Directors

Dr. Hilda Heine

Senator Hilda C. Heine was reelected in 2019 to her third term as Member of Parliament (Nitijela) from the constituency of Aur Atoll Electoral District, Republic of the Marshall Islands.

In 2016, Hilda C. Heine, Ed. D, was elected the eighth President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and she served in that capacity until January 2020. She is the first Marshallese woman to be chosen as President from 33 membership of the Marshall Islands Nitijela (Parliament). Senator Heine is currently one of two women elected to the Nitijela following the November 2019 general election.

Previously she served for four years, 2012-2015, as Minister of Education. Prior to entering politics, Senator Heine served the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands as a classroom teachers, school counselor, college president and Secretary of Education. During her tenure as President of the College of the Marshall Islands, President Heine supervised the transformation of the College from a continuing education program into a fully operational and fully accredited community college.

Senator Heine relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii in 1995 where she worked for the Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL) for ten years in various capacities including as Director of Policy and Capacity Building, as the Scholar for the Freely Associated States (FAS) Education, and as the Program Director of the Pacific Comprehensive Assistance Center, the post she held until 2010 when she ran for political office.

As Minister of Education, Senator Heine successfully got the Marshall Islands Parliament or Nitijela, to pass a legislation establishing a separate and independent Public School System for the RMI K-12 education, giving it more governance autonomy including the ability to recruit, set compensation package and manage its own professional staff.

Senator Heine is a crusader for women’s rights and currently serves as an advisor to the Women United Together Marshall Islands (WUTMI), a non-governmental organizational that she co-founded with other Marshallese women leaders in 1987; WUTMI strengthens the voices of RMI women by promoting human rights and good governance, the Marshallese culture, and women
empowerment in the economic and political spaces. Under President Heine’s leadership, the Pacific Women Leaders Coalition was formed earlier in 2019 to provide support and advocacy for Pacific women leaders.

Senator Heine was awarded three honorary Doctorate Degrees. From the College of the Marshall Islands she received her first honorary doctorate degree; as President, she was awarded a Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Guam in 2016; and a Doctor of Philosophy from Fu Jen Catholic University in 2019. In September 2019, the Chancellorship for the University of the South Pacific (USP), a premier higher education institution serving students from Pacific member countries, was conferred on President Heine.

Faustina Rehuher-Marugg

Former Minister of State for the Republic of Palau

Gardenia Aisek

Gardenia Aisek is the first female Secretary of Education for the Federated States of Micronesia under the administration of H.E. President David W. Panuelo.  Prior to her new appointment, she was a member of the House of Senate, Chuuk State Legislature, representing the people of the Southern Namoneas region, where she served one term for four years.  As the first female senator in an environment where culture and traditions strongly discourage or even forbid women to speak, she was labeled as “disrespectful” when her views were expressed and when standing up for the right things.    

Prior to her short time in the House of Senate, Chuuk State Legislature, she was a passionate educator, serving as director of Education, Chuuk State School System during a time when education was at rock bottom for Chuuk State and the children were, unfortunately not learning.  The most difficult task undertaken during her tenure as director of education was the implementation of education reforms, which were seen as controversial because wrong practices have been the norms for a long time.  And Gardenia was a classroom teacher, teaching for 14 years, 6 years at College of Micronesia-FSM and 8 years at Northern Marianas College.

Margarita B. Cholymay

My name is Margarita Bernard Cholymay.  I am from a small island, Losap in the Mortlocks Region in Chuuk State, the Federated States of Micronesia.   I am the fourth child among ten (10) children; two other sisters and seven brothers.  My clan is Masalo and Sor.  I am married and my husband is Dn. Eliot Cholymay.  He is from Sapuk, Weno.  WE have four grown children and have seven grandchildren.  I am an instructor at the Caroline College and Pastoral Institute (CCPI).   I enjoy teaching and participating in many community social activities.  Kinisou chapur!

Dr. Liz Rechebei

Dr. Elizabeth Diaz Rechebei spearheaded and is a founding member of the Traditional Medicine and Culture Association in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and also a former member of the CNMI Historic Preservation Review Board and the Humanities Council. She was a recipient of the Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities under the Preservation of Traditional Cultural Practices category. She is currently one of the volunteer editors to update and revise a Chamorro-English Dictionary, a community led project in which she served as a co-principal investigator initially funded by NSF. She held key positions in education serving the Micronesia region and also in the CNMI and was the lead in several development and planning projects including the public library, the museum of history and culture and former associations related to education. She served in numerous boards and commissions including representing the CNMI government in regional organizations in the Pacific and is currently a member of the 2^nd Political Status Commission member to reassess the political relationship under the Covenant between the CNMI and the USA. Her current professional work involves research and evaluation with the University of Hawaii, UCEDD program, and most recent, HHS/SAMHSA prevention program in The Federated States of Micronesia, and currently as cultural advisor for research and evaluation related program with WestEd under an NSF grant. She received an Ed.D. from University of San Diego (2003), M.Ed. (University of Hawaii, Manoa, under an East West Center Grant), and B.A. in Psychology from the University of Guam. Dr. Rechebei resides in Saipan and is a Pacific Islander.

Dr. Cecilia Salvatore

Ph.D. University of Texas, Austin, Texas, Library and Information Science, 2000
Title: Community, Institution, and Identity in the Chamorro Speech Community: An Ethnographic Study of How They Shape Information-Seeking Discourse in the Library.
M.L.S. State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, Library Science, 1990
B.A. Nazareth College, Rochester, New York, History, 1981

Academic and Administrative Appointments
Professor, Dominican University (August, 2016 – Present)
Program Coordinator, Master’s in Conflict Resolution (MCR) Program (August 2017 – July 2018)
Associate Professor, Dominican University (August, 2009 – 2016)
Coordinator, Archives and Cultural Heritage Program, Dominican University (August, 2013 2
Present)

Marie L. Maddison

Objective To empower the people and their communities to attain and maintain good quality of life. 

Interests and activities Generally, my interests have been in areas that would promote the mainstreaming of women, youth, and other marginalized members of the community into general development at both the national and local levels. Thus, my efforts are to help mobilize communities by organizing and running meetings, formal and informal education/training events, and community activities; and to promote the use of multi-media to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and change of behavior. I believe in the protection of the environment and the sustainability of livelihood; and, I constantly want to promote learning that is integrated with the learning of the environment and learning that is practical so that it can help promote income generation for members of the communities. 

Education 2003-2006, San Diego State University, MS in Education Leadership 

1969 – 1973, St. Mary College, Leavenworth, Kansas, BA in English 1965-1969, Mt. Carmel High School, Saipan, Northern Mariana Is. 1957-1965, Assumption Elementary School, Majuro, Marshall Islands Courses taken: 1975, Foundational Approaches in Science Teaching (FAST), Institute of Education, University of Hawaii at Manoa 1975, Basic Course in Skin and SCUBA Diving under the Sanction of the National Association of Underwater Instructors 1986, Economic Development Principles from the Community Development Training Institute 1998, Management of Non-Governmental Organizations from The Golda Meir – Mount Carmel International Training Center (MCTC), MASHAV, Israel 2001, The Impact of Women’s Training on Socio-Economic Development, The Golda Meir – Mount Carmel International Training Center (MCTC), MASHAV, Israel 2003, Culture & Values of the Development NGO, Masters Degree Course, UNITEC Institute of Technology of New Zealand, PIANGO, Pohnpei 

Professional experience 

2016 – present, Retired, but sits on CMI Board of Regents and former chair of the RMI National Board of Education, and sits on the WUTMI Executive Committee. Also volunteer teaching English at Assumption School from January to June in 2017 

2018-2019, Interim WUTMI Executive Director 

2012-2016, Chairperson, RMI Public Service Commission; 

2005-2012; Director, National Training Council, Republic of the Marshall Islands. Coordination of training policy formulation and implementation, testing & certification of training, and expansion of human resource development for the country. 

^{1999 – 2003, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, RMI Government, Majuro.}  General Oversight of the Ministry in matters related to the National Foreign Policy and Diplomatic Relations, Trade, Immigration, Labor, Related Grants & Development Aid, Internships 

1996-1999, Director of Assumption Schools, Majuro Assisted the School Board in the assessment and formulation of school policies and in the seeking and allocation of school resources Work with the School Principals in the administration of the two schools and the implementation of school policies and plans. 1996-1999, Local Coordinator of SDSU RRTCP (Rehabilitation Research & Training Center of the Pacific), RMI (Majuro) Worked with the San Diego State University regional research project in the US related jurisdictions in the Pacific and with local agencies and persons of disabilities on rehabilitation research and training.

1992-1996, Director of Planning, Research & Development, College of the Marshall Islands 

1990-1992, Secretary of Education, RMI Government 

1986-1990, Secretary of Health Services, RMI Government 

1982-1986, Secretary of Social Services, Government of the Marshall Islands 

1979-1982, Chairperson of Public Service Commission, Government of the Marshall Islands 

1977-1979, Adult Basic Education Specialist, TTPI/Marshall Islands District; 

1973-1977, Teacher at Assumption High School, Majuro 1996, Established & Director of NGO – Roots Resource & Development Center, Inc.  

Community activities: served in numerous boards & committees – TTPI Advisory Council on Vocational Education; Marshalls District American Red Cross Committee; PIHOA (Pacific Islands Health Officers Association); PPEC (Pacific Postsecondary Education Council); COM (College of Micronesia) Board; PREL (Pacific Resources for Education & Learning) Board; National Population Planning Committee; National Youth Task Force; National Health Task Force; National Education Task Forces; Health Advisory Board; National Nutrition & Children’s Council; Alele Museum/Library Board; RMI Board of Education; RMI Scholarship Board; National Training Council; Assumption Schools Board; Inter- Agency Council on Disabled Persons; RMI EPA (Environmental Protection Authority) Board; MIMRA (Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority) Board; WUTMI (National Women’s Council) Executive Board; Jined Ilo Kobo Women’s Organization; Ailin Kein Ad Organization; Women’s Caucus 1999; MIWCU (Marshall Islands Women’s Credit Union) Board 

2003 – 2006, 2019-Preset: Officer, Marshall Islands Council of NGOs (MICNGOs) 

2009-2012, Chairperson, Marshall Islands Scholarship, Grants & Loan Board (MISGLB), overseeing the management of the financial aid program for higher learning of Marshallese citizens. 

2005-present, Advisor, WUTMI 2003 – 2005, Advisor/Director of Administration, Women United Together Marshall Islands (WUTMI), Marshall Islands (Majuro) Provide advice to the WUTMI Executive Board & Executive Committee on the general direction of work and WUTMI involvement. Assist the Board and Committee in the shaping and the implementation of WUTMI vision and mission. Write grant proposals and administer WUTMI grant projects. 

Others: Volunteer experience Red Cross work in providing training and fundraising; National Disaster Committee coordination work during past national disasters; Cultural and other social events committee work in coordination and fundraising work; School social events coordination and fundraising work and videotaping of school events. 

Awards received TTPI (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands) 1975-76 Teacher of the Year 

Award; NAUI Certificate 1975; American Red Cross Pacific Division Merit Award 1977-1978; Certificate of Appreciation from Assumption Elementary School PTA; PIHOA and Mercy International Health plaques of appreciation 1990; Certificate of Appreciation from RMI Private Industry Council 1996; Certificate of Appreciation from the Assumption Schools 1999; Certificate of Appreciation from the Rukjenleen Jepta (the Kwajalein Atoll Women’s Chapter) 2004

Zita D. Pangelinan

Co-founded Haya Cultural Development Foundation and has serves as President since 2004 to present and has worked with traditional healers of the Mariana Islands to revitalize indigenous healing traditions on Guam.   She served as Chair for the Åmot Conferences in 2012, 2014 and 2018 as well as Chair of the organizing committee for 2016 Festival of the Pacific Arts Traditional Healing Discipline. She facilitated several informal traditional healing apprenticeship programs before launching a formal program in 2019 by working closely with Traditional Healers.  With the guidance of the healers, she has developed and written the curriculum for the offering of courses at the University of Guam.  She has presented in numerous international, regional and local conferences and workshops with traditional healers, apprentices in efforts to revitalize traditional healing. 

Zita also has served as a Human Resource Consultant for over 25 years in areas of organizational restructuring, organizational development, workforce training and development, community development, and broad based management and opened Guam’s first full service Human Resource company on Guam.  Her clients included local and federal government as well as local, regional, and multi-national organizations.  She has been contracted to facilitate executive retreats and planning sessions and is known for her strong ability to utilize a consultative approach and her networks effectively to create synergistic relationships working with diverse groups to work toward achieving common goals and objectives. She is also known for her ability to organize high level business affairs while maintaining efficient control of financial and human resources. 

H. Larry Raigetal

H.Larry Raigetal from Lamotrek atoll, is a co-founder of Waa’gey, a non-profit organization in Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), that works with communities to promote cultural heritage of the “reimethau” indigenous people in the central Caroline Islands.  He served as Waa’gey President and as a volunteer instructor in traditional canoe carving, and celestial navigation.  Raigetal is an accomplished “senap” master canoe carver initiated under the traditional school of “Taan Gech”.  He was also initiated through the pwo ritual us a traditional navigator under the mast/school of “Weriyeng”.  Raigetal taught at his alma mata, Xavier High School where he was also the Dean of students. He served as an FSM Diplomat, in his last capacity as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Foreign Affairs Department, and represented his country to numerous international and regional conferences and forums. He was a cabinet member serving as Director of the Department of Youth and Civic Affairs, Yap State Government.  He is a graduate of the University of San Francisco and did his graduate work as a Chevening Scholar at Oxford University.  Raigetal is currently an assistant professor at the University of Guam teaching Micronesian Seafaring System focusing on canoe building and traditional wayfinding.

Frank M. Rabauliman

Director – BECQ

Director in CNMI Government

Patrick Tellei

Dr. David Sanchez

David Sanchez is from the island of Guam and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Swanson School of Engineering’s Civil & Environmental Engineering department, the Associate Director for the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation at the University of Pittsburgh. He serves as the Program Director for the Master’s in Sustainable Engineering, the Undergraduate Certificate in Sustainability and the John C. Mascaro Faculty Fellows program. He is also a Faculty Fellow of the Honors College and is the lead scholar for the Food Ecosystems Scholar Community.   

Focused on co-creating long term partnerships that synergize community vision with Pitt’s core competencies of research and education, Sanchez has built up Pitt Hydroponics in Homewood, founded Constellation Energy Inventor labs for K-12 students, re-created the Mascaro Center’s Teach the Teacher sustainability program for science educators in the region.  He has also lead international engineering programs to Brazil, Jamaica and, Micronesia.

His research lab, Sustainable Design Labs,  focuses on fusing analytical chemistry, sustainability design principles and data analytics to address Water and Sustainability grand challenges. Current thrusts focus on Recirculating Aquaponic Systems, Real-time Environmental Quality wireless sensor networks, and Bio-Fuel Cells. 

As a teacher he designed and created the Sustainability capstone course which has annually partnered with startups, Fortune 500 companies, and community stakeholders to address sustainability challenges at all scales. Past projects have included strategic roadmap for sustainable packaging at Corning Life Sciences, evaluating Energy Recovery Tech for Avient, and True Cost of Water for the largest fertilizer producer in the world.