First women entrepreneurs workshop a success

The CNMI Women’s Association and Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor for Women’s Affairs inaugurated the first Women Entrepreneurs Workshop at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe last Thursday, May 25.

The objective of the workshop was to promote the CWA, its role and mission; establish a networking platform for international business collaboration amongst the participants; provide an opportunity for participants to gain in-depth knowledge and training in business plans, practices and development; and promote shared cultural and experiences.

“Following the success of the 4th Annual Women’s Summit, we decided to organize this workshop to empower budding and aspiring women entrepreneurs with the knowledge base and skills necessary to get them started,” said CWA administrator Felicidad Ogumoro-Uludong.

The workshop aimed to educate entrepreneurs through a series of lectures and special talks by guest speakers who are industry practitioners and successful entrepreneurs from the community, including: Sheryl Blanco (Swirls), Anicia Dela Cruz (independent Tupperware consultant), Jill Arenovski (owner, Creative Dreams), Leean Taitingfong (Taotao Isla organization), and Emma Perez (president, board of directors 500 Sails).

The afternoon sessions were focused on navigating the “how to” of starting and sustaining a business venture, and were led by guest speakers from the government, including: Chavel Green (NMC Business Department), Nicole Babauta (CNMI Department of Commerce), Oscar Camacho (Commonwealth Development Authority), Pauline Kapileo (Department of Revenue & Tax), and Jose C. Mafnas (Division of Customs).

Jeanette Tambakau, of the Sabah Women Entrepreneurs & Professionals Association, delivered the keynote during the afternoon session. The mission of SWEPA is to provide a platform for women entrepreneurs and professionals to network and be trained. Its vision is to bring women entrepreneurs and professionals to the forefront in the economic development of the state and nation.

In her keynote, Tambakau focused on crafting a new lens through which to see women empowerment and entrepreneurship. She urged participants to be in charge of the way their lives go and to follow their dreams—sometimes despite huge obstacles.

The theme of her message was shared amongst all speakers throughout the day.

For more information about future events and workshops, call 233-9411 or 233-8978 or email cwa.fogumoro@gmail.com or cwa.pmareham@gmail.com, or visit https://www.facebook.com/cnmiwomen/

The CNMI Women’s Association is funded by the Community Services Block Grant funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs-Division of Youth Services. (CWA)