Raising women leaders with CWA Fun-Raise-Her

Community members support women through the “Fun-Raise-Her” Dinner organized by the CNMI Women’s Association, held last Nov. 22, Friday, at the Hibiscus Hall of the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan in Garapan. (Photos by Iva Maurin)

Over a hundred people gathered at the Hibiscus Hall of the Fiesta Resort & Spa in Garapan last Friday, to celebrate and support women on the island for the very first “Fun-Raise-Her” Dinner organized by the CNMI Women’s Association.

CWA administrator Felicidad Ogumoro said the event helped raise funds so the association could pursue its objectives to provide more education opportunities, as well as training and development, that would empower women in the CNMI to become leaders.

“[CWA] is empowering our women to be strong leaders in the community, whether they are at home, in school, in the Legislature, [or] holding public positions,” she said.

CWA’s projects are focused on education and training and development for women and their families. The group is also doing job placements for unemployed women.

The association is currently helping facilitate training for women entrepreneurs, those who are already in business and those who are planning to be in business.

“Through our collaboration with the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, we have already covered four areas,” Ogumoro said. “One, how to start a business; two, how to put together a business plan; three, how to put together the financial plan; and four, the marketing plan.”

The CNMI Women’s Association’s new board of directors, from left, Jovita Paulino, Cecilia Taitano, Cindy I. Deleon Guerrero, Linda Cabrera, Annie Reyes, and Annamae Adaza, during the “Fun-Raise-Her” Dinner organized by the CNMI Women’s Association last Nov. 22, Friday, at the Hibiscus Hall of the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan in Garapan.

The night’s guest speaker, Rowina O. Torres, who owns and founded Rufina Tropicals in As Lito, shared her life’s journey and its many turns before making it to the road of the ornamental plant export business.

“Tonight is about if I can, then you can, too. Find, discover, and explore yourselves,” Torres said. “Having big dreams and to aspire [for] the impossible is everyone’s birthright. Dreams do come true if you believe in you. Success requires endurance, remain focused. Do not let others pull you down.”

Torres’ journey ties with the event’s theme of building resilience among women so they could grow and bloom into the strong, confident, empowered, and resilient individuals that they are.

CNMI first lady Diann Torres was at the fundraiser to support CWA for its role in uplifting women in the community.

“Our women deserve to be supported in every way, whether it be education [or] childcare,” the first lady said. “CWA took the initiative to lead women in the CNMI and has been providing services for women, which is very important. I support every organization that supports the women in our community.”

Aside from the training and development workshops, CWA will also soon start planning for the Women’s Summit, as well as the activities for the annual women’s month that will be held in March.

To join the association or for more information, contact CWA at 233-8978/9411, email cwa.fogumoro@gmail.com, or visit the CWA Office (Building 1223) on Capital Hill.