Babauta is named State Star Performer

Nicole Babauta was recently honored by the Pacific Islands Small Business Development Center Network.

Babauta, as director and business adviser of the CNMI Small Business Development Center, was recognized as the 2019 State Star for the Micronesian Region.

The PISBDCN is the umbrella for all small business centers in the region consisting of Guam, CNMI, Chuuk, Kosrea, Yap, and Palau.

State Star Performers are chosen based on nomination submitted by over 63 Lead Centers in all 50 States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Pacific Islands. This award recognizes business advisers and staff in the SBDC program who have demonstrated exemplary work performance, significant contribution to the organization’s economic development efforts, and a strong commitment to small businesses.

Babauta will be honored at the SBDC conference in Long Beach, California, in September 2019.

Babauta was born and raised on Saipan. She holds an associate degree in Liberal Arts from the Northern Marianas College, a bachelor of science degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Global Business Management, and a master’s degree in Business Administration both from the University of Phoenix.

Babauta has worked at Hyatt Regency Saipan, United Services Automobile Association, and DFS Saipan Ltd. 

She is a member of the CNMI State Workforce Development Board, a member of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce and is chair of the Education and Workforce Committee and co-chair of the Saipan Young Professionals, and a member of the Society for Human Resources NMI Chapter. 

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres noted that the CNMI SBDC was recognized as a center of the year in Micronesia and expressed his gratitude to Babauta’s performance.

“Last month, the PISBDCN recognized the challenges our region faced but with the strong collaboration between the government sector and the private sector, our businesses are recovering,” Torres said.

According to Commerce Secretary Mark O. Rabauliman, the SBDC has become a critical component to promoting business development in the CNMI. “I congratulate…Babauta and the entire SBDC network. …This recognition is well-deserved and truly representative of the benefits made to our community.”

The CNMI SBDC is hosted by the CNMI Department of Commerce and is currently staffed by Babauta and office manager Lorena Pangilinan who has been with the CNMI SDBC since 2014.

The CNMI SBDC offers one-to-one confidential small business counseling, small business training, and community outreach. Visit www.pacificsbdc.com or contact 664-3018 for more information on SBDC. (PR)