Velma encourages more women involvement

IT&E’s Network Operations and Engineering director Velma Palacios is all smiles after winning the 2018 Business Person of the Year award while addressing the crowd in last Saturday’s Silver Lining Gala at the Hyatt Regency Saipan Ballroom. (Jon Perez)

Velma Palacios is hoping that more women would soon hold prominent posts in the local community, noting that the political landscape in the island of Guam has changed the past year with women occupying top positions

“In Guam, it is the year of the women. They elected their first female governor and we hope to do that here in the CNMI. They also have 10 women in their Legislature,” said Palacios in a brief speech after being name the 2018 Business Person of the Year award.

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce held their annual event where they named the winner of the BPOY and the Saipan Young Professional of the Year, this time holding the ceremony—Silver Lining Gala—at the Regency Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Saipan last Saturday.

Local members of the business community, government officials, and non-governmental organizations attended the Silver Lining Gala—their first event for the year—that wants to convey a message of hope amidst the devastating effects of Super Typhoon Yutu.

The Guam Legislature also has 10 female senators headed by Speaker Tina Muna-Barnes, vice speaker Telena Cruz-Nelson, and legislative secretary Amanda L. Shelton. The Guam Supreme Court also had their first female Chief Justice, Katherine A. Maraman.

“They [Guam] have 10 women in their Legislature, but I want to say that I work in a company that is run by women. That’s why, your network was up during Yutu,” said Palacios, IT&E’s Network Operations and Engineering director, that drew cheers from the crowd.

“Shout out to [IT&E general manager] Rose Soledad, my boss. That’s why, I encourage you all to continue to promote women in your companies because women run the organizations much better.”

Palacios is the 23rd recipient of the Chamber’s highest award and the sixth women after now local Labor Secretary Vicky Benavente (2014), Bank of Guam’s Marcia Tomokane (2013), Marcia E. Ayuyu of R.J. Corp. (2012), K.B. Communication’ Kathryn Barry (2008), now Fiesta Resort & Spa general manager Wendi Herring (2000), and Marian Aldan-Pierce of DFS (1999).

Benavente and Herring were named when each of them were still with PIC, while Ayuyu shared the award with the late Anthony Pellegrino of Saipan Sea Ventures.

Palacios jokingly told the past recipients Ayuyu, Benvavente, Herring, Jim Arenovski, Ivan Quichocho, Mike Sablan, Dave Sablan, Jerry Tan, Ben Babauta, and Alex Sablan that she’s humbled to be the youngest to join the illustrious list.

“Am I the youngest among all of you guys?… I look forward to learn from you and learning from you. That’s what I’m asking if I was the youngest, I know I’m younger than Alex. We are classmates,” said Palacios that drew laughter from the crowd.

“But seriously, I really look up to you and I am honored to be here amongst all of you. I worked with most of you but really thank you for this award. To all the nominees, you all are deserving of this award. You have contributed to our community in one way or another. Service has always been part of my life and the company that I work for. I thank IT&E for supporting me.”

Palacios is also a known community advocate as she serves as the chair of the Kagman Community Health Center board, the secretary/treasurer of the Northern Marianas Trades Institute, member of the State Workforce Development Board, Northern Marianas Business Alliance member, and has served on the Chamber board since 2012 and president since 2016.

The other nominees were Pacific Islands Club general manager Gloria Cavanagh, Xerox marketing representative Nola K. Hix, The Shack owner Glen Hunter, American Red Cross-NMI Chapter executive director John Hirsh, MARPAC Beverage & Tobacco Division sales manager James K. Lee, Ron Smith of Angil Design Inc., and IT&E Customer Service and Government Relations manager Janice Tenorio.