STAFF
Leo G. Pangelinan, Executive Director
In his role as the Executive Director of the Northern Marianas Humanities Council, Leo conscientiously steers initiatives that delve into the diverse human experiences within the Commonwealth. Outside his professional commitments, he extends his influence as a Regional Advisor for McREL International, devoted to the improvement of academic outcomes across the Pacific region. A traditional ocean voyager, he humbly acknowledges the lessons learned from the open seas, integrating the values of navigation into both his personal and professional endeavors.
As a recording artist and ukulele player, Leo endeavors to promote and preserve the Chamorro language through melodic expressions. In addition to his artistic pursuits, he co-founded the Pacific Islands Humanities Network, a platform fostering collaboration among regional councils to amplify Pacific Islander voices nationally. From the boardroom to the sea, his journey encapsulates a commitment to leadership, cultural preservation, and collaboration, all underscored by a humble dedication to his Pacific heritage.
Honora S. Tenorio, Fiscal/Administrative Officer
Honora has been with the Council since February 2001. She contributes to the management of the Council’s revenues and expenses, a variety of budgeting and financial monitoring tasks, and general office management. She coordinates activities related to the Council’s annual financial statement audit and produces a number of quarterly financial reports for the board. She performs general bookkeeping and accounting services and manages payroll and employee benefits functions. Honora brings more than two decades of experience gained in the hospitality industry in her approach to providing high quality service to the Council and its stakeholders.
Catherine R. Perry, Program Director/Host
Catherine has directed and hosted the Council’s Your Humanities Half-hour Program since 2010 as the sole proprietor of Integrity Communications. YHHH is featured weekly on on Power 99 (92.5FM), various podcasting platforms, YouTube (@670humanities), and on cable tv (KSPN2 channel). The program features interviews with humanities scholars, students, community organizations and other special guests.
Naomi R. Tudela, Program Manager
Naomi was hired as a program coordinator in August 2022 and promoted to the program manager in March 2023. She supports the management of all Council programs with a particular focus on the Community Grants Program. Her experience as a client manager for Xerox Corporation and general manager for Bed Bath and Beyond contribute to her 17 plus years in business management. She has expertise in customer service, marketing, research, and strategic planning. Naomi launched the CNMI’s first International Day of People with Disabilities celebration in partnership with the Office of the Governor and numerous networks in the CNMI. With a love for connection and teaching, Naomi teaches Children’s Ministry at her local church and holds several mwáár making master classes around the island connecting her with an array of individuals in the community. Naomi captains her family boat and enjoys being out in the ocean snorkeling with her daughter in her spare time.
Roberto E. Santos, Archive & Records Manager
Roberto was hired as a records specialist in September 2021 and promoted to manage the Council’s Digital Archives Project in May 2022. He has made vast improvements to the Council’s online resources and has increased public engagement with our digital historic and cultural records. He is a web developer, cultural practitioner and artist from Saipan, where he grew up learning to weave and perform music and dance. He studied music, Japanese and Italian at the University of Denver in Colorado, where he went on to perform with the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra and his own Sound Medicine Chamber Ensemble. He continued his studies and career as a performer and polyglot in the Hawaiian Islands and Japan before learning to build and maintain applications and websites as a developer in Denver and San Francisco. He has since returned to the Mariånas where he is able to integrate his passions for cultural and human rights advocacy, performance, linguistics, and history while also making time to be outside and in the ocean with his loved ones.
Melissa M. Santos, Project Coordinator
Melissa was hired in September 2022 as a records specialist and promoted to fill the role of a project coordinator in December 2023 to support the Council’s Digital Archives, Inafa’måolik – Tipiyeew Matters, and Pacific Islands Humanities Network. She is a graduate of Marianas High School and is pursuing a degree in Business and Pre-Engineering at Northern Marianas College. She is a co-founder and member of NMC’s STEM Learning Community and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She is passionate about the cultural heritage and traditions of the Mariånas and an advocate for its preservation. Melissa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as playing with her dogs.
Knilis N. Tuhuweitae, Project Coordinator
With a background spanning five years of dedicated professional experience within the realms of Chamorro and Carolinian language and culture, and possessing a passion for linguistic preservation and cultural heritage, Knilis is a Certified Bilingual Teacher who has effectively imparted knowledge and fostered an appreciation for both Chamorro and Carolinian languages within the Public School System, operating under the Chamorro Carolinian Language Heritage Program (CCLHS).
Having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chamoru Studies from the University of Guam, Knilis is deeply rooted in academic understanding and practical application of indigenous cultural practices. As a committed cultural practitioner, Knilis has honed skills in traditional healing arts, embodying the roles of Suruhåna/Sóusafey. This role entails the comprehensive exploration of physical and spiritual remedies intrinsic to Chamorro and Carolinian medicinal traditions, reflecting a profound commitment to the preservation and perpetuation of cultural heritage and native language.
Leeani R. Villagomez, Program Coordinator
Leeani was hired in March 2023 as a program coordinator with lead responsibilities for Chat & Chesa, Governor’s Humanities Awards, Humanities Month Proclamation Signing Events, Pride Talks, Sengebau Poetry Competition, and the DFS T-Galleria Marianas Experience Exhibit. She has a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and media arts and an associate’s degree in liberal arts. Leeani comes to the Council with over six years of administrative and program coordination experience with the Criminal Justice Planning Agency, Mount Carmel School, and Saipan Sandcastle.