MYPros raises funds at 1st inaugural meeting, donates to Rota

The Marianas Young Professionals gave donations to the relief drive for Typhoon Dolphin victims on Rota.

As part of the group’s commitment to “give back to the Marianas,” members raised nearly $1,000 to purchase non-perishable food items for those in Rota who are still recovering from the disaster left by Typhoon Dolphin.

“Although natural disasters are beyond our control we know the importance of investing in our community,” said MYPros director, Matthew Deleon Guerrero.

“I’m really happy with the food donation,” said MYPros president Bo Palacios. “It is a rewarding feeling to know that MYPros is giving back to the community.”

“Our membership continues to grow and it is exciting because we as a collective have a lot to offer our members and the Marianas, and vice versa,” said MYPros vice president Nola Hix.

First inaugural meeting

The donation, delivered recently at the Saipan Mayor’s Office, was raised at MYPros’ first general membership meeting (M3) at Naked Fish last June.

The event was well-attended by dozens of emerging leaders who are doing phenomenal work in the community.

During the meeting, the keynote address was given by Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio which was followed by a question and answer where members engaged her with detailed questions about the military plans, same-sex marriage, and other issues affecting the CNMI.

It was followed by a presentation by Hyun Jae Lee who introduced “Let’s End It, CNMI!” a community awareness project.

Over the past four months, MYPros said it has managed to establish its identity with the support and efforts of its enthusiastic members. It has also started organizing committees and events to fulfill its mission to “connect passionate young professionals with opportunities for social and professional growth and civic engagement for the benefit of the Commonwealth.”

MYPRos said the number of activities they organized will increase and will have a particular focus on events targeted to young professionals, such as lectures, workshops, networking, volunteering, civic activism opportunities, and social events.

Interested individuals within the ages of 21 to 40 may register to be a member of MYPros by visiting www.mypros.org. (Frauleine S. Villanueva)