Benjamin “Ben” Pablo is dedicated to promoting and perpetuating the CHamoru culture and language through literature and the arts. He has served both his nation and his community in various leadership roles with unwavering commitment. After serving in the US Army for over 20 years, Ben transitioned seamlessly to the Bank of Guam where he thrived for over 25 years. Ben is well-known for his exceptional work ethic and ability to consistently deliver excellent results while fostering strong relationships within the communities he serves. His alma mater is Oregon State University where he studied Business Administration. In addition to serving as the President of the CHamoru Cultural Foundation, Ben serves his community as the Treasurer of the Guam Running Club and as a member Board of Directors of the Young Men’s League of Guam (YMLG).

Helen “Lani” Bordallo, is a passionate advocate for preserving and promoting the CHamoru culture and language. As a dedicated educator with the Guam Department of Education for over 30 years, she has left an indelible mark on countless lives through her commitment to shaping the young minds of our future leaders. Currently serving as a History of Guam teacher at George Washington High School in Mangilao, Guam, Lani orchestrates engaging lessons that not only foster critical thinking and academic growth but also instill valuable life skills in her students. Recognized as a nurturing mentor, her impact extends beyond the classroom as she consistently takes the extra steps to support and guide her students. Through her tireless dedication, Lani has become a cherished figure within her school community, embodying the transformative power of education. Lani received a BA in History and Political Science at the Mt. Mary College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Ronald Laguaña is an educator and retired Program Administrator for the Guam Department of Education CHamoru Studies and Special Projects Division (CSSPD). A graduate of the University of Guam with a B. A. in Education/General Social Science, majoring in Secondary Education specializing in U.S. History with a minor in Bilingual Education. He began his career as an educator over 40 years ago in Guam’s public schools teaching Social Studies and the CHamoru Language and Culture. During this time, he served as a consultant and author in the development of all grade level assessments, textbooks, and supplemental instructional resource materials for the CHamoru curriculum taught in both public and private schools. Additionally, he notably served as the Executive Producer of Guam’s First CHamoru Language Animated Movie entitled: Maisa, The CHamoru Girl Who Saves the Island of Guåhan. He also co-authored Guam’s First Japanese Language Tourist informational book on Guam entitled: Introduction to Guam, Its’ History and Culture of the CHamoru People in 2012. Mr. Laguaña is a registered CHamoru Language Interpreter with The Superior Court of Guam, The U.S. District Court of Guam and with the Oregon Judicial Department. He is a KUDO Certified Interpreter, Court Language Access Services (CLAS) with the Washington Administrative Office of the Courts, The Guam Coalition Against Sexual Assault & Family Violence, and other government and private sector organizations. As a certified interpreter he provides remote interpreting services for state courts in: Colorado, Alaska, Washington, California, and Oregon. Mr. Laguaña is a CHamoru advocate, an indigenous rights activist with a deep passion for the maintenance, promotion, and perpetuation of the CHamoru language and culture. He remains an active leader in the CHamoru community by serving as the Vice-Chair of the Guam Ancestral Lands Commission (GALC), a member Board of Directors of the Young Men’s League of Guam (YMLG), and a K57 CHamoru Radio Talk show host. When he’s not busy pursuing his passion he spends his time as a bona fide farmer, a subsistence free-dive spear fisher, and a certified Independent Tour Guide and Marine Tour Operator with the Guam Visitors Bureau. He has seven children and twelve grandchildren and lives in the village of Dededo with his loving wife Jeanette.

Sarah Thomas-Nededog was born and raised on Guam and is a resident of Dededo. She is the daughter of Steven and Sally Gaviola Villaranda Thomas and is one of 6 children. Sarah is married to Clifford Terlaje Nededog (son of Roque and Maria Acfalle Terlaje Nededog) originally from Hagat; they have 4 children and 6 grandchildren.

 

Sarah has committed herself to the human service profession for more than 45 years. Her efforts to improve the lives of the underserved in the community has repeatedly shown her innovative spirit by networking with nonprofits and other like-minded community advocates. Sarah’s past leadership roles includes serving as the Executive Director for the government’s homeless program, Chief Operating Officer for Westcare, Inc., Senior Policy Advisor for Vice Speaker BJ Cruz, Deputy Director for Guam Association for Retired Persons-Service for the ManAmko (GGARP-SPIMA) Senior Citizens and Executive Director for Sanctuary, Incorporated. Under Sarah’s leadership, Guam received its first accredited non-profit agency through the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Sarah has served on a variety of local boards, tasks forces, and committees including, the Territorial Parole Board, the Corrections Task Force, the Public Guardian Review Board, the Micronesian Youth Services Network and Payu-ta (Guam’s Umbrella Organization for Non-Profits). Sarah was elected Chair in 2016 for the Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (PIANGO) Board of Directors in Suva, Fiji marking the first time Guam has held the Chair position of this prestigious organization, representing 24 countries.

 

Sarah continues to be an advocate, educator, manager, and staunch supporter for improving the standards of service for non-profits and for socio-economic development for Guam and Micronesia. She was the recipient for the National Association of Social Workers-Guam Chapter’s Lifetime Achievement Award, KUAM’s Selfless Service Award, and the Filipino Community of Guam’s Humanitarian/Social Work award in 2015. Sarah earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Sociology and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Guam. Sarah also has a Graduate Diploma in Non-Profit Management and is a doctoral candidate in Human Services at Capella University.

Eldest daughter of Florentina Camacho Pablo and Benjamin Cruz Pablo. Silva is a risk management leader with over 20 years of experience in various industries, including technology, banking, financial services, and government. Over the span of her career, she has worked for the largest independent regulator, a Big Four professional services firm, and several Fortune 500 companies. As a trusted advisor, Silva leverages her extensive experience and industry insights to help individuals overcome challenges, navigate complex situations, and achieve their strategic goals. Silva holds a MBA from The George Washington University. She enjoys traveling, engaging in community service, and spending time with family and friends. She has a close affinity with Guam, as she has lived on the island for part of her childhood and has returned throughout the years to visit with family. She maintains close ties to her CHamoru roots through family, cultural events, and the support of the family’s non-profit organization. Silva resides in Northern Virginia with her husband Josh, their two daughters, Ella and Audrey, and their beloved dog Gracie.