The woman who inspired you

Behind the success of every person is a woman that pushed them to be the best they can be, taught them to treat others kindly, be strong, laugh and live with gratitude so these attributes can move forward and touch other people too.

“We signed a ‘Women’s Month’ proclamation earlier and in my speech, I said a mother in a home is what makes it a home. I am a man and I appreciate how my mother struggled to raise five boys and one girl. I love my mom and my sister and we are supposed to respect our ladies every day. March is a special month for [women] and I congratulate all the women leaders, business partners and everyone of them that step up and give back to the community. I want to encourage the CNMI women to get out of the box because I believe in women and in their leadership.”
— Gov. Ralph DLG Torres

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“I would say Wendy Herring. She was my general manager back at Pacific Islands Club in the late 90s. I consider her a mentor, I loved her management style, the way she treats people and staff and in a lot of the ways, I manage Triple J’s businesses and people in the same manner and style that I learned from her.
—Jay Santos, general Manager of Triple J Five Star Wholesale Foods

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“Most definitely my mother, Gemma. She inspires me because when I was a little girl, I vividly recall she always told me that independence was important. To stand on my own, to always be able to take care of myself regardless whether there was a man in my life or not. That taught me to be strong and independent at a young age.”
—Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio

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“My grandmother, Dorothy. She was educated by experience and believed in the power of positive thinking. There wasn’t a single day when she wasn’t ‘perfect’ and she didn’t believe you could give too much of anything— love, money, and time. She was truly an inspiration.”
—Heather Popa of Papago

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“My wife, Rosemond Santos, because she is a hard worker. She worked her way through school in the [United] States and that is a very daunting task for an island woman. But she persevered and got through it. She has also been a member of the CNMI Legislature but gave it all up so she can take care of her mom, who was ailing at that time.”
—Gary Sword, member of the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisers