BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gretchen (Gin) A. Smith, Chair

Gin is an attorney licensed in the CNMI, having obtained her juris doctor from the University of California, Davis in May 2018. During law school, she embarked on a journey to explore her racial and ethnic heritage as a Filipina-American. This exploration led to a profound appreciation for her mother—an immigrant woman of color who arrived in the United States with scant resources. Inspired by her mother’s story and resilience, Gin delved into the intricate history of the Philippine Islands, immersing herself in the narratives of its ancestors and descendants.

Simultaneously, Gin’s upbringing as a daughter of the Marianas, coupled with her innate interest in political philosophy, ignited a desire to reconcile the complexities of her identity with her interests. Following her academic pursuits, she returned to the Marianas, where she currently resides, deepening her understanding of the CNMI’s colonial past and its ongoing quest for indigenous autonomy and sovereignty. She hopes to one day contribute to the literature of the Marianas by exploring the experiences of the Philippine community within an American territory.

Gin became a member of the Council’s Board in October 2021 out of a deep commitment to preserving and advancing interest in the humanities. Drawing from her own life experiences, academic pursuits, and passions, she felt compelled to join the humanities community, aiming to make a meaningful contribution to its endeavors. Gin encourages others to examine their personal life histories and the histories of their communities, in the hope that they will discover profound personal meaning within them.

Robert “Rob” Harrell, Vice Chair/Development Committee Chair

Rob was elected to the Board of Directors in February 2023 and appointed as Chair of the Development Committee on May 2, 2023. He is a US Army Veteran of 15 years moved to Saipan in October of 2008 from Honolulu, Hawaii. Currently working at IT&E as Executive Director of Customer Operations and Network Operations Center he continues to look for ways to give back to the community. As a former President for the Parents Advisory Consul and President of the Garapan Elementary School Parent and Teachers association he has seen the opportunities to learn, share and support the continued focus and teaching of the music, culture and language of the indigenous and diverse people of the Commonwealth.

Lynette L. Villagomez, M.Ed., Secretary/Treasurer/Strategic Planning Committee Chair

Lynette is a Chamorro native-born and raised on the island of Saipan. Her career in education began in 1991 when she was babysitting for extra college money. She found herself teaching whenever she babysat, which led to the realization that pursuing the life of an educator is the path she is destined to take; the same path that her beloved grandfather, William S. Reyes also lived.

After changing her major, Lynette graduated with an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts, Education Specialty, a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and a Master’s degree in International Teaching. In 1998, she started teaching as a substitute teacher at the Northern Marianas College Lab School, then as a classroom teacher at William S. Reyes Elementary School. In 2004, she became a Reading Resource Teacher, where she worked with students who were two or more grade levels below in reading. In 2006, Lynette became the Vice Principal and then three years later, became the Principal. In 2012, she was hired at the PSS school district to manage the Territories and Freely Associated States Education Grant (T&FASEG), which focused on training teachers and district and school leaders on integrating technology. In 2017, she was hired as the Associate Commissioner of Accountability, Research, and Evaluation, which was a brand new department for the district. Lynette led the assessment program, accreditation, continuous improvement for schools and the district, accountability, research, and evaluation to name a few. She is currently the Deputy Director for the Region 18 Comprehensive Center and a Senior Research Specialist with the Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL).

In her spare time, Lynette loves to vacation with her family, SCUBA dive, snorkel with her granddaughter, and hang out with friends.

Dr. Norma Seman Ada, Nominating & Bylaws Committee Chair

Norma is a Chamorro/Carolinian physician and a daughter of Micronesia. She is an avid reader, member and lifelong fan of public radio and television, and community activist. Norma recognizes the immense value the humanities have as personal passions and in her medical profession. The art of medicine can often be overlooked, and she strives to maintain the human touch in her day-to-day practice at Medical Associates of the Pacific–the clinic she founded almost 20 years ago. A beloved aunt passed onto Norma her late grandmother’s lommok which sits prominently in her office as a reminder of her ancestors’ healing grace of åmot. 

Influenced by her parents, the late Francisco and Ines Ada, she maintains a personal library filled with books pertaining to any subject matter about the Mariana Islands and the rest of Micronesia. Norma believes deeply in local artists and their talents woven with our history and culture, which is what inspired her to join the Board. When she’s not working or diving into the arts, she’s hiking, gardening, and taking part in many outdoor sports. A favorite pastime, outrigger canoeing, Norma represented the CNMI in the Micronesian Games on the six-women team. Her latest and most dear joy in life is being a grandma/Nang and storyteller to her grandchildren.

Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho

Lawrence was elected to the Board on February 1, 2020.  He is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel with over 21 years of active duty service.  He is the dean of Enrollment Management and Student Success and dean of Students at the University of Guam and is also the Executive Director for UOG AmeriCorps Volunteer Center; a member of Advisory Team for Project Tulaika (Guam Behavioral Health Transitions Grant); chair of the Stakeholders Sub-committee for the Guam One-Stop Data Village Governance and Advisory Council; and board member for WestCare Pacific Islands.  In addition, he is an Ambassador for the National Service-to-School program serving military members transition to higher education.  He earned his Doctor of Education degree from Drexel University; Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Louisville; Master of Arts degree in Leadership & Liberal Studies from Duquesne University; and Master of Military Arts and Science degree from the U.S. Army Command & General Staff College.  He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from the University of Guam.  His military education includes: Ordnance Officer Basic Course; Combined Logistics Officer Advance Course; Combined Arms Services Staff School; U.S. Army Command & General Staff College; Support Operations Officer Course; and the Defense Institute for Security Assistance Management.

Leonard (Leni) Leon

Leni is a photographer, filmmaker, cultural jewelry artist, and lifelong creative who draws influence from around the Pacific. Originally born and raised in the Marshall Islands, Leon moved to the Marianas as a young man and grew to admire the Chamorro and Refaluwasch cultures he encountered while living in Achugao. He has a BA in Creative Media with a Minor in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. On Saipan, Leon is best known creatively for the series of photos and stories he collected of the island in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yutu. Additionally, he has received praise for the pendants he carves out of giant clam shell. Leon was elected to the Board of Directors in February 2021 and served as Secretary/Treasurer from April 2022 to April 2023.

Adelpha Lynn (Del) Kapileo Magofna

Del is a Refaluwasch-native island girl born and raised on Saipan. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and serves as the Administrative Office Manager for the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network. She is also an adjunct instructor at Northern Marianas College, where she shares her passion for education and community development. Adelpha is an active member of the Armed Forces Committee under the Saipan Chamber of Commerce and is known for her dedication to service and leadership. An avid reader of history and a lifelong learner, she is deeply committed to preserving her culture and way of life. Her decision to join the Humanities Council is driven by a strong desire to ensure that the voices of all indigenous especially those of the Refaluwasch people, are heard, valued, and represented in meaningful and lasting ways. She also aims to ensure the preservation and education of the humanities to the community.

Kimberly Mendiola, M.A., LPC-S

Kim, a dedicated advocate for mental health, brings her expertise as a licensed counselor to empower individuals on their healing journey. Serving as a board member since September 2023, Kim earned her Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Pacific University of Portland, Oregon, and obtained her Oregon license to practice in 2014.  With a passion for community well-being, she returned to her homeland of Saipan, committing herself to provide professional mental health support as a board-licensed therapist. Kim’s contributions extend beyond the boardroom, as she has served in various capacities such as vice chair for CNMI PSS’ Early Intervention Program Interagency Coordinating Council and a member of NMPASI’s Council for Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness and the Division of Youth Services’ Parent Leadership Committee. She is currently the Clinical Supervisor for the CHCC-BHS’ Mental Health Services Unit and holds national certification as a Clinical Supervisor.

Kim is also an accomplished local artist and musician. While charcoal and paint are her trusted accomplices in bringing visions to life, she also embraces unconventional materials like food and natural elements. Growing up on the island, Kim used to play the piano for local churches and choirs, or participate in recitals and community music events.  Her passions merge when she is able to incorporate art or music into therapy with clients. When the work settles, Kim finds solace in the great outdoors and traveling.