Applicants sought for new leadership program

To build more effective and cohesive leadership that would enable some of the “best and brightest” to step up to assume major roles in our islands, the newly launched Marianas Chapter of the Pacific Century Fellows Program will be accepting applications, starting Dec. 2, 2013 for the 2014 Program Year.

Based on the Pacific Century Fellows Program in Hawaii, founded by former Honolulu mayor Mufi Hannemann, the PCF Marianas Chapter is a non-profit organization that will specialize in leadership development and community service.

The entire program is modeled after the national White House Fellows program with the intent of developing and bringing together strong community leaders to strategically tackle some of today’s most pressing matters.

With this initiative, Jerry Tan, president of Tan Holdings, hopes other businesses will join in the effort to groom young prospective leaders of and for the CNMI.

Inspired by the success and leadership network of the Hawaii PCF, Tan reveals, “The PCF Marianas Chapter seeks to enlighten and empower Fellows to be more active in their communities, and better prepared to make informed decisions impacting the future of the CNMI.”

Candidates must be between the ages of 25-45 years old from various areas of expertise (tourism, healthcare, government, education, military, law, small business, non- profit, etc). Candidates must demonstrate strong leadership, professionalism, and have a track record of active volunteerism and community service. Class size for the program year is limited, and candidates will be chosen through a rigorous interview and selection process by a blue ribbon panel of judges.

If selected, the program kicks off with a mandatory weekend retreat and monthly all-day meetings thereafter with a focus on a specific subject or theme. During these meetings, fellows will meet with renowned local and guest leaders, and will also experience specific site visits to enhance their overall understanding of the particular topic. Through such activities and sessions, fellows will be in an environment that will foster open-mindedness, creativity, and constructive problem solving. Plans also call for an educational mission to Hawaii with the goal of observing and experiencing some of the mutual challenges we share as islanders, learn some new ideas, strategies and solutions and network with the Pacific Century Fellows in the Aloha State.

Upon graduating and completing the nine-month program, fellows will be better able to lead not only in their respective industries, but in the bigger picture of the communities they serve and the islands in which they live.

Applications will be accepted up to Dec. 31, 2013 and packets may be obtained beginning Dec. 2 at the Tan Siu Lin Foundation Office located on the 2nd Floor of the JP Center Building (Beach Road-Garapan). Please call Maggie Sablan at 234-0609 ext. 117 or send an email to administrator@pcf-marianas.com for details.