Sgro is named Businesswoman of the Year

Katherine Calvo Sgro, executive vice president and board chairman for Payless Markets Inc., was chosen as the first recipient of the Businesswoman of the Year Maga’haga Award during a gala held Saturday, May 6, at the Guam Marriott Resort & Spa.

Sgro was chosen among 15 nominees by a panel of judges, including businesswomen and leaders in the community, for making a significant difference to business through her work, contribution to the community and displaying the best qualities of a woman in business.

The Businesswoman of the Year Maga’haga [Chamorro term for princess] Award Program is a joint project of the First Hawaiian Bank and Guam Business intended to provide recognition to businesswomen who have made a difference and “raised the bar” in the field in which they are involved.

Guam First Lady Joann Camacho opened the envelope naming Sgro the winner before a crowded room of nearly 300 people. The Guam Business second quarter issue, featuring Sgro on its cover, was also released at the event. Proceeds from the gala totaling $12,500 were presented to the University of Guam to sponsor scholarship programs.

All photos of the nominees were commissioned for a photo study, taken by photographer Ray Calma.

Pacesetter

Sgro has always had a history of breaking barriers. In 1987, she became the first female Calvo family member to take an active role in the Calvo family business.

In the last year alone, Sgro organized the Pay-Less Markets Community Foundation, which contributes to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guam, Island Girl Power, Coalition Against Sexual Assault & Family Violence, among others and was involved in numerous organizations and fundraising events, including the Gentle Refuge Pregnancy Crisis Center, Kamalen Karidat Kitchen and Sugar Plum Tree. She also sits on the board of the Bank of Saipan. All the while, she ran Pay-Less, developed sales strategies and renovated two stores.

Together with First Hawaiian Bank and Guam Business magazine, several sponsors donated gifts for the nominees, including Bonita Baskets, Caronel Inc., Coach, Flowers by Tand, Guam Marriott Resort & Spa, Hilton Guam Resort & Spa, IT&E Overseas Inc., Leila’s Lingerie, Lin’s Jewelry, Lovely Nails, Macy’s Guam, Mandara Spa, Ohana Oceanview Guam, Outrigger Guam Resort, Paul’s Micronesia Mall, Pay-Less Markets Inc., Quality Distributors, Sunny’s Total Image Salon, Bestseller Saipan, Carmen Safeway Enterprises Inc., DFS Saipan, Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, Island Best Choice dba Post Chocolate, J.C. Tenorio Enterprises Inc., King’s Jewelry Saipan, Saipan World Resort and Subway Investments Corp. Special thanks go to Continental Airlines for donating two round-trip tickets to Hong Kong for this year’s winner.

For any questions or inquiries, contact Faye Varias, editor of Guam Business at 671-649-0883 or 671-687-5925, and via e-mail at gb_editor@glimpsesofguam.com. (PR)