Stellar Marianas announces new officers

The new officers of Stellar Marianas are Michelle Lin Sablan as president, Shirley T. Sablan as vice president, Lee Tenorio as treasurer, Jaki Fujihira as national director and community events coordinator, and Victoria Bellas as secretary. (Contributed Photo)

In time for the for the upcoming Miss Marianas Pageant slated for March 2021, the non-profit organization that organizes the pageant, Stellar Marianas, announced yesterday its new set of officers for this pageant year.

The group’s new president is Michelle Lin Sablan, while Shirley T. Sablan is vice president, Lee Tenorio is treasurer, Jaki Fujihira is national director and community events coordinator, and Victoria Bellas is secretary.

Michelle Lin Sablan, who owns Pena House Boutique, which is a longtime major sponsor of Stellar Marianas, will also be the Stage, Program & Décor director. Shirley T. Sablan, who is president of Pacifica Insurance and the 2014 Businesswoman of the Year, will also be the Judges & Hospitality director. Tenorio, who is the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.’s public information officer, will also take on the role of Public Relations & Sponsorship director. Fujihira, who is also a longtime volunteer and is a print account executive at Marianas Variety and is a small business owner, will be handling two roles at Stellar Marianas. Bellas is a senator of the Associated Students of Northern Marianas College, the college’s student council.

Joining the Stellar Marianas team are Jojo Alepuyo, Video and Photographer director; Bonny Cruz, Health and Fitness director; Tiana Reyes, Runway director; Michelle Atalig, Poise & Etiquette director; Grace Velena, Beauty director; Monique Sablan, Speech and Communications director; Kevin Razon, Choreography director; and Pete Sablan, Security & Logistics director.

Michelle Lin Sablan, who has continually volunteered for Stellar Marianas, said she and looks forward to providing a strong and active platform for the CNMI’s young women.

As a business owner, she also would like to focus on promoting local businesses, products, and services as well as all that is unique about the Marianas.

“As a nonprofit organization, we work hand in hand with many of our business and government partners to not only help promote their products and services, as well as promote the Marianas, but to also provide a positive opportunity for our women and our local talents,” she said.

Shirley T. Sablan is brimming with ideas on how to strengthen the organization’s network and resources so that it remains a vibrant community outlet. “We have a great network of generous sponsors and an amazing team of volunteers who are excited to help provide this lifetime opportunity and experience for our young women,” she said.

Tenorio said he is excited to work with this year’s new candidates who not only exude beauty and grace, but also who excel in leadership, are committed to women empowerment, and who are dedicated to being an uplifting role model for the people of the CNMI.

Applications for the 2021 Miss Marianas Pageant are still available at Pena House Boutique and Pacifica Insurance with the deadline to turn in by Nov. 14, 2020.

If you are interested in volunteering, send an email to stellarqueens@gmail.com or send an IG message @missnorthernmarianas. (PR)