will continue to do.
Karen Cheryl O. Grape Karen Cheryl O. Grape is a Management Analyst III with the Guam Waterworks Authority. With her strong background in information technology and analyses, Karen provides continuous support and is a great workforce asset to GWA Operation’s water and wastewater division. Her specific duties include various generated reports and analyses on payroll, water loss, leak detection, budget preparation and management, operations capital improvement project management, and procurement support for water and wastewater operations. She began her government service with GWA in December 2006 in the Information Technology Division as a Computer Operator II and then later as a Computer Operator III. Prior to GWA, Karen worked at IT&E Overseas Inc. as a Wireless Broadband Technician and as at Citibank as a Data Operator. Karen is a 1996 high school graduate of Christ the King College in San Fernando City, La Union, Philippines. Karen received her Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) in 2001 from St. Louis University, Baguio City, Philippines. After graduation, Karen moved permanently from the Philippines to Guam in 2001. Her expertise and leadership extended to her military career as a Staff Sergeant, E-5 with the United States Air Force Reserves. In 2008, she graduated as a Distinguished Graduate from the Air Force Basic Military Training in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. She proudly served in the Ramp Section 2T2 Air Transportation, 44 APS Unit AFB since 2008. She also completed Airman Leadership School in 2014. Karen is married to Joselito Grape and they have two children: Alexandra and Joaquin. Her proud parents are Milagros and Edgardo Olivares. They make their home in Yigo.
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Joseph Blas Gumataotao, J.D. Joseph Blas Gumataotao was a government attorney with the Superior Court of Guam before moving to private practice in September 2015. A 2000 graduate of Father Duenas Memorial School, Gumataotao went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts in Communications with special emphasis in public relations and a minor in Political Science from the University of Guam, graduating with honors in 2004. At UOG, Gumataotao was recognized on numerous occasions in the National Dean’s List, the President’s List, the National Political Science Honor Society, and Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges & Universities. Upon completing his undergraduate studies, Gumataotao began his government service with the Guam Legislature. He served as a Policy Research Analyst for former Senator Lou A. Leon Guerrero and the late Speaker Vicente “ben” C. Pangelinan. Helping constituents on a daily basis and his direct involvement with the formation of public policy were the impetus to pursue a legal education. In 2008, Gumataotao left Guam to attend Ave Maria School of Law in Ann Arbor, Michigan. While in law school, Gumataotao was part of the inaugural Mediation Clinic and became certified as a county court mediator by the Supreme Court of Florida. Gumataotao also served as an Honor Board Member, nominated by his class and approved by the President and Dean. Gumataotao was elected Student Bar Association Senator and Vice President of the St. Thomas More Society, among other active involvement with student organizations. In 2011, he was conferred his Juris Doctorate and became the first person from Guam and of Chamoru descent to graduate from Ave Maria School of Law. After law school, Gumataotao returned home to accept a judicial clerkship with the Honorable Anita A. Sukola. Over the course of his clerkship, he has participated in over thirty criminal jury trials and various civil and domestic bench trials, drafted numerous decision and orders, along with findings of fact and conclusions of law, and researched many substantive and procedural issues coming before the court. In 2013, Gumataotao was awarded the Employees’ Choice Award for Judges Chambers as part of the Judiciary of Guam’s Employee Recognition Program. Gumataotao is an active member of the Guam Bar Association, licensed to practice law on Guam. Gumataotao regularly volunteers with career day and law week activities. He has been invited to speak to our children from elementary to high school on various topics, which he takes great delight in. Outside of work, Gumataotao is active with the Catholic Church. He is a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. In 2012, he was the youngest member to become invested with the inaugural Guam delegation. He currently serves as a council member for the Order, a position approved by the Grand Cardinal in Rome. Gumataotao is the son of government of Guam retirees who have instilled in him the value of public service.
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Paciano Felix Naputi Gumataotao Paciano Felix Naputi Gumataotao is a native of Guam and was raised in the capitol village of Hagåtña. He is the son of Balbino and Lulita Gumataoato. He is currently employed with the Guam Election Commission (GEC) as a Program Coordinator I and has served in this capacity since 2012. While at GEC Paciano has risen through the ranks and is now responsible for voter registration and records. In three years, Paciano has reconciled all current 44,885 voter registrants of Guam ensuring that all information on registered voters are updated and accurate to safeguard Guam’s voter protectorate. Paciano actively oversees Guam’s voter registrar activity in assisting the islands community in registering to vote, and assists with the GEC Homebound voting program which allows for Guam’s elderly and disabled to vote. In assisting with the Department of Health and Social Services wellness program, Paciano is the GEC health coach. Prior to working with the GEC, Paciano worked under the Galaide Group, LLC with the village street master plan project with the Department of Public Works and Department of Land Management and the real property assessment program with the Department of Revenue and Taxation. Paciano holds an Associate Degree in Automotive, Diesel, and Industrial Technology from the Universal Technical Institute, a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Economics from the University of Guam, and is currently working on his Master of Public Administration.
Hannah Marie Gutierrez Hannah Marie Gutierrez, born and raised in Guam, is proud to return to her alma mater to serve as the Acting Principal of Agana Heights Elementary School. She attended Bishop Baumgartner Memorial and the Academy of Our Lady of Guam before moving to California in 1992 to obtain her Bachelor of Arts in History and Master of Arts in Teaching, both from the University of San Diego. Upon receiving her undergraduate degree, she was awarded the Outstanding Secondary Student Teacher Award. Hannah believes in working with all stakeholders in order to build a purposeful community in order to have students become responsible, respectful and ready for life as they progress from grade to grade and graduate high school. She began her career in education with San Diego City Schools. At 19, she became a Teacher’s Assistant at Mark Twain Alternative School and during Graduate School, she was a substitute for two years. Upon moving back to Guam in 1998, she became a teacher with the Guam Department of Education assigned to VSA Benavente Middle School. There she taught 7 th and 8th Grade Social Studies while also volunteering as the Student Council and Student Body Advisor, Assistant Coach for Girls’ Soccer, Accreditation Coordinator, Academic Challenge Bowl Coach, and SLIP Coordinator. From 2003 – 2014, she took on a leadership role with the Department as an Assistant Principal at various secondary schools—Jose Rios Middle, VSA Benavente Middle, FB Leon Guerrero Middle, and John F. Kennedy High. In the last 11 years, she has been a member of various committees with DOE such as the Joint Board Curriculum and Textbook Committee, DOE Fun Run/Walk Committee, and District Student Conduct Committee. Hannah has also served as a Visiting Committee Member for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) visiting various schools in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. She is a current member of the National Association of Elementary School Principals. Hannah has an appreciation for the diversity in the world. In her free time, she loves to travel and experience different cultures and people. She has visited places such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Malaysia; she will be visiting Vietnam in the summer of 2015. Hannah believes in giving back to the community. She has actively volunteered with the Guam Girl Scouts for their annual 5K and golf tournament and has also WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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volunteered for the Annual Judiciary of Guam Law Week 5K. Hannah is the daughter of Roland and Annie Gutierrez and proud mommy to her three doggies—Bihu Tomas, Kira Grace, and Leo James.
Joliene G. Hasugulayag When she was a young girl, Joliene G. Hasugulayag migrated from the Outer Islands of Yap to Guam with her Ulithian father and American mother. She graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1999 before attending the University of Guam and earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in 2003. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2005, and became a Licensed Social Worker before returning to Guam in 2007. In 2013 she began her doctoral studies at the Union Institute & University in Ohio, but is currently taking time away from school to focus on her new role as a mother. Currently, Hasugulayag is a member of the Social Work faculty at the University of Guam, where she has been teaching since 2007. In addition to Social Work education, she has work experience in fields such as mental health, substance abuse, legal social work, renal social work, HIV/AIDS prevention and care, and the labor movement. Her primary research interests revolve around cultural preservation and sustainability in Micronesia, a topic on which she hopes to continue writing and publishing. Hasugulayag grew up in the beautiful village of Yigo, and continues to reside there with her husband Derwin, and their daughter Nayana. During her free time she most enjoys spending quality time with her family, reading, creative writing, or watching the “Big Bang Theory” on television. Of the various things that Hasugulayag has been blessed enough to achieve, the most challenging thing she has ever accomplished, and is most proud of, is giving birth to her daughter in 2014.
Artemio Ricardo A. Hernandez, CGFM Artemio Ricardo “Ricky” Aguon Hernandez is the Director of the Office of Finance and Budget (OFB) at the Guam Legislature and has been with the office since August 2010 formerly serving under the late Senator Vicente “ben” Cabrera Pangelinan and currently with Vice Speaker Benjamin J. F. Cruz. As Director of the OFB, Ricky serves as Acting Chairman of the Education Financial Supervisory Commission, Chairman of the Special Accounting Service, and member of the Special Economic Service. He is also an Adjunct Instructor of Accounting at the University of Guam (UOG) and was also appointed by UOG President Robert A. Underwood to the Board of Directors of the Research Corporation for the University of Guam (RCUOG). He is also a member of the Guam Board of Accountancy Standing Committee that oversees the Senator Herminia Dierking and John Phillips Visiting Accounting Professor and Lecturer Program. Prior to 2010, Ricky worked as a full-time auditor for a Hawaii-based CPA firm while pursuing his graduate studies. Ricky is a proud alumnus of Father Duenas Memorial School and subsequently attended the University of Guam as a government of Guam Merit Scholar and obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in December 2007. Upon his graduation he moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, where he attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa and obtained his Master of Accounting in December 2009. While in Hawaii, he was selected to attend the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and also received the AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students. He is currently undertaking his Ph.D. in Business at Capella University and has been awarded the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) National Academic Full-Time Scholarships toward his doctoral studies for each of the past four years.
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Prior to his current role as the current elected President of the AGA Guam Chapter, Ricky was awarded the Guam Chapter’s Emerging Leader Award in 2012 and has also served as the Chair of the Early Careers Committee and as the Webmaster. He also received his Certified Government Financial Manager designation in 2013. Ricky is a graduate of the United States Department of the Interior Office of Insular Affairs and Graduate School USA’s Executive Leadership Development Program, successfully completing the program in 2013. He was also selected to and graduated from the National Conference of State Legislatures, University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy, and California State University Sacramento Center for California Studies’ world class, executive management program, the Legislative Staff Management Institute in Sacramento, California in 2015. Ricky is the son of William Hernandez and Bernadita Aguon-Hernandez and brother to Marianna and Barry Hernandez.
Lenny R. Hernandez Officer Lenny Hernandez is a 2002 graduate of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy at the Guam Community College. He is a 12-year veteran with the Guam Airport Police Division. Officer Hernandez currently serves as the Officer-in-Charge of the Airport Police Investigation Section. He is a solid leader, is experienced in dealing with various crisis situations with the utmost professionalism, and he upholds the highest standards of the law. Officer Hernandez is a highly-decorated officer,, having received the Distinguish Service Award, a Police Commendation, Police Section of the Year, and Employee of the Year, to name a few. These awards were presented to him for his various assignments as a police officer and an investigator in Regulatory, Criminal and Internal Affairs. Additionally, Officer Hernandez conducts trainings with his fellow officers and makes presentations to local school students regarding a career in Law Enforcement.
Jerry V. Hinkle Jerry V. Hinkle is currently a Deputy Marshal assigned to the Training Staff and Development Section of the Marshal Services Division at the Judiciary of Guam. Hinkle is responsible for organizing and incorporating training strategies and ensures all judiciary law enforcement officers are in compliance and certified with the Police Officer Standards and Training Commission. In addition, Hinkle provides courtroom security, protection and safety to the court employees as well as patrons of the Judiciary of Guam. He also handles the inmate escorts, which includes transportation of inmates to and from the courtrooms, and from the Judiciary to the Department of Corrections. Hinkle also provides VIP security for the Judges and Justices of both the Superior Court and the Supreme Court of Guam. Hinkle is a 2001 graduate of Southern High School in Santa Rita. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Public Administration from the University of Guam in 2006. Hinkle began his government service when he was hired by the Judiciary as a Court Bailiff in July 2007. He was assigned to Retired Judge Steven S. Unpingco for two years. In September 2009, Hinkle was hired as a Deputy Marshal and assigned to the Marshals Security Section. In 2012, Hinkle was reassigned to Marshals Training Section and works hand-in-hand with the Guam Police Department, Department of Corrections, U.S. Marshals, and other local, federal, and military law enforcement agencies, to coordinate and assist with training courses. Hinkle serves as a Long Arms weapons instructor, High Risk response Instructor, PPCT Defensive Tactics Instructor, OCAT OC spray Instructor, and Low Light Tactical Shooting Instructor for the Judiciary. He has also attended numerous trainings held by the Judiciary and outside the agency.
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In 2014, Hinkle was tasked to serve as an alternate for a handful of Marshal Programs, including the Security Access Control Systems (SACS) Administrator, Judiciary Armorer, and G4S Security Point of Contact. Hinkle had the opportunity to assist in numerous LE cycles with the Judiciary, such as Marshals/Corrections 4th Judiciary of Guam Cycle and the Special Enforcements Tactics, in which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal as a Cadre. Once S.E.T. III was completed, Marshal Hinkle was detailed to Operation Violence Reduction (OVR) where he assisted with the apprehension of 18 Warrants and the overall stats was 97% success rate. Hinkle is a Master Sergeant (E-7) in the Guam Air National Guard. He is Security Forces Police Officer/ Combat Arms Instructor (CATM) and serves as the 254th SFS Armory NCOIC. Marshal Hinkle has been with the Air Guard since February 2004 and has been assigned to numerous assignments and mission.
Robert D.C. Hofmann Robert D.C. Hofmann is the current Mayor of the Municipality of Sinajana. Robert’s desire to make a difference helped him achieve success in the 2004 election when he was elected to his first term as Vice Mayor of Sinajana. He went on to maintaining his vice-mayoral seat when he was successfully re-elected in the 2008 election and ran unopposed in 2012 as mayor. Robert’s diligent efforts have made Sinajana a safer place to live, work and play. He reorganized and restructured the budget, streamlined operations, and renovated and repaired the multi-purpose court, baseball field, community center and other facilities and has worked toward a cleaner and more beautified community. Robert’s efforts have stretched to providing an active community center, especially catering to the needs of Sinajana residents. Community center activities range from the sponsorship of youth baseball, basketball, and hockey teams to an education-based summer and Christmas camp, apart from working with the Guam Community College in providing residents the opportunity to earn a GED, to providing venues for humanitarian assistance and the education of the public on health and wellness issues and other social issues that plague Guam residents. As Vice Mayor he has served three terms as Vice President of the Mayors’ Council of Guam. During his two vicemayoral terms, he was chosen to serve as a Board Member for the Guam Visitors Bureau where he has chaired the Community Development Committee and the Membership and Community Relations Committee. He also served as a Board Member on the University of Guam's Regent Nominating Council, the SPIMA Senior Citizens Advisory Committee, Discipline Council, the Tourism Education Council and was the President of Guma Mami Inc., As Mayor, he was the Chairman of the Board of the Guahan Academy Charter School, and was the host of the K57 talk-show “Front Line Where Public Service Begins” for two years, and served as the Vice President of the Mayors’ Council of Guam from 2012-2014 as Mayor. Over the past twenty years he has assisted, volunteered and worked with dozens of non-profit organizations and charities such as the Archdiocese of Agana, Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the American Cancer Society, GGARP/SPIMA, Lina’la Sin Casino/Keep Guam Good, and numerous public and private organizations. Robert is also very involved in the parish community of Saint Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church where he serves as a Parish Council Member, a Youth Minister, a Choir/Band Director, a Liturgical Committee Member, Adult Confirmation Teacher and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also an Altar Server, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and middle and high school CCD teacher over the past twenty two years. He is currently is a Board member and Chairman of the Destination Management Committee for the Guam Visitor’s Bureau, a Board member of the Selective Service Commission, a Board member of the P.E.A.C.E. Council, and the current Vice President of Guma Mami Inc. WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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His memberships and employment, inclusive of the Legislative and Executive Branches of the Government of Guam, have helped him gain valuable experience in a variety of areas which grant the knowledge and understanding to better provide for the community. Through these experiences, Robert has received numerous awards, recognitions, and certificates for his contributions to our island's youth, manåmko’, the religious community and the community-at-large. He is the son of music teachers, the late Albert Hofmann and Maria Cecilia Dela Cruz Crisostomo and step-father, Joaquin Perez Crisostomo (Familian Beyong). Robert is the brother of Edward and Alisa Hofmann (Inara) and Norbert Hofmann. His extended family includes Jimmy & Robertha C. Johnson, Doris Crisostomo, Raymond Crisostomo, Alvina & Francis Castro, Yolanda C. & Paul Flores, Lynn Crisostomo, Kenneth & Kimberly Crisostomo, and JeanAnn C. & Ian Frey. He is the grandson of the late Albert Hofmann and the late Kreszenia Haberl Hofmann of Austria. His maternal grandparents are the late Francisco "Paco" Muna Dela Cruz (Familian Koho) and the late Carmen "Meling" Romualdez Dela Cruz who together founded the Guam Academy of Music & Arts. Robert and his wife Jenee Taitano (Familian Calistro) have three daughters- Hailey, Haydn, and Holland.
Joseph P. Iseke Joseph P. Iseke began working at the Guam Election Commission as a temporary election clerk from August 2004 to January 2005. He was picked up as a full-time permanent employee for the agency in May of 2005 making him the most senior staff member. Since 2004, Joe has assisted in the planning and execution of eighteen (18) successful elections (island-wide, district-wide, and government-wide). In 2006 he assisted in the upgrading of polling sites to make them more accessible to persons with disabilities with the use of funds provided by the Help America Vote Act. He works in collaboration with Guam Legal Services and The Guam Systems for Assistive Technology in providing assistive technology kits to each polling site. Joe assumes logistical responsibilities in ensuring a smooth election process. Joe is responsible for the maintaining ballot order, inventory, design and production. He also ensures polling place assignments, and overseeing the tabulation process. Joe is a member of the United States Election Assistance Commission Standards Board representing Guam as the Local Elections Official. He is currently assisting the Executive Director in securing federal grant money to allow for independent voting for persons with disabilities. He is also the assistant Health Coach for the GEC. Joseph is a 2004 graduate of Notre Dame High School and is currently enrolled at the University of Guam pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. He is the son of the late Hawley Iseke and Crispina Iseke. He currently resides in the village of Hagatna.
Julian Janssen Julian Janssen is Chief Analyst for Senator Michael F.Q. San Nicolas. Mr. Janssen began working in the Guam Legislature in 2010 as a policy researcher/analyst for Senator Adolpho Palacios. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Guam in 2008. While at the University of Guam, Mr. Janssen joined the National Political Science Honor Society, Pi Sigma Alpha. Mr. Janssen is currently working toward a Master of Science in Applied Economics from the University of North Dakota. He is also a graduate of John F. Kennedy High School.
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Romina King, Ph.D. Romina King is an environmental geographer and recently completed her Ph.D. in Geography at University College Cork Ireland. Her dissertation examined the vulnerability of small island communities with regard to climate change, in which King uses Guam as a case study. Romina has a Master of Arts in Micronesian Studies from the University of Guam. Her thesis examined attitudes and perceptions of Micronesian migrants with regard to Guam’s marine preserves. Romina also has a Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems from the University of Southampton, UK. Her thesis compared the quality of volunteered geographic information with proprietary geographic information. Romina was born in the Philippines and was raised on Long Island, New York. She moved to Guam shortly after completing her undergraduate studies at Boston College where she earned a degree in economics, with a focus on the environment.
Christopher R. Leon Guerrero Christopher R. Leon Guerrero is currently a 5th grade teacher at Wettengel Elementary School in Dededo. Christopher began his career in education in 1997 and has been committed in providing quality education and support to each of his students. He holds a Master Educator certification in Elementary K-6 from the Guam Commission for Educator Certification. In addition to his regular duties, Christopher has volunteered as an advisor for Wettengel Elementary School’s Geography Bee, Yearbook, and Youth Crime Watch. Within the school community, he is a member of the Accreditation Leadership Team – WASC, Report Card Task Force Committee, Behavior Management Plan Committee, Individual Education Plan (IEP), School Level Improvement Plan (SLIP), and Standards Base Education. Christopher has worked as an Adjunct Professor – Night School for the Guam Community College from 2001 through 2013. He has also worked as a DEED teacher for Wettengel’s after school program and as a Master teacher for teacher candidates. Christopher received his Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Portland in 2000. He graduated from the University of Guam with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1997. He is a 1993 graduate of Father Duenas Memorial School. Christopher holds certifications in First Aid and CPR from the American Heart Association and is Safe Training Certified. He has been a member of the Guam Federation of Teachers since 1997. A resident of Dededo, Christopher is married to Lucele Leon Guerrero and they have two children.
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Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero, taotao Toto, is the daughter of Erlina Montecalvo and Raymond Leon Guerrero. She has dedicated her life and her work to telling the story of Guahan and her people. She is a passionate advocate for the rights of the Chamoru people and a collector of stories about the Marianas, which she happily shares with the community through teaching and participating in public forums. Victoria-Lola works at the University of Guam’s Micronesian Area Research Center as the Program Coordinator for UOG Press, where she oversees all publications produced by the University. She also teaches Women and Gender Studies there. She has worked for the Government of Guam in various capacities since 2009. She has been an instructor at UOG, a teacher at Southern High School, and a writer and policy analyst for Speaker Judith T. Won Pat at the Guam Legislature. Victoria-Lola has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Mills College, where she taught writing and was awarded the “Graduate Fiction Prize” for the 2008 Mills English Department writing competition. She also has a Bachelor of Arts in Politics from the University of San Francisco, where she earned the “Priscilla A. Scotlan Award”, which is presented to one graduating senior a year for unselfish dedication to the University and for promoting change while studying there. Victoria-Lola’s writing career began at the Pacific Daily News, where she started as a youth reporter. In 2001, she earned the “Best Feature Story of the Year” award from the Marianas Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists for a series she wrote about the role of women on Guam during World War II. Victoria-Lola has published a children's book, several short stories, essays, and plays. She co-edited an anthology of Chamoru writers, was the editor of Storyboard: A Journal of Pacific Imagery, and is helping to produce a trilogy of books about Guam’s World War II survivors for the Guam War Survivors Memorial Foundation. Victoria-Lola also co-hosts the local radio program, “Beyond the Fence”, which airs Fridays at noon on KPRG (89.3 FM). Victoria-Lola is actively involved in organizing the community to fight for self-determination and express their concerns about the military build-up. She was one of the founders of We Are Guahan and is an active member of the Guahan Coalition for Peace and Justice, the Independence for Guam Task Force, Our Islands are Sacred, and the Kannai Artist Collective. She helped to paint several murals throughout the island, most notably the wall across the Humåtak Mayor’s Office, which tells the story of Guam’s creation. By far, Victoria-Lola’s proudest achievement is raising her two sons –Inatan and Mattingan. With her husband, Joshua Dunn, Victoria-Lola is committed to rearing her boys to be proud of their culture and heritage, to be caretakers of the land they have inherited, and to value and respect their elders .
Tricia Atoigue Lizama, Ph.D., LCSW Dr. Tricia Atoigue Lizama is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at the University of Guam since 2011. She earned her Doctorate Degree in Human Services from Capella University in 2011. Dr. Lizama’s dissertation focused on the traditional healing practices of the surhanu and suruhana and was titled "How are Traditional Chamoru healing practices being preserved and perpetuated in modern Guam". She earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1999. She received her Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Social Work and Psychology from the University of Guam in 1997. She graduated from George Washington High School in Mangilao in 1993. Prior to her work at the University of Guam, Dr. Lizama was a team leader/social worker for the Department of Veterans Affairs from 2008 to 2011. She also served as a psychiatric social worker for the Department of Education, Division of Special Education, Program for Student with Emotional Disabilities from September 1999 to January WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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2003. Dr. Lizama has also engaged in various private practice arrangements, providing behavioral health services. She currently is providing behavioral health services on a part-time basis with American Medical Center (AMC). Dr. Lizama also served our nation in the United States Air Force Reserves as a Staff Sergeant, E-5 in the area of Air Transportation. She joined in 2001 and was honorably discharged in 2009. Dr. Lizama is licensed as an Individual, Marriage and Family Therapist (IMFT) and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She is a credentialed member of the Academy of Clinical Social Workers (ACSW) and Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW) by the National Association of Social Workers. Dr. Lizama has also been a board member for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) for the last 4 years. Dr. Lizama currently resides in Tutuhan (Agana Heights) and is married to Troy Lizama, and they have six beautiful children: Tobin, Thaddeus, Genesis, Gideon, Samuel, and Saul. She was raised by her grandparents, Pedro (Familian Tali) and Pilar Camacho Atoigue (Familian Budoki), and mom and dad, William and Doris Fejeran.
Jonas D. Macapinlac Jonas D. Macapinlac has nearly 20 years of experience in marketing communications in the private and public sector. Over the years, he has blended his creative flow, strategic thinking and technological aptitude into a career trajectory with continual professional advancement. As Director of Integrated Marketing Communications at the University of Guam, Macapinlac oversees the university’s advertising, public relations, website and social media and harnesses new media and communication technology to promote the university’s brand. He launched its “No Place Like Home” advertising campaign, designed and developed a new UOG website, established a growing social media presence and created new student life experiences such as the annual President’s Cup competition. In 2000, he began his professional career at IT&E Overseas, Inc. as its public relations coordinator. Within two years, he was promoted to advertising supervisor, managing the day-to-day operations of IT&E's in-house advertising/PR department. Macapinlac then joined the University of Guam in 2007, working in key roles in grantfunded projects which served both local and regional entities under the UOG Center for Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service (CEDDERS). In 2012, he was hired as the university's Director of Integrated Marketing Communications under the Office of the President. Born and raised in Guam, Macapinlac graduated from high school in 1996 from Harvest Christian Academy where he was a merit award recipient. In 2000, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication with an Advertising / Public Relations concentration from Pensacola Christian College and in 2005, he earned a Professional Master of Business Administration from the University of Guam. Macapinlac enjoys spending time with his wife Rachel and their three children, Lilya, Kian and Rhys. He is an avid fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and particularly enjoys a medium-rare rib-eye steak.
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Dorothy-Lou M. Manglona Dorothy-Lou M. Manglona is the Nursing & Allied Health Administrator, RN, MSN at the Guam Community College. As a full-time academic administrator, Dorothy-Lou serves as the Director of Nursing and Department Chairperson for the Nursing and Allied Health Programs and Director of GCC’s Area Health Education Center. She works closely with the Dean in curriculum, budgetary, and personnel matters and is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Administrative Rules and Regulations for the Guam Board of Nurse Examiners as it pertains to GCC’s nursing program. Dorothy-Lou’s service in the Government of Guam began in August 2008 as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Instructor in GCC’s Allied Health Department where she was a full-time clinical and didactic instructor for the LPN program. Her previous work experience also includes: a 4L Neurology/Neurosurgery Floor, BSN Registered Nurse at Providence Portland Medical Center; Printing Services Assistant and Instructional Media Center Assistant at the University of Portland; and a Personnel Assistant at Jones & Guerrero. Dorothy-Lou received her Master’s in Nursing from the University of Phoenix, Phoenix Arizona – Online Campus in May 2012. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Portland in May 2003. While at the University of Portland, Dorothy-Lou was on the Dean’s List and was a recipient of the Guam Chamorro Scholarship and University of Portland Holy Cross Scholarship. A 1999 graduate of the Academy of Our Lady of Guam in Hagåtña, Guam, Dorothy-Lou was in the National Honor’s Society and Principal’s List. She was also the Saint Anthony School National Junior Honor Society Distinguished Guest Speaker during her senior year in high school. . Dorothy-Lou has also served in the United States Air Force and was commissioned as a 2 nd Lieutenant in August 2003. She was assigned to Detachment 695 – University of Portland Air Force ROTC where she assisted with the recruitment and training of 200 plus cadets and prospective cadet officer candidates from various high schools and colleges. Dorothy-Lou is a Licensed Guam Registered Nurse. She is an Instructor with the American Heart Association – Guam Chapter for Basic Life Support. She is also certified in Basic Life Support, Trauma Nurse Course, and Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course. Outside of her work duties, Dorothy-Lou is a member of the American Nurses Association, Guam Nurses Association, Partners Investing in Nursing Education Grant Member, Commission of Nurse Leaders, Cultural Language Access Partners, and Non-communicable Disease Consortium/Salt Reduction. She is also a Lector at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Agana Heights.
Frankie B. Manglona Frankie B. Manglona is currently a Pumping Station Operator with the Guam Waterworks Authority. He is also a Level 1 Certified Water Operator with the Guam Environmental Protection Agency. Frankie is currently detailed with the GWA Systems Control Center as a Systems Dispatcher, which oversees Guam’s water systems operations and provides specialized technical support to field crews. In 2012, Frankie graduated from the Guam Community College Apprenticeship Program, a program approved and registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, United States Department of Labor. This accomplishment allowed Frankie to hold an internationally recognized Journeyman certification. WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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Before his detailed appointment to the GWA Systems Control Center, Frankie was a distribution rover for the Northern Water System under the Operations and Maintenance Division. His strong work ethic and reliability allowed him to play a vital role with the Water Booster Maintenance team, where he operates over 25 booster pump stations island-wide, ensuring pumping redundancy and reliability. In addition to his regular duties, Frankie has worked on many Capital Improvement Projects, such as the Water Booster Station Rehabilitation at the Geus Booster Station in Malesso and the Gayinero Booster Station in Yigo, to name a few. These project upgrades were GWA’s commitment to maintain the overall health and management of the water system, and more importantly provided continuous quality of services to the agency’s customers, resulting in saving the agency thousands of dollars from contractual labor work. In recognition of his work efforts, Frankie has been awarded the GWA Employee of the Quarter in 2010 for his achievements of workmanship, dependability, and reliability. No stranger to hard work, Frankie led a four-person team in 2013 in the Tiyan Residential Metering Project that metered all occupied homes, which allowed GWA to meet the U.S. District Court’s Stipulated Order deadline. Frankie continues to strive in obtaining higher operator level certifications to continue growing into leadership roles and further promoting a healthier, reliable water system for the island of Guam. Frankie was born in Tamuning, Guam and currently resides in the village of Mangilao. He is formerly from the southern village of Malojloj. He is married to Shay Manglona and has five wonderful and energetic sons.
John Paul Manuel John Paul Manuel is a graduate of Simon Sanchez High School and the University of San Francisco. At USF, he was Vice President of Y Taotao Guam, a member of the Cultural Clubs Council, and was captain of USF's Parliamentary Debate team which competed all across the United States in the American Parliamentary Debate Association. While at USF, he spent a summer teaching at Sacred Heart Primary School in Dangriga, Belize. He previously worked in San Francisco as an operations analyst under the Chief Operating Officer of Vitality Financial and as an operations analyst with Aequitas Capital Management, which acquired Vitality Financial in 2010. He is currently the Senior Policy Advisor for Senator Michael F.Q. San Nicolas where he advises on and analyzes legislation and policy matters for Senator San Nicolas in addition to writing press releases and correspondence for the Senator. A trivia buff, John Paul was twice captain of the Guam All-Star Academic Challenge Bowl Team that competed in the Panasonic Academic Challenge in Orlando, FL. In his senior year of high school, he won the Academic AllAmerican Award at the Panasonic Academic Challenge for the being the top individual competitor in the western region. In April 2011, John Paul was a contestant on the television program Jeopardy! with Alex Trebek.
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Annie M. Mendiola Annie M. Mendiola is currently a Customs Officer I at the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency. She has been employed with Guam Customs for almost 11 years. Officer Mendiola received her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Public Administration from the University of Guam in 2005. Prior to receiving her degree, she worked for the private sector as an Administrative Associate for over 7 years. In 2004, she was employed with the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency as a Word Processing Secretary II and was assigned at the various divisions within the department for a period of 4 years. Her assignments included the Inspection and Control Division, Logistics and Support Division, Special Enforcement Division, and Director’s Office where she provided administrative and clerical support to management and fellow employees. During her tenure as a WPSII, she became familiar and knowledgeable in the duties and responsibilities of a Customs officer within all areas in the department. In 2008, she took on the challenge of becoming a law enforcement officer and joined the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency’s 9th Cadet/Recruit Cycle. She was awarded the Valedictorian of her class in 2009 and from thereon, she was assigned at the different ports of entry within the Inspection and Control Division which included the Airport, Anderson Air Force Base, Air Cargo, Post Office, and Maritime sections. While serving out in the field, Officer Mendiola was instrumental in many aspects of the Agency’s operations, assisting with seizures, technical reports, and conducting routine inspections on a daily basis. With those experiences, she took on the next challenge by taking the assignment at the Research and Development Section under the Logistics and Support Division. As part of the Research and Development Team, her responsibilities included assisting in the development and maintenance of the Agency’s Standard Operating Procedures, General Orders, Reference Manuals, Rules and Regulations, and conducting research and reviews on policies and procedures to effectively carry out the Agency’s mission. In 2014, Officer Mendiola was awarded the GovGuam MagPro Employee of the Year Award which was primarily due to her role in the development of the Guam Customs Importation Reference Manual. This Reference Manual now serves as the primary basis for guidance and decision making out in the field as well as for training purposes. It provides uniformity in the way inspections are conducted at all ports of entry. Furthermore, this manual serves as a tool that has been integrated into the Customs Training Program to train new officers and keep all uniformed officers proficient in the enforcement of regulations. In addition, Officer Mendiola has worked on several projects in the development of policies and programs currently in use by the Agency. Not only does Officer Mendiola strive towards contributing to the protection of the public’s safety, she has also performed volunteer work in numerous outreach events to benefit the community by participating in school cleanups, boot drives, charity fundraisers, and Relay for Life to name a few. Through her hard work and dedication, Officer Mendiola has demonstrated the qualities and abilities of an emerging leader in the Government of Guam.
Jacqueline P. Mesa Jacqueline “Jackie” P. Mesa is currently a Management Analyst IV with the Guam Department of Education. She began her government service with GDOE in July 2007 as an Accountant I and later an Accountant II. Jackie is currently assigned to the Financial Affairs Division within GDOE and reports to the Deputy Superintendent of Financial Affairs. As a management analyst, Jackie is the full-time coordinator for GDOE’s financial management system, also known as MUNIS. The MUNIS is a fully-integrated system that encompasses procurement, payroll, human resources, financials, general ledger and accounts payable. As the coordinator, Jackie routinely communicates between all WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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GDOE MUNIS users and assists them to meet their needs. Jackie exemplary performance and continuous commitment ensures that GDOE’s financial mission of balance, integrity and transparency is carried out and its strategic goals are maintained. She demonstrates ability and professionalism and engages her colleagues to an open participative environment exploring best business practices and keeping up with the industry trends. Prior to joining GDOE, Jackie worked at the Office of Public Accountability as an Auditor I in 2005. As an auditor, Jackie performed financial, operation, and compliance examinations and evaluations of varied programs within the Government of Guam. Jackie is a 1995 high school graduate of the Guam Community College. She received her Bachelor’s in Business Administration in Accounting in 2005 from the University of Guam. While in college, Jackie was an active member of the Junior Accountants Society. Jackie is married to Peter Mesa and they have five kids, Brandi, John-Joseph, Kyle, Peter Jr., Taven. They reside in Yigo.
T’Nelta Mori The proud daughter of Nelsina N. Mori, T’Nelta Mori continues to diligently pursue her childhood dream of public service, as the youngest Executive Secretary and Office Manager to the Office of Senator Michael San Nicolas. Since the age of 19, she has now been with the Legislature for two years and counting. (Fun fact: T’Nelta is the first Chuukese employee in the history of the Guam Legislature.) Throughout her years in school, T’Nelta has held various leadership positions, including Class Council President and Student Body President along with volunteering with the Guam Island Girl Power. She was also the Vice-Chairwoman of the Guam Island-wide Body of Governing Students under the Guam Department of Education. Representing her alma mater Simon Sanchez High School, T’Nelta was elected into the 29th Guam Youth Congress where she became Chairwoman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Federal Affairs, Micronesian Affairs, and Election Reform. Today, her civic duties progress as the youngest member of the United Pacific Islanders Corp. (UPIC) Board. She is the UPIC Board Secretary. T’Nelta currently attends the University of Guam with a major in Public Administration and minor in Criminal Justice. She credits her entire journey and successes to her Lord Heavenly Father, “(who) of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever.” –Romans 11:36
Thomas A. Morrison Senator Thomas A. Morrison was born on April 5, 1975 to the late Gene Allen Morrison and the Honorable Cecilia Aguon Quinata Morrison, former Mayor of the Municipality of Umatac, Guam. Senator Morrison, his wife Mrs. Stephanie Campos Morrison, and their children, Gage, Jewel, and Thomas Aaron II, reside in the senator’s hometown of historic Humåtak. He is the brother of Gene “Gino” A. Morrison, Theresa “Terri” Ann Morrison Quinata, Roy Anthony “Tony” Morrison, and the late Troy Adam Morrison. After graduating from Oceanview High School in Agat, Guam, Senator Morrison pursued his college studies at the University of Guam and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. He began his public service career as a policy advisor with former Lt. Governor and Senator, Kaleo S. Moylan. Senator Morrison would later be appointed by former Governor Felix Camacho to serve in different leadership capacities, from 2003 to 2010, including Director and Deputy Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, and Executive Director of the WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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Guam Contractors License Board. In 2011, Governor Eddie Baza Calvo appointed Senator Morrison to serve as the Director of the Bureau of Statistics and Plans. Senator Morrison is an active member and volunteer with the San Dionisio Catholic Church in Humåtak, and has been involved in community organizations including AmeriCorps and the Guam Special Olympics. As an outspoken advocate for safe and healthy lifestyle activities, Senator Morrison talks the talk and walks the walk as an accomplished local athlete. He was a member of the Guam National Baseball Team that earned a Silver Medal, Oceania Region; Gold Medal, South Pacific Games; Gold Medal, Mini South Pacific Games; and Far East Basketball Championship, Oceanview High School. When family and work allow, Senator Morrison appreciates every opportunity he has to join different local baseball and football leagues. As a senator during the 32nd and 33rd Guam Legislatures, Senator Morrison continues to focus his efforts on three priorities: improving public services by investing in e-government initiatives; supporting youth and community programs; and celebrating our unique culture through Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day (P.L. 32-145). He authored Public Law 32-10 in April 2013 which created the Office of Technology. The entity’s mission is to help departments and agencies across our government deliver public services in a more efficient and effective manner – through the help of modern technology. Increasing opportunities for taxpayers to apply and pay for services online; improving agency websites so they are helpful and user-friendly; and standardizing the management of public records - are basic examples of what the Office of Technology continues to work on towards meeting its mission. Senator Morrison’s history and experiences with community programs continue to drive his legislative agenda. Working with his colleagues in the legislature, Senator Morrison helped to identify a viable funding source to help repair many of Guam’s public recreational facilities. He has also taken the lead in finding ways to provide muchneeded sports equipment and supplies – and is working to expand internet services at every village community center.
Antonio “Tony” Muña, Jr. A native son of Saipan, Antonio (Tony) Muña, Jr. has several years of experience working for the Public Sector in the CNMI and Guam. His father, Antonio Muña is a businessman in Saipan and his mother, Marie Muña, who is originally from Guam, is a retired CNMI Government employee. After graduating in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon, and a stint as a Seminarian in-residence in San Francisco, CA, Tony moved back to Saipan, joining the CNMI Government as an Administrative Assistant in the Department of Commerce. After three months in this capacity, Tony was promoted to Special Assistant to the Secretary of Commerce, advising on policies to support economic growth in the CNMI. Being of an analytical nature, Tony was tapped to be the CNMI Program Director for the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the signature economic program of President Barack Obama. The CNMI was awarded $190 million in ARRA funds, and as Program Director, he was charged with the oversight and management of the funding under the ARRA State Lead. In the summer of 2010 after privatizing the ARRA Office, Lieutenant Governor Eloy S. Inos hired Tony as his Special Assistant for ARRA affairs. He advised the Lieutenant Governor on policy decisions made by the White House Implementation Office and on the implementation of local policy to fulfill the terms and conditions of the ARRA funds.
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Tony moved to Guam in December of 2010 at the invitation of Lieutenant Governor-elect Ray Tenorio to join the Calvo-Tenorio Administration as a Grant Specialist in the Guam State Clearinghouse. During this time, Tony contributed to Adelup’s ARRA task force that created policies for the ARRA funds being spent on Guam. He additionally assisted with finding Federal Grants that were available to Guam and assisting local agencies with the application process. Along with four other specialists, Tony wrote the new standard operating procedures for grant applications and reporting for the Government of Guam. In the spring of 2011, Lieutenant Governor Tenorio, assigned Tony to fill in as his Communications Staff Assistant to oversee media relations for his office. In this position, he worked closely with the Governor’s Press Secretary and Communications team to implement the Governor’s policy on transparency throughout the Government. In August of 2011, Tony moved to the Guam Visitors Bureau after being offered the position of Public Information Officer and Spokesman by former First Lady and then General Manager Joann Camacho. He oversaw all public relation activities and assisted the Deputy General Manager, Nathan Denight with the Guam Branding Program. As an added duty, Tony advised the General Manager in all Procurement and Visitor Safety & Satisfaction projects. GVB General Manager Joann Camacho promoted Tony to Computer Specialist and Global Webmaster in August of 2012. Working with the Deputy General Manager, he managed the launch of the new consumer website, corporate website and a consolidated social media marketing strategy for Guam. Tony continued to advise the General Manager in Procurement and Visitor Safety & Satisfaction projects. After only a year of working at GVB, Tony was recognized for his hard work and being a valuable resource to the bureau. In 2012 and then again in 2013, he was nominated as Employee of the year under the Governor’s MagPro Employee Recognition program. Tony is currently GVB’s Business Development Specialist. In this capacity, he advises the General Manager in all aspects of the Bureau including procurement, research, budget, and special projects. Additionally, he assists the General Manager and the Controller with policy and administration. In his spare time, Tony enjoys spending time with family, especially his sister, brother-in-law and their three daughters, and friends or reading a good book.
Rosemarie J. Munoz Rosemarie J. Munoz is currently employed with the Guam Department of Education and is a special education teacher at J.P. Torres Alternative School in Santa Rita. Her career in education began in 2006. Rosemarie received her Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Guam in 2013. She also received her Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from the University of Guam in 2006. Aside from being an educator, Rosemarie is also a realtor with Absolute Realty since February 2015. She is also a member of the Guam Realtor’s Association. Rosemarie is also active in the community as a member of Guamanians for Fair Government, a political action committee aimed at restoring the people to its rightful place in our government and ensuring that the principles of democracy prevail. Rosemarie serves as the Treasurer. When not in the classroom, Rosemarie enjoys running, participating in triathlons, and spending time with her two sons, Kane and Adam.
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Selina Maria Onedera-Salas Selina Maria Onedera-Salas is proudly serving as a Budget Analyst for the sixth year with the Guam Legislature's Office of Finance and Budget where she has worked under the chairmanship of the late Senator Vicente (ben) C. Pangelinan and currently under the chairmanship of Vice Speaker Benjamin J.F. Cruz. Selina recently completed the Executive Leadership Development Program under the Graduate School USA’s Pacific Islands Training Initiative. Selina’s first stint with the government of Guam was as a Legislative Analyst with the Office of the late Senator Angel L.G. Santos in 1998. She has over 20 years of employment in both the public and private sectors and is also actively involved in community nonprofit organizations that seek to protect, perpetuate, and promote the usage of the CHamoru language such as the locally produced children’s television show Nihi! where she performed as a host. Selina also performed as a singer, poet, and storyteller with Guam’s premier storytelling group Ginen i Hila’ i Maga’taotao Siha Association. Selina served as a board member with the Guam Humanities Council for three years and continues to serve on the GHC’s Grant Review Committee. She currently volunteers as the overall chairperson of the Literary Arts Committee for the Festival of Pacific Arts 2016. Selina is also a newly elected member of the Inetnon Gefpa'go Board of Directors and serves as Board Treasurer. Selina earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and a Certificate of Legal Reasoning from the University of Texas at San Antonio and immediately returned home to continue her career in government service. Selina, her husband Vincent, and their children live in Selina’s home village of Sinajana.
Rikki Orsini At age 18, Ms. Orsini began her career in policymaking after being elected to serve a two-year term in the 28th Guam Youth Congress as Vice-Speaker and Chairwoman of the Committees on Rules, Education, and Governmental Operations. As a youth representative to the policymaking body and subcommittee of the legislature, Ms. Orsini drafted legislation and encouraged hundreds of young adults to register and vote in Guam elections. At age 21, Ms. Orsini entered the 32nd Guam Legislature as a Policy Analyst for Senator Michael F.Q. San Nicolas. While there, she reviewed existing laws and drafted legislation. Nine months later, Ms. Orsini was promoted to become the Human Resources Specialist for Guam's entire legislative branch after graduating magna cum laude with her Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from the University of Guam while concurrently taking graduate courses in the Masters of Public Administration Program and working as a teaching and legal assistant to Professor and Hearing Officer Ronald B. Aguon, Esq. for whom she identified appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles, and other materials for assigned cases. As the legislative branch's sole Human Resources Specialist, Ms. Orsini reviewed and interpreted personnel rules and regulations to ensure the branch's compliance with federal and local employment laws. She also advised staff, employees, and supervisors on personnel related matters. During her term as Human Resources Specialist, Ms. Orsini was also appointed to become Administrator of Guam Youth Congress. As Administrator, Ms. Orsini guided representatives in the policymaking process and advised them of legislative rules and procedures.
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Ms. Orsini quickly moved up the ranks at the legislature. At age 23, she became the youngest Senior Policy Advisor in the 33rd Guam Legislature. Now, as a Senior Policy Advisor for Senator Brant T. McCreadie, she identifies public policy issues; provides analyses, advice, and recommendations on policy proposals; and drafts major legislation. Ms. Orsini has also delivered key note addresses and presented at several conferences. Most recently, she presented at the 2015 Guam International Conference on Business, Economics, & Information Technology on "Administrative Justice Essential to Good Government or a Hindrance to Management Efficiency: A Study of Cases Decided by the Government of Guam Civil Service Commission." Ms. Orsini is a proud mother. She is from the village of Barrigada.
Christine Argenal Pama Christine Argenal Pama is a 5th year music teacher and choir director at Luis P. Untalan Middle School. She oversees the music program, participates in local choir competitions, and coordinates semester school concerts as a main fundraiser to support young musicians in their musical endeavors. She is the advisor for the Music Club, the co-advisor for the Student Body Association, and a team member of the School Climate Cadre. In Spring 2014, she served as the co-chair in the 1st Annual Guam Department of Education Fine Arts Festival that included the Visual Arts and Performing Arts programs of Guam's secondary schools. In 2015, she chaired the 2nd Annual GDOE Fine Arts Festival. Both festivals were held at the Agana Shopping Center Art Gallery and the Southern High School auditorium. Her career to date has been focused on the revival and support of the Fine Arts programs in Guam's public schools where she has extensive background in music performance and production as well as a love for the visual arts. Pama also teaches private vocal lessons and is a member of the Santa Barbara Church choir and the Guam Symphony Chorale. She holds a bachelor's degree in music with an emphasis in vocal performance and a master's degree in the art of teaching from the University of Guam.
Thomas Quintanilla Paulino, CPA, CGFM, CGAP, CGMA Thomas “Tom” Quintanilla Paulino graduated from Southern High School in 2001 then received a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Guam in 2006 and Master of Science degree in Accounting from Walden University in 2012. He holds the following professional certifications: a Certified Public Accountant (2008 – AICPA), a Certified Government Financial Manager (2008 – Association of Government Accountants), a Certified Government Auditing Professional (2009 – Institute of Internal Auditors), and Chartered Global Management Accountant (2012 – AICPA). Tom started working at Deloitte and Touch, LLP. He started as an intern and worked his way up to a Senior Auditor at Deloitte. At Deloitte he specialized in audits of government, non-profit organizations, telecommunications, and depository institutions in Guam, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Tom worked as one of the lead auditors for the Government of Guam. Tom worked at Deloitte for four years before moving to GovGuam. Tom then started working for the Department of Administration as a General Accounting Supervisor. At DOA, his main duties were to oversee the accounting, reporting, and operations of the General Ledger – Local Accounts, WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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Bank Reconciliation, Travel, and Customs Branches. He also served as alternate supervisor to the Revenues, Bonds, CIP, Contracts, Quality Control and Accounts Payable branches of the government. He has been detailed to Controller (Nov. 2013 to Feb. 2015) and Deputy Financial Manager positions. Tom’ major accomplishments are DOA was the automation of the Cash Flow module, GAAP Financial Statements, and the Accounts Payable Aging Reporting. In addition he contributed to responding to Freedom of Information Requests, oversaw the external audit, served as advisor to the Chief Fiscal Advisor’s revenue and budgeting committee; liaison to DRT, BBMR, and OAG; worked on the CLTC Multi-Agency Committee as DOA liaison, implemented GASB standards; Assisted with the first CAFR as team leader; assisted with the internal audit function; advisor to the fixed asset committee; and represented Guam in the Insular Government Finance Officers’ Association and presented on the performance measures and financial progress of the government to the insular territories (American Samoa, CNMI, FSM, Republic of the Marshall Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands) and the federal government. Tom currently works at the Guam Economic Development Authority as the Administrative Services Assistant Manager. Tom assists in the operations of the accounting division, payroll, procurement, human resources, and payroll functions for GEDA. Tom is currently working on upgrading the accounting system of GEDA, updating policies and procedures, and reconciling the program management accounts. Tom is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Guam. He currently teaches Principles of Financial Accounting and has taught Government Accounting for Non-Accounting Majors. Tom was an officer of the Association of Government Accountants – Guam Chapter. He has served as Treasurer (2007 to 2009) and President (2011). He is also a member of the AICPA, the Institute of Internal Auditors, the Association of Fraud Examiners, and the Government’s Finance Officers Association.
Yvette C. Paulino, Ph.D. Dr. Yvette Cepeda Paulino is a native of Guam born to Mr. and Mrs. Jose C. and Anita M. Cepeda. She was raised in the tri village of MongMong-Toto-Maite. She is married to Victor T. Paulino and has three wonderful children – Chaunsi, Tristan, and Erica. Dr. Paulino has dedicated her work to eliminating health disparities in Pacific Islander populations, with a focus on building the human capacity to sustain the efforts. Her inspiration began at the University of Guam where she completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology. While undergoing her master’s work, she studied feasting and obesity of women in Guam, and conducted a nutritional assessment of children in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Her fascination with population health research, coupled with inadequate health data on Pacific Islanders, prompted her to pursue a doctorate in epidemiology, which she completed at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in 2009. Her dissertation focused on documenting betel nut chewing patterns among diverse populations in Micronesia, and exploring the epidemiology of betel nut chewing and health risk. Her graduate research was awarded the 2008 Achievement Rewards for College Scientists in Cancer Research – Honolulu Chapter, and it led to other collaborative investigations on betel nut within the University of Guam/Cancer Center of Hawaiʻi Partnership of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). After completing her doctoral degree, Dr. Paulino joined the faculty at the University of Guam in 2010 and continued to conduct population health research. She was the lead investigator on two NCI-funded cancer research studies, and a co-investigator on other federally funded projects including research on childhood obesity prevention and research on training undergraduate minority students to advance into careers in the biomedical sciences. Dr. Paulino’s research gained national and international attention over the years. In 2011, she served as a Temporary Advisor at the World Health Organization (WHO) Meeting on the Control of Betel Nut and Tobacco Chewing in Manila, Philippines. Her work was subsequently cited in the WHO technical report on betel nut use in the Pacific. The following year, she received the American Association for Cancer Research Minority Serving Institution WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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Faculty Scholar Award in Chicago, Illinois. In 2014, Dr. Paulino was among invited keynote speakers to the International Pacific Health Conference in Auckland, New Zealand. Recently, her paper on childhood obesity was selected for presentation at a press conference in Washington DC. She was invited to join a three-member panel of authors at the launching of the journal supplement entitled “Shining the Light on Childhood Obesity among Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders” in May 2015. Alongside research, Dr. Paulino has maintained both elected and non-elected professional affiliations. At the University of Guam, she was elected into the Faculty Election Commission, Research Council, and most recently the Faculty Senate where she will serve as the Chair of the Standing Committee on Institutional Excellence for the upcoming academic year. She was appointed to the council of the Guam Cancer Trust Fund, which is administered by the University of Guam. She also is a member of several professional societies, including the American Association for Cancer Research, American Public Health Association, American Society for Nutrition, International Epidemiological Association, and Society for Epidemiologic Research. In addition to her work in academia, Dr. Paulino enjoys volunteering with community partners to improve the public’s health. She was the 2012-2013 Chairperson of the Guam Comprehensive Cancer Coalition, and has been the lead of the Data and Surveillance Team of the Guam Non-Communicable Disease Consortium since 2013. Through leadership, she hopes to build Guam and the rest of Micronesia’s capacity in understanding, managing, analyzing, interpreting, and translating population health data to improve the region’s health status.
Gregory G. Perez, Jr. Gregory G. Perez, Jr. is currently the Plant Operator/Maintenance Leader for the Guam Power Authority’s Cabras 3 & 4 Power Plant. Gregory began his government service with GPA’s Plant Operator Apprenticeship Program in October 2005. While attending the required classes at the Guam Community College, he was assigned to the Cabras 3 & 4 Power Plant, working 12-hour shifts as part of the on-the-job training. After graduating from the Apprenticeship Program, he became a permanent GPA employee in October 2010 as a Plant Operator III. With his hard work, determination, and motivation to further his career, Gregory was promoted to Plant Operator/Maintenance Leader in September 2014. At 31 years old, Gregory’s primary responsibility is to provide reliable and efficient electric power in well-maintained, safe, and properly operated generation facilities. On occasion, Gregory is detailed to Shift Supervisor and has most recently taken on the role of mentoring some of the Plant Operators who transferred from the Tanguisson Power Plant. East West Power, the Performance Management Contractor for the Cabras 3&4 Power Plant, recognized him for his dedication and commitment to excellent service by presenting him with the Employee of the Month award twice within the past year. An admirable citizen, Gregory also serves his country as a service member in the Guam Air National Guard. He was enlisted in the 254th Civil Engineering Squadron’s Electrical Power Production Shop in April 2004. In 2008, he transferred to the 254th Red Horse Squadron’s Logistics Flight Vehicle Maintenance Section. A resident of Yigo, Gregory is married to Rachel Perez and they have four children. He is the son of Gregory Sr. and Josephine C. Perez, and is an active member of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, where he volunteers regularly. Gregory is a 2001 graduate of Simon Sanchez High School in Yigo.
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Maridel R. Perez Maridel R. Perez has been a caring, dedicated educator with the Guam Department of Education since 1997. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Guam in 1997. In 2000, Maridel earned her Master’s in Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Portland. With her love and dedication for children, Maridel began her teaching career as a Kindergarten teacher for a decade before taking on the Gifted And Talented Education (GATE) academic teacher position at Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School in Dededo. She now teaches students in Kindergarten through 5th grade and strives to develop their maximum potential. In addition to her regular teaching duties, Maridel has taken the lead and coordinated several school-wide activities, including the school’s annual Spelling Bee, Geography Bee, Science Fair, Math Club, and other extracurricular programs for the students. Her students also recently participated in a FIRST Lego League Exhibition sponsored by the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) held in May 2015. During 2012-2014, Maridel represented Guam and the Department of Education as a Board Member for the Midcontinent Research Education Laboratory (McREL) and McREL’s Pacific Center for Changing the Odds, collaborating with education leaders from the Pacific Regions. In 2011, she was nominated and received the MagPro Awards Employee of the Year for General Education. In 2015, she was also nominated for GDOE’s Teacher of the Year. Maridel has been actively involved with the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life for several years now representing “Team Carabaos for a Cure” and has also coordinated a Relay Recess event for her school. Maridel is also a member of the Guam Harmony Lions Club.
Maripaz Nogoy Perez, CGFM, CGAP, CICA Maripaz Nogoy Perez is the Internal Auditor of the Guam Power Authority (GPA). She joined the GPA management team in 2011. Maripaz holds the professional designations of a Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM); Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP); and Certified Internal Controls Auditor (CICA). Maripaz attended George Washington High School in Mangilao. She served as the Senior Class President and graduated fourth in class of 350+ in 1998. She earned her degree in International Business and minored in Human Resources Management at the University of Guam. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2002. Subsequently, Maripaz received her Masters of Arts in Organizational Management at the University of Phoenix in 2005. As the GPA Internal Auditor, Maripaz is responsible for providing independent, objective assurance, and consulting services to management and the Consolidated Commission on Utilities to add value and improve GPA’s effectiveness and efficiency. She also has oversight of the Revenue Protection Program for the prevention and detection of unauthorized electricity use. Prior to working at GPA, Maripaz worked at the Guam Office of Public Accountability (OPA) for more than eight years. At the OPA, she started as a Management Analyst until she was promoted as an Auditor III. Her work included performance audits, legislative mandates, financial audit reviews, and participating in Request for Proposals for audit services with local entities.
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Maripaz is an active member of the Association of Government Accountants where she served as the Secretary and the Chair for the Education Committee. She is currently serving as the Accountability Committee Chair. Maripaz is also a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, Association of Certified Fraud Examiner, and the Institute for Internal Controls. Maripaz resides in Dededo with her loving husband, where they are devoted parents to their three beautiful daughters, along with their fish. In her spare time, Maripaz enjoys playing Barbie dolls with her daughters or trying to salvage cupcakes they made.
N’tasha L. Perez N'tasha L. Perez is a 1999 graduate of the Academy of Our Lady of Guam. In 2003 she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from the University of California, San Diego. After graduating, she returned to Guam, and in 2004 began working as a Biologist at the Guam Waterworks Authority. With over eleven years of experience in the field, she currently oversees the wastewater division of GWA's compliance laboratory where she manages the monitoring and reporting for GWA's wastewater treatment plants and receiving water systems.
Uriah Perez Uriah Perez is a Budget & Policy Analyst with the Guam Legislature’s Office of Finance and Budget. As an integral member of the team which plans and projects the annual Government of Guam budget, he draws on a wealth of private and public sector experiences. His other legislative experience includes policy research and writing. Uriah graduated with a degree in Business Management from the University of Guam, where he was a student leader in the Student Government Association and an active member of the campus community. After completing his degree, Uriah moved to San Francisco where he worked in Human Resources and was an active member of the then newly created Central Market Community Benefit District as a member of their Board of Directors. Since returning home, he has worked for three years under the direction of Vice Speaker B.J. Cruz, the late Senator ben Pangelinan and Senator Tina Muña Barnes. Uriah is a man uniquely passionate about the preservation of CHamoru culture and language and was a founding host of "Nihi" a CHamoru culture and language program for children.
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Jonathan B. Pilarca Jonathan B. Pilarca is currently a School Guidance Counselor at John F. Kennedy High School in Tumon. He began his 17-year career in education as a Math teacher at George Washington High School, and later taught Math at John F. Kennedy High School, Vicente S.A. Benavente Middle School, and as an adjunct instructor at the Guam Community College. Jonathan is also an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Guam since the spring of 2013. He holds a Master Educator certification in math 6 – 12 from the Guam Commission for Educator Certification and is a Professional School Counselor K – 12. In addition to his regular duties, Jonathan has volunteered in numerous extracurricular activities as a tennis and basketball coach, class advisor, and department chairperson at John F. Kennedy High School. Jonathan received his Master’s Degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma-Advanced Programs in 2005. He earned his Bachelors of Arts in Mathematics and Secondary Education, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Guam in 1998. He is a 1994 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School. Jonathan is a member of several professional organizations, including the American School Counselor Association, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, International Reading Association, Phi Delta Kappa International Guam Chapter, Advanced Placement The College Board Institute, and the Guam Association School Counselor. He has also served as President, President-Elected, and a Board Member for the Guam International Reading Association. He served as Board Member, Treasurer of the Guam National Tennis Federation. As an active participant in the JFK school community, Jonathan has been recognized with several awards, including the Alumni of the Year Award in 2001, Teacher of the Year Award in 2007, Top 5 Teacher of the Year in 2009, and Counselor of the Year Award in 2012.
Marsha V. Quintanilla Marsha V. Quintanilla completed the Basic Law Enforcement Academy from the Guam Community College in 2002. In the same year, she served as a volunteer with the Marshals Division of the Superior Court of Guam. She then joined the GIAA Airport Police Division as an Armed Security Guard and then as an Airport Police Officer I in November 2004. In March 2008, she was assigned to the GIAA Airport Police Regulatory Access Control and Compliance Section (RACCS). She is presently an Airport Police Officer I with the GIAA Airport Police Division. Officer Quintanilla has extensive certification and training in various fields of law enforcement. She has received certification in Weapon of Mass Destruction Training, All Terrain Vehicle Operator Training, and Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings Awareness Course from the New Mexico Tech, Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center. Additionally, she completed Oleoresin Capsicum Aerosol Training and received a Certificate of Completion for Motorcycle Operators Course. Officer Quintanilla received certification in Aviation Security for Law Enforcement Officers, CPR/AED Training from the American Heart Association, Monadnock Expandable Baton Training, Traffic Crash Course, Drug-Free Workplace Program, EC/IR II Breath Test Instrument Operator’s Course, and DUI Detection/Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, to name a few. Most impressive of all her accomplishments, Office Quintanilla earned the prestigious certification of Airport Certified Employee (A.C.E.) in Security and Law Enforcement. She is highly recognized and respected among her fellow officers for her vast experience, knowledge, training, and professionalism. WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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Abigail Q. Reyes Abigail Q. Reyes serves as a Special Project Coordinator with the Guam Economic Development Authority. As a Special Project Coordinator, Abigail coordinates and participates in special assignments specific to promoting the economic growth of Guam. She also works closely with staff and management of the Bureau of Budget and Management Research, the Department of Revenue and Taxation, the Department of Administration, the Guam Economic Development Authority, and the Bureau of Statistics and Plans in preparing policy recommendations and research. Prior to assuming her current position, Abigail served as a Staff Assistant under Governor Edward J.B. Calvo’s Chief Fiscal Advisor, Bernadette Artero. In this capacity, she was responsible for financial analyses, research and reporting of revenue and expenditure trends, development of fiscal policy recommendations, plays a key role in developing financial presentations for rating agencies annual review of GovGuam credit and is a member of the Governor’s Fiscal Policy Committee. Abigail has also served in both the private and public sectors. From 2008 to 2011, Abigail was a Business Banking Officer for Bank of Hawaii, managing a portfolio of approximately 200 small business clients on Guam and assisting them with the financing and restructuring needs. Prior to that, Abigail served four years from 2004 to 2008 as a Senior Budget and Finance Analyst for the Office of Finance and Budget under the Committee of Ways and Means, chaired by then-Senator Calvo, in the 28th and 29th Guam Legislature. Abigail is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Guam and is expected to graduate in December 2015. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Economics, cum laude, from the University of Guam in 2004. While in college, she was on the President’s List and National Dean’s List. She is a 1998 graduate of Holy Rosary Parochial Inst. in Bataan, Philippines. In June 2013, she completed the Executive Leadership Development Program managed by the Graduate School USA's Pacific Islands Training Initiative, with funding assistance from the United States Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs. The ELDP has been designed to respond to the emerging personnel needs the insular governments continue to face by providing customized leadership training to insular government employees. Abigail is the daughter of Cesar and Angela Reyes of Dededo. Cesar is a career employee at the Guam Shipyard and Angela is a retired bank employee. Abigail has two brothers, Ritche and Rhett, and a sister, Angeli Co. Her values are deeply rooted in her faith in God as instilled by her parents. She attributes her professional drive and work ethics to her parents. Outside of work and school, she spends her free time enjoying the company of family and friends.
John J. Rivera, Ph.D. Dr. John J. Rivera is an executive, professor, and trainer with more than a decade of diverse experience in both business and academia. He is the owner of J|Rivera Consulting, Assistant Professor with the University of Guam’s School of Business, and the Executive Director of the Archdiocesan Development Group, with the Archdioceses of Agaña. John possesses a strong skill set that is complemented by an array of the most prominent developmental assessments in the market today. He is one of only a few hundred MBTI™ (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) Certified Master Practitioners, with competency in all Levels—Steps I, II, & III. Of those certified to use the Step III instrument, he is in a class of about a hundred people worldwide. John is Guam's first and only MBTI™ Master Practitioner and Certified Step III Practitioner. Other certifications include the EQ-i®, FIRO®, JTB™, KGI®, MMTIC®, PMAI®, TKI®, and Strong®. In 2011, he received his Certified Manager (CM) credential and became Guam's 4th Certified Manager; then, in 2012, earned his Professional in Human Resources (PHR). Most recently, WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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he became the first on Guam to carry the Human Resource Management Professional (HRMP™) designation; one of the two newest global certifications endorsed by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Recognized for his outstanding leadership, innovation, and service, in 2009, John was awarded a prestigious Papal honor from Pope Benedict XIV by being knighted into Equestrian Order of Saint Sylvester Pope & Martyr; an honor given to only a select few who have exhibited exemplary work; by way of their chosen profession, in contributing to the advancement and building of the Catholic Church. In 2012, he was instrumental in starting the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Magistral Delegation of Guam, a lay institution of the Roman Catholic Church, and the first institution of its kind for Oceania, whose origin dates back to about 1000 years ago, to the First Crusade.
Dennis G. Rodriguez, Jr. Senator Dennis G. Rodriguez, Jr. is serving his third consecutive term as a Senator in the Guam Legislature. He is currently the Chairman on the Committee on Health, Economic Development, Homeland Security, and Senior Citizens. He is also the Majority Whip and serves as a member on numerous committees within the 33rd Guam Legislature. Senator Rodriguez has been a member of the 31st, 32nd, and 33rd Guam Legislatures. Senator Rodriguez attended Santa Barbara School in Dededo and graduated from Father Duenas Memorial Catholic School in 1996. After graduation, he interned with Senator Sonny Orsini before moving on to become the General Manager of Sonia Rykiel Paris (Guam Boutique). He has also served as the Chief of Staff for Senator Eloy Bermudez in the 26th Guam Legislature and as a Research Analyst & Bill Writer for Senator Tina Muna-Barnes in the 30th Guam Legislature. A small business owner, Senator Rodriguez also established Todu Guam Wholesale, Todu Guam Stores, and Todu Guam Marketing Productions. Senator Rodriguez is an active member, lector, and commentator of the Blessed Diego San Vitores Church in Tumon and has been involved in numerous community organizations including Guam Marianas Lions Club, Filipino Community of Guam, Domino Lux, Couples for Christ, and the Rotary Club of Guam – Sunrise Club. Senator Rodriguez was born on July 17, 1978 to Dennis G. Rodriguez and Sonia Sison Rodriguez. Senator Rodriguez, his wife Lena Quitugua Calvo-Rodriguez, and their children Ashley Denise, Dennis Gregorio, and Daniel Gabriel, reside in Dededo. He is the brother of Dennis D.S. Rodriguez, Aileen R. Chizer, and Antoinnette Rodriguez. His parents-in-law are Gregorio Toves Calvo and Frances Cruz Quitugua Calvo (Familian Carabao & Familian Clara).
Maximo Pilarca Ronquillo, Jr. Maximo Pilarca Ronquillo, Jr. is the son of the late (+)Maximo, Sr. and Nellie Ronquillo of Dededo, Guam. Born and raised on Guam, Max is a proud product of Guam’s public schools. He attended Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School, F. B. Leon Guerrero Middle School, and graduated from Simon Sanchez High School in 1996. Mr. Ronquillo attended the University of Guam as a full scholarship recipient of the Yamashita Educator Corps program. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with a double major in Fine Arts - Music Performance (clarinet) from the University of Guam in 2002. Mr. Ronquillo is currently the Chief Band Master/Music Director of the Guam Territorial Band - Official Band of Guam, USA. In 2005, Max organized local music educators and founded the Tumon Bay Music Festival with the assistance of mentor and master band conductor/music educator WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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Dr. Robert Halseth - California State University, Sacramento. The festival has provided the necessary musical rigor and adjudicated performance experience to many of the regions superb music ensembles and soloists. Alumni of the Tumon Bay Music Festival have furthered their music education at the collegiate level. Max has been the Director of Music at George Washington High School since 2003. During his tenure, he established the vocational band program providing a contemporary and pop music training experience to aspiring future commercial musicians. His efforts have led to alumni of the program entering the military music programs and college music programs locally and abroad. Many of Guam’s current commercial musicians are also alumni of the GW vocational band program. Chief Warrant Officer Ronquillo also serves as the Commander/Band Master of the 721st Army Band - Guam Army National Guard - the newest band in the U. S. Army. Serving alongside musicians from Guam and Saipan - the 721st Army Band serves the entire military community of Guam. Max is a life member of the Tri M Music Honor Society Chapter of Simon Sanchez High School and a foundation member of the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles.
Jesse E. Rosario Jesse E. Rosario joined the Guam Department of Education in 2010 serving as a State Program Officer in the Child Nutrition Program. With over 10 years of experience working in the health and nutrition field and a having a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Guam, Jesse’s passion is helping Guam fight childhood obesity and create a healthier island. In his current role, he creates nutritious menus for school children, implements creative programs to help children eat nutritious foods, conducts nutrition education presentations, writes grants targeted at nutrition program improvement, and has helped the GDOE decrease student BMI levels by 1% in the past few years. Prior to GDOE, Jesse worked alongside his nutrition mentors at the Guam Memorial Hospital & University of Guam exploring different paths in the nutrition field. Through their guidance, he fell in love with community nutrition and was determined to play a major role in educating young children and families to understand the value of eating healthy and exercising regularly. Jesse is also a fitness instructor at Synergy Studios and is the head coach at CrossFit Jumpstart. As a fitness instructor for over 6 years, he has created fitness programs focused on helping people take small steps to become physically active. His most recent program has tied CrossFit workout with a nutrition program called the “30 Day Paleo Challenge” and has helped individuals and families change their eating habits to become healthy and reduce their risk of health related issues that plague our island. Recently, he has joined a team of athletes and coaches that resurrected the Guam Weightlifting Federation, which has been inactive for over 15 years. The proud father of Logan and Lola and husband to his beautiful wife, Angela, Jesse is committed to helping Guam get healthier and has big plans for the upcoming year.
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Asherdee Duenas Rosete, Ed.D. Dr. Asherdee Duenas Rosete is currently the Acting Principal at Merizo Martyrs Memorial School. She earned her Doctorate in Education from Argosy University – Hawaii campus in 2014. Dr. Rosete’s dissertation focused on special education on Guam and was titled “Guam Department of Education Administrators’ Knowledge of Special Education Law”. She earned her Master of Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma – Norman campus in 2002 and her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of Guam in 1998. She graduated from Oceanview High School in Agat in 1994. Prior to her assignment at Merizo Martyrs Memorial School, Dr. Rosete also served as an Assistant Principal at John F. Kennedy High School, Acting Assistant Principal at Marcial A. Sablan Elementary School, a teacher at Agana Heights Elementary School and Carlos L. Taitano Elementary School, and as the Special Education Early Intervention Service Coordinator and Autism Consulting Resource Teacher for the Department of Education’s Division of Special Education. Dr. Rosete has also served as an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Guam from Fall 2007 to Spring 2010. The formal academic courses she taught include Development in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Curriculum, Creative Arts in Early Childhood, and Solving Discipline Problems. In 1998, Dr. Rosete was inducted into the Chi Omicron Gamma National Honor Society and was listed in the Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. She is certified as a Master School Administrator and Master Educator: Elementary K-5 and Early Childhood PreK-2 with the Guahan Commission for Education Certification. She has also completed the Administration and Supervision Program and Special Education Certification Programs at the University of Guam. Dr. Rosete currently resides in Yona and is married to Jimmy Rosete, and they have one child Nyah Marie. She is the daughter of Cory and Debbie Quinata who reside in the southern village of Umatac.
Thomas Henry San Agustin Thomas Henry San Agustin was born on December 31, 1986, he is the son of Henry T. San Agustin and Carmelita D. Babauta. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 2004, and started his career with the Guam Election Commission in January 2006 as an election clerk. As a clerk some of his early duties involved assisting other GEC officials with day to day duties as well as assisting the elderly and disabled through the GEC’s “Homebound” voting program. In 2011, Thomas was promoted to a program coordinator, where he assisted with the update of the GEC Administrative Rules and Regulations and with the election reform. Today, he continues to provide voting services for individuals who are unable be at the polls on Election Day and instrumental in the implementation and adoption of the Uniformed and Overseas Military Absentee Voting Act. (UOCAVA).
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Apolline San Nicolas Apolline San Nicolas is a Personnel Specialist III at the Guam Community College. She entered the Government of Guam as a Personnel Specialist II at the University of Guam in October 2006. Apolline holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the United States University and Bachelors in Business Administration in Business Management with a minor in Human Resources Management from the University of Guam. She is a professional member of the Society for Human Resources Management Guam Chapter holding a board positions since 2012. In January 2015, she took on the responsibility of President of the Guam Community College’s Employees Association. As the youngest daughter of the late Retired Mayor of Chalan Pago/Ordot, +Vicente S. San Nicolas and +Teresita C. San Nicolas, she carries the legacy of Government of Guam service though the dedication and loyalty instilled in her though her parents and siblings.
Lt. Dwayne T.D. San Nicolas Lt. Dwayne T.D. San Nicolas is currently a Supervisor within the Maritime & Air Cargo Division at the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency (CQA). He has been with CQA for over 20 years having entered as a Customs Officer I. In that time, Lt. San Nicolas has risen through the ranks and has had the opportunity to work at all of Guam’s ports of entry, and has prevented numerous types of contraband from being smuggled into our island throughout his career. Lt. San Nicolas joined CQA in 1995 at the age of 19 and was part of the CQA’s 1st Cadet/Recruit Cycle. Lt. San Nicolas by design is a “teacher at heart” and uses his education background in his law enforcement career. He has been an advocate for officer morale and welfare. He believes that “happy officers” make good officers, and good officers benefit the public in so many ways. If it wasn’t for his desire to keep the island safe through the work he does with Customs, he’d be working in the school system as a history teacher or a high school counselor. As a supervisor, Lt. San Nicolas prides himself on his ability to sprinkle a little humor, compassion, and yet still be firm in both his leadership style when dealing with fellow coworkers and how he provides service to the community. Lt. San Nicolas received his Master of Arts in Counseling in 2012 and Bachelors of Arts in History in 2003 from the University of Guam. He has held certifications for secondary education and a certification to be a high school counselor. He is a member of the American Psychological Association and the American Counseling Association. Lt. San Nicolas is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, having served in the Army National Guard. He is a member of the Disabled American Veterans organization and oftentimes helps his fellow veterans in CQA by pointing them in the right direction to make the most of the benefits available to them. Lt. San Nicolas is married to Ellene San Nicolas and they have four children. He is also the son of the late Jose S. San Nicolas, former Commissioner of Agat.
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Joey Cruz San Nicolas Fire Chief Joey C. San Nicolas was born on August 19, 1975. After graduating from Inarajan High School in 1993, he attended a year at the University of Guam until he was hired by the Guam Fire Department. He attended the GCC Training Academy and became a firefighter in 1995. He primarily served as an Advanced Life Support Provider in the Rescue and Emergency Medical Services Bureau with short stints in Search and Rescue and Suppression Units. Rising quickly through the ranks, he was appointed and confirmed as the Fire Chief of the Guam Fire Department in September 2011 and has been serving since. His awards and achievements include Emergency Medical Technician – Intermediate of the Year, and Firefighter of the Year, Meritorious Service and Life Saving Awards. Chief San Nicolas’s military career started in the United States Coast Guard Reserve in 1999. He graduated Honor Graduate from basic training and attended Boatswain’s Mate “A” School immediately after. Upon return to Guam he was assigned to the USCGC Galveston Island where he qualified as a Duty Officer, Boarding Team Member, and Smallboat Coxswain. He answered the call during Operation Noble Eagle and during the increase in Alien Migration Interdiction Operations most notably, using his EMT skills to treat a Longliner Boat Captain who survived a hostile takeover attempt by his engineer, 100 miles south of Guam. Chief San Nicolas then transferred to Small Boat Station MarSec Guam and is a plank owner of what is now, Station Apra Harbor. He achieved BM2 and qualified as Coxswain for the SAFE Boats and RHI becoming one of only three reserve Coxswains. His USCG awards include Good Conduct and Meritorious Service Award. In 2007, he transferred to the Guam Army National Guard and graduated from Officer Candidate School, once again as Honor Graduate and winning the Leadership Award. Chief San Nicolas commissioned as an Infantry Officer in August 2008. He is currently a Captain and Commanding Officer of Delta Company, 1-294th Infantry Battalion and has recently deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan 2013. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal 3rd Award and Army Achievement Medal 4th Award. Chief San Nicolas earned his Bachelors of Business Administration, minoring in Public Administration and has completed the Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security-Pacific Executive Leaders Program. He is currently enrolled in the University of Phoenix - Masters in Business Administration program cohort 2016. Fire Chief Joey C. San Nicolas currently resides in the village of Chalan Pago with his beautiful wife Lori Ann Borja and their two daughters Lauren Tasi, Kamea Joy, and son Rai-Kanoa Jayce. He is the son of Army Ret. Jose M. and Jeannett C. San Nicolas of Malojloj, Inarajan.
Kathryn Yvonne Ko San Nicolas Kathryn Yvonne Ko San Nicolas is currently the Assistant Principal at Astumbo Middle School in Dededo. She began her 12-year career with the Guam Department of Education as an 8th grade language arts teacher and Direct Instruction Coordinator at Vicente S.A. Benavente Middle School from 2003 through 2007. In 2007, she became a school administrator as an Assistant Principal, and for school year 2014-2015 served as the Acting Principal of Astumbo Middle School. Kathryn is certified by the Guahan Commission for Educator Certification as a Master Educator for Secondary Language Arts 6-12 and a Professional School Administrator. As an assistant principal, Kathryn assists the school principal with: WHO’S WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUAM: 40 YEARS AND UNDER
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Facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community Advocating, nurturing, and sustaining a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and faculty and staff professional growth Ensuring management of the organization, operations, and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment Collaborating with families and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources Acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner Understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economical, legal, and cultural issues that affect schooling Improving instructional practices through the fair and purposeful observation and evaluation of teachers and staff. Kathryn received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature and Secondary Education at the University of Guam in 2002. In 2007, she received her Master of Arts Degree in Administration and Supervision at the University of Guam. She is a high school graduate of John F. Kennedy High School, class of 1998. Kathryn is the daughter of Larry Inchul Ko and Rosita Santos Ko (deceased). She is married to Michael F.Q. San Nicolas, who is a Senator of the Guam Legislature. Together they have two children, Kaleb Michael Ko San Nicolas and Katelyn Rose Ko San Nicolas. They reside in Dededo.
Michael F.Q. San Nicolas Senator Michael F.Q. San Nicolas is in his second term in the Guam Legislature. He currently serves as the Assistant Majority Whip and the Chairman on the Committee on Finance & Taxation, General Government Operations and Youth Development. The committee's oversight includes all government borrowing and taxation, insurance, banking, and business regulations, the Department of Revenue and Taxation, and the Department of Administration. In his current term, he has reformed and reconvened the Guam Tax Commission, which will undertake a systematic analysis of Guam's tax structure. He also fought to repeal pay raises for elected and public officials. Prior to the start of his public service, Senator San Nicolas worked as an Investment Advisor and Assistant Vice President at the Bank of Guam. He is a graduate of the University of Guam and Southern High School and was former Speaker of the Guam Youth Congress. As Youth Congress Speaker, he introduced President Bill Clinton in his speech before the people of Guam in 1998. He is married to Kathryn Ko San Nicolas, who is the principal at Astumbo Middle School. Together they have two children, Kaleb Michael Ko San Nicolas and Katelyn Rose Ko San Nicolas. In 2009, he wrote a book dedicated his son Kaleb entitled A Father's Hand, Lessons for Life from Father to Son.
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Fred John Sanchez, Jr., CPM Fred John Sanchez, Jr. is a Water-Sewer Maintenance Worker II with the Guam Waterworks Authority (GWA). He holds Level 1, 2, and 3 certifications in Water Distribution with the Guam Environmental Protection Agency. He is also a Certified Public Manager with the Arizona State University. Fred is currently tasked to assist in the GWA Systems Control Center, which oversees the operation and maintenance of GWA’s system. Fred started his career with GWA in October 2007 as a Trades Helper. In December of 2012, he was detailed to Supervisor of the Pressure Line Unit, which oversees the maintenance of GWA’s water lines. After that assignment, Fred was detailed to Superintendent of the PLU. Fred graduated from Southern High School in 2000. Shortly after graduating, he joined the Air Force where he was honorably discharged in 2004. Fred worked various jobs before being hired at GWA. In 2013, Fred was awarded the 4th Quarter Leadership Award from GWA. In 2014, Fred was nominated for and won the Governor’s Employee Recognition Program MagPRO Award for Supervisor of the Year for his work while being detailed as Water Construction/Maintenance Superintendent.
Nicole A. Santos Nicole A. Santos is a proud daughter of Guam and Micronesia having worked and advocated on issues related to historic preservation, sustainable culture and environments, and public works and utilities. She has been working for the Government of Guam for six years. Nicole began in 2009 during the 30th Guam Legislature where she served as a Senior Policy Analyst for Senator Thomas C. Ada. In the 32nd Guam Legislature, Nicole worked for the late Senator Vicente (ben) C. Pangelinan as a Policy Research Analyst. She is currently a Senior Policy Research Analyst with Senator Nerissa B. Underwood, Ph.D. in the 33rd Guam Legislature. Nicole has a Master of Arts, History of Consciousness from University of California, Santa Cruz. Her thesis focused on “The Paradox of Guam: brief essays on culture, the military, and a US pacific territory. She also has a Master of Arts, Micronesian Studies from the University of Guam. Her thesis focused on culture and labor relations between Belauan and Filipina women in the Republic of Belau. Nicole graduated from the University of Washington, Seattle with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Women Studies. Aside from her legislative duties, Nicole has volunteered and continues to advocate for Inadahen I Lina’la I Kotturan Chamoru, the Oka site grounds developed by and for artisans and community members in the preservation of Chamoru culture and language. She is also a steering committee member of Fuetsan Famalao’an, and has assisted in organizing and disseminating information regarding the impact of increased military presence on the local community. Nicole also taught as an adjunct instructor at the University of Guam in the Women & Gender Studies Program, and continues to research alternative strategies in support of indigenous rights, arts and culture.
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Shawn M. Scott Shawn M. Scott is an Accounting Technician with the Federal Grants/Single Audit and Compliance Branch of the Department of Administration. Shawn has been with the Government of Guam since 2009, which included a short stint with the General Services Agency as a Buyer before transferring to the Department of Administration. Prior to joining the Government of Guam, Shawn was in the private sector managing a 30,000 square foot entertainment facility, which included food and beverage operations. During his time in the private sector, Shawn was fortunate to gain experience in beverage management as well as shouldering the responsibility of career development and ongoing training for all of his staff. Through running daily operations in a fast-paced and ever changing business driven by the tourist industry, Shawn developed a solid well-rounded understanding of business management. With the Federal Grants Branch, Shawn assists his team in maintaining federal grants for government agencies, processing Journal Vouchers, Direct Payments, Federal Drawdown Requests, as well as providing support to all other sections within the Department of Administration. Shawn attended college at the University of Guam, Cypress College, and Seattle Community College. In 2011, Shawn graduated from the second cohort of the Executive Leadership Development Program managed by the Graduate School USA's Pacific Islands Training Initiative. When not at work, Shawn enjoys spending time with his wife, Tricia, and their sons Raine and Tobias, as well as playing the guitar. They make their home in Tamuning.
Sanjay Sharma Sanjay Sharma is currently a Science teacher with over 12 years of experience at John F. Kennedy High School in Tumon. He also serves as the science department chairperson responsible for budgeting for the science department, providing input on the school’s master schedule, and providing resources for compliance with curricula needs. He holds a Master Educator Certificate in Secondary Education, General Sciences as well as a supplemental endorsement for Instructional Technology from the Guam Commission for Educator Certification. Sanjay is currently undertaking his Ph.D. in Education Technology from Walden University. He received his Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology from Walden University in 2011. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, General Sciences from the University of Guam in 2003. While in college, Sanjay served as President, Treasurer, and Senator in the Student Government Association. As a workers’ rights advocate, Sanjay currently serves the Vice-President of the Guam Federation of Teachers, an organization that exists to improve the lives of its members and family through collective bargaining agreements, legal representation, and membership benefits. As a GFT officer, Sanjay’s direct involvement as a team member or individual has led to GFT receiving the most recognition awards from the American Federation of Teachers for any union. In 2012, Sanjay was nominated by Governor Eddie Calvo to serve on the Workers’ Compensation Commission, a commission that reviews legal and medical documents for government and private-sector employees seeking possible reimbursements and payment for injuries incurred during working hours.
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Llewelyn Restuvog Terlaje, CGAP, CGFM Llewelyn Restuvog Terlaje is a Certified Government Auditing Professional and a Certified Government Financial Manager with the Guam Office of Public Accountability (OPA). She has been fulfilling the office’s mission of “auditing for good governance” since 2004. Her interest as a public servant began when she interned for OPA. She then moved up the ranks serving as a staff auditor, then as an Auditor-In-Charge, and now as an Audit Supervisor. She has been responsible for conducting and overseeing audits and analyses that identified over $15 million in financial impacts. Llewelyn also oversees the issuance of financial audits, the administration of procurement appeals, and serves on the OPA website committee. Llewelyn served as a working group member for the development of the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) Performance Audit Manual and the Strategic Management Operational Guidelines (SMOG). These two resources were created to provide assistance to over 25 countries as part of PASAI’s Pacific Regional Audit Initiative, which aims to raise public auditing in the Pacific region to uniformly high standards. Recognizing her abilities, PASAI recommended Llewelyn to be an instructor for the SMOG training held in Nadi, Fiji. Llewelyn graduated from the Graduate School USA’s Executive Leadership Development Program and is among only eighty-one participants from across the Pacific who have completed the program. She also graduated with honors from the University of Guam with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. Llewelyn is an active member of the Association of Government Accountants – Guam Chapter. She also served as the chairperson and co-chairperson on several committees. Through these efforts, the Guam Chapter earned national recognition for its Community Service contributions. She is also a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
Aristian V. Torregano Aristian V. Torregano is currently an Assistant Principal at Oceanview Middle School. Aristian holds a State of Florida Professional Educator’s Certificate as well as a Guam Commission for Education Certification. Aristian received her Masters of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Guam in 2015. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health with a major in Health Sciences from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida in 2006. She also received her Associates of Arts in Liberal Arts from Florida Community College of Jacksonville in 2004 and holds a Patient Administration Certification from the Academy of Health Sciences, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. She graduated from Wolfson Senior High School in Jacksonville, Florida in 1999.
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Martha Leon Guerrero Toves Martha Leon Guerrero Toves is currently employed with the Guam Department of Education and is an English teacher at George Washington High School (GWHS) in Mangilao, Guam. For the last 15 years as a public school teacher, Mrs. Toves has taught many students in her English and English Honors classes. She has advised many class council organizations and class productions throughout her career. She takes great pride in the public school system and shaping the lives of future leaders of Guam. Mrs. Toves is the daughter of Ricardo and Janet Leon Guerrero of Barrigada, Guam. She is the wife of Patrick Toves and a mother of seven children. As a student, she was involved in various clubs and organizations at her alma mater George Washington High School (GWHS) in Mangilao, Guam. She also served as a member in the Guam Youth Congress in 1993 and was on the Governor’s Task Force on Youth Affairs during her high school years. In her leisure, Mrs. Toves enjoys baking, spending time with her family, and singing in her church choir JoinUs at the San Vicente/San Roke Parish.
Richard Carlos L. Velasco Richard Carlos L. Velasco is currently a 6th grade Math teacher at F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School in Yigo. He is also an adjunct instructor at the University of Guam, teaching in the Developmental Math Program. Richard began his career in the Guam Department of Education in January 2008. He holds a teacher certification in Math 6 – 12 from the Guam Commission for Educator Certification. In addition to his regular duties, Richard is also the Math department chairperson and has spearheaded the annual Family Math Night at his school. He has served as a School Climate Cadre member and an Accreditation Focus Group leader. He also volunteers his time with the students as an Advisor for the Team 6B Club, Math Counts, and the Bible Club. Richard received his Masters of Arts in Teaching, Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Mary in December 2010. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Secondary Education, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Guam in 2007. Richard was a Guam Merit Scholar in 2003 and a recipient of the Yamashita Educator Corps scholarship. He is also a state finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Outside of the school community, Richard has actively served in ministry at Touchpoint Church of God as a Youth Leader, Worship Team member, and Pastoral Search Committee Chairperson. He was also involved in Jesus Baptist Church of Guam as a Young Adult Group Leader, Choir member, and Sunday school teacher. He is a member of the Guam Federation of Teachers and American Federation of Teachers. Richard is happily married to Tabitha Espina Velasco, an instructor in the English division and Women and Gender Studies program at the University of Guam. Richard’s parents are Ernesto Velasco and Jesusa Velasco from the village of Yigo. His parents moved to Guam from the Philippines in the early 1980s. Richard is the first in his family to graduate from college, and he cites his parents as inspiration.
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Kay Francis Rivera Yamashita Kay Francis Rivera Yamashita is a Chamorro daughter of Guam. With educational roots running deep in her Rivera and Yamashita families, Kay has taken on the family business of education. She is an alumna of the Academy of Our Lady of Guam and went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Education in Elementary Education, Cum Laude from the University of Guam (UOG) and a Master of Education from the University of Portland. While earning her undergraduate degree, she was awarded the Dr. Antonio C. Yamashita Teacher Corps scholarship toward her studies. Upon graduating from the UOG, Kay began her teaching career with the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) as a 4th grade teacher and is currently teaching 5th grade at Agana Heights Elementary School (AHES) since 2011. With her passion and enthusiasm for educating our youth, Kay has served in multiple committees for her school and has attended and participated in several district trainings which has added value to the AHES community and was also a facilitator for the Rainbows for All Children program which aims at supporting all youth as they cope with grief and heal from loss in their lives. As an advocate for technology in the classroom, Kay continues to strive for success and the best for her students. Kay is the only individual teacher at AHES that was awarded the Enhancing Education through Technology: Gateway to Success Program/Integrating Technology in the Classroom through Promethean Boards’ Federal Grant Program. Her grant application entitled, BEeknowledgeable which she planned and designed, provides her students with daily educational experiences that are more engaging through the use of the Promethean interactive white boards. In addition, as part of the same federal grant program, Kay continues to partake in the education department’s efforts to come into compliance with internet safety per E-Rate regulations through the best practice curriculum entitled the I-Safe Pilot Program. AHES was one of thirteen elementary schools to pilot this program and Kay accepted the role and received a mobile-cart with 30 laptops for each one of her students. With improved technology in the classroom, Kay has been and continues to be able to promote digital literacy, technology learning, and internet safety with her students toward enhancing the teaching of the Common Core State Standards. Kay is the proud mother of recent alumnus of Dominican Child Development Center, Aryana Jean. She is the daughter of Retired GDOE Associate Superintendent of Elementary Education Jeanette Rivera Yamashita and Roque Carbullido Yamashita, sister to C.L. Taitano Elementary School Principal Corina Yamashita Paulino, Untalan Middle School 8th Grade English Teacher Pamela Yamashita DeVera, Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Army Steven Yamashita, Program Coordinator for the GDOE Roque C. Yamashita, District Court Probation Officer Janet Yamashita, and twin, Kelly Yamashita. Her hobbies include cooking, baking, and spending time with her family.
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Acknowledgements The Association of Government Accountants Guam Chapter wishes to express its gratitude to Governor Edward J.B. Calvo, Lieutenant Governor Ray Tenorio, Speaker Judith Won Pat and members of the 33rd Guam Legislature, Chief Justice Robert Torres and the Judiciary of Guam, AGA National President John Homan, AGA Chief Executive Officer Ann Ebberts, AGA Senior Vice President Section III Dr. Doreen Crisostomo, AGA Pacific Rim Regional Vice-President Elect Taling Taitano, and AGA Guam Chapter officers and executive committee members. We are thankful to the many Government of Guam agencies for nominating the many notable employees that were eligible for inclusion in this special publication. Specifically, we highlighted employees from the Department of Education, Bureau of Information and Technology, Department of Administration, Department of Agriculture, Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, Guam Community College, Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, Guam Economic Development Authority, Guam Election Commission, Guam Fire Department, Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority, A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam Legislature, Guam Police Department, Guam Power Authority, Guam State Clearinghouse, Guam Visitor’s Bureau, Guam Waterworks Authority, Judiciary of Guam, Mayor’s Council of Guam, Office of Public Accountability, University of Guam, and the Washington D.C. Office – U.S. House of Representatives. . We are thankful to Coast360 Federal Credit Union, Guampedia, Couture hair boutique & spa, various non-profit organizations, and individuals who took a personal interest in our project and devoted their time and efforts. Finally, to the family and friends of those honored in this publication, we thank you for sharing your stories, accomplishments, and photographs. We extend our deepest gratitude for your contributions to your organizations and our island. We are blessed to have Government of Guam employees such as yourself that are devoted to the betterment of our island and her people. We look forward to many more years of your passion and dedication to our island and community. Si Yu’os Ma’åse!
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