Young leader vies for a House seat

Sheila Jack Babauta

Sheila Jack Babauta of the Marianas Young Professionals is taking up a new challenge, this time aiming for a House of Representatives seat in the 21st Legislature.

Babauta, a Saipan native and board member of the Marianas Young Professionals organization and the Million Dollar Scholars Program, has announced her candidacy as an independent bet for Precinct 4.

In Babauta’s role as a board member, she was instrumental in planning the annual MYPros March for H.E.R.S. during Women’s Month, and the Scholars Beach BBQ where mentors shared educational experiences with young scholars. Additionally, Babauta is an active member of the Talaabwogh Star Association as co-captain for the 2018 Marianas March Against Cancer.

Babauta’s goal is to be the voice of many generations at the legislative table. “Not just my generation but those of our close-knit communities…My passion is to create an inclusive environment that is representative of the rich diversity we have on our beautiful island. Embracing diversity and recognizing what we all can contribute is key to progressing while preserving our CNMI.”

Babauta said her concern for the community and helping those who do not have a voice arises from her experiences. “After pursuing my education and career opportunities, I returned home excited to be an active part of our island community. It was through my involvement in these activities and initiatives, especially through MyPros, where my concern for our islands grew.”

Babauta has also volunteered with the deaf community during her time as a student in Hawaii, tutored math at Kapiolani Community College, and worked with the Hawaii Meth Project to spread awareness of the drug epidemic.

After relocating to Washington, Babauta’s volunteering efforts continued at the local food bank and the church children’s center and she even launched her own business, Kaling’s Kitchen.

Babauta is centering her campaign on the pillars of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Empowerment, believing it is time for the millennial generation to R.I.S.E.

“It is time we take responsibility and do our part to contribute to a better CNMI. It is time we RISE together,” she said.

Babauta holds bachelor’s degrees in Finance and International Business from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

She completed two internships with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management & UMEE Honolulu and was inducted to three honor societies: Golden Key International HS, Phi Theta Kappa HS, and Beta Gamma Sigma International HS before graduating with honors in 2011.

Babauta continued her career in financial management with Raymond James Financial Services in Washington before returning home in 2016.