Interview of the Month with CNMI’s first lady

Q: How do you see your Mission being: A Mother

Give the best of me to my children. I provide a safe, loving and nurturing environment, more than what I had as a child. My husband and I try to give them the experience of what we didn’t have when we were young. In addition, we continue to teach them to respect themselves and others and to love their identity, their culture and their language. To protect who they are, will help them in the future.

A first lady:

Never in my life had I imagined I would be CNMI’s first lady but here I am. I know one thing and that is, I am where I am so I give it my all. Now how do I give it my all? First of all, I try to support the many organizations and programs that acknowledge me and seek my help, presence, and expertise. I am an educator and will continue to go out into the schools to visit our children. I try my very best to attend events that are happening on our islands, including Tinian and Rota. Alongside supporting everyone, I set some goals and work toward that.

A philanthropist:
This is one of my purposes as first lady and I think the conception of the Lady Diann Torres Foundation is the pathway to everything I am doing and plan on doing. The work that we do at the foundation is to benefit our youth, individuals with special needs and the general public. Of course, I am not able to do it alone. I have good support and the people behind me have been great who volunteered countless hours to work toward our mission. As long as we have the support of our people, our business partners along with the government, the foundation should be running and working toward its mission.

Q: Would you say you have fulfilled your life dreams or there is still something more you have/wish to pursue?

I honestly wish I have the time and energy to pursue a doctorate. Maybe after my time serving the public and my children are grown.

Q: How do you overcome obstacles and what are your inspirations for “moving forward?”

I say always be positive and happy.

Q: What family traditions have you inherited and kept within, and what traditions of your own have you started/imposed?

I come from a family of nine children. We are always very loving and caring of each other. My parents and my in-laws bestow peace among siblings and this is one that I wish will live on in my children and generations to come. Gathering and making time for each other is one that matters.

Q: If you would write a letter to Santa Claus what would you ask for yourself, your family, residents of Saipan, and to the people of the world?

I just wish for world peace, safety and love for all.
And just a few questions for your children, please:

Q: How would Ralph Anthony, Vaniqa Marie, Deon Titus, Tristan Dane and Divannie like to help their parents at home and beyond?

The girls help mommy with grocery shopping, laundry and maintaining our beds. As far as the boys, they help with setting the table for lunch or dinner. They help their dad at the farm as well.

Q:What are Ralph Anthony’s, Vaniqa Marie’s, Deon Titus’s, Tristan Dane’s and Divannie’s favorite things to do/hobbies?

My children love the outdoors. Swimming being top on the list. They love riding their bikes and skating.

Q: What superpowers would they love to have and why?

My daughter Vaniqa want to be invisible because she thinks it’s cool.