Lauri Ogumoro is Karidat executive director

Former Karidat board president Lauri Ogumoro is Karidat’s new executive director. Her first order of business is to conduct a diocesanwide food drive to restock the shelves of the Karidat Food Pantry.

“Currently the shelves are bare,” she told Saipan Tribune.

In addition to this, Ogumoro hopes to finally demolish the existing office building and reconstruct a new office on the same site, as their current office has been deemed unsafe.

Lauri Ogumoro

“This will take time and funding so we are in the process of getting architectural designs for the building, identifying funds for rebuilding, and rental funds for temporary office space,” she said.

Ogumoro assumes the position with years of community involvement under her belt.

Prior to working for Karidat, she worked as a medical social worker at the Commonwealth Health Center for 20 years. Ogumoro is also passionate about preventing cancer and caring for affected families as she sits on the Commonwealth Cancer Association board.

The Kristo Rai parishioner is no stranger to the non-profit organization either.

Bishop emeritus Tomas Camacho appointed her to the board in the early 1990’s. Since then, she has lived a life dedicated to serving others.

After resigning from the board, she became the manager of Karidat’s Guma’ Esperansa, a shelter for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and human trafficking, for 12 years.

Even with her years of experience in organizations like Karidat, Ogumoro is not ignorant of the critical issues facing the program.

“The biggest challenge and goal for Karidat is finding funding to enhance our current programs and develop new ones,” she explained. “My personal goal for Karidat is to work hard to write the grants to get the funding we need to enhance our mission of caring for individuals, families, and our community.”

Ogumoro remains thankful to the volunteers who assist in spring-cleaning, canned food and toy drives, and special projects.

“We truly appreciate those that take the time to volunteer, we also welcome anyone who wants to volunteer.”

With just 14 staff, she vows to care for the “least of our brothers,” through advocacy, empowerment, and justice.

Karidat was founded on May 5, 1980, by then Monsignor Tomas A. Camacho. Karidat will turn 35 years old this year.