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.
A U.S. Army veteran with 15 years of service, he relocated to Saipan from Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, in October 2008. Following a 17-year career with IT&E, Rob retired and now dedicates much of his time to community service and civic engagement.
Rob has a longstanding commitment to education and youth development, having served as President of the Parents Advisory Council and President of the Garapan Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association. Through these leadership roles, he has supported initiatives that promote learning, cultural awareness, and the preservation of the music, languages, and traditions of the Indigenous and diverse communities of the Commonwealth. He remains passionate about creating opportunities to strengthen community connections and support cultural and educational programs throughout the Northern Mariana Islands.
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.
Leonard (Leni) Leon
Leni is a photographer, filmmaker, cultural jewelry artist, and lifelong creative whose work is inspired by the diverse cultures and traditions of the Pacific. Born and raised in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, he later made the Mariana Islands his home, developing a deep appreciation for Chamorro and Refaluwasch culture while living in Achugao, Saipan.
Lein holds a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Media with a Minor in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. He is best known creatively for the series of photos and stories he collected of the island in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yutu, as well as for his handcrafted giant clam shell pendants that celebrate Pacific cultural heritage.
A dedicated advocate for cultural preservation and public history, Leni was elected to the Board of Directors in February 2021 and served as Secretary/Treasurer from April 2022 to April 2023. Since July 1, 2024, he has served as Executive Director of the NMI Museum of History and Culture, where he continues to lead efforts to preserve, interpret, and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Commonwealth.
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.
Samuel McPhetres, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Sam is a licensed architect, sustainability professional, and community advocate dedicated to strengthening the built environment of the Northern Mariana Islands through thoughtful, culturally responsive design. With more than two decades of experience in architecture, planning, and project management, he has led the design and delivery of educational, civic, commercial, and community-focused projects throughout the Marianas and the Pacific region. His work emphasizes creating places that reflect local identity, support community well-being, and foster meaningful connections between people, culture, and place.
As a member of the Northern Marianas Humanities Council Board of Directors, Samuel brings a deep appreciation for the role that history, culture, and storytelling play in shaping communities. His professional approach centers on preserving and celebrating the unique heritage of the Marianas while advancing sustainable and resilient design solutions for future generations. Through his involvement in community organizations, professional associations, and public service initiatives, he advocates for projects and programs that enrich civic life, strengthen cultural awareness, and promote a greater understanding of the islands’ diverse heritage.
Kimberly Camacho
Kimm is a native-born Chamorro from Saipan committed to serving the people and communities of the Northern Mariana Islands. She is Executive Director of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, where she advances economic development, strengthens workforce initiatives, and fosters collaboration among businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations. She also owns a small business providing professional services and business support.
A graduate of Kagman High School, Kimm earned an Associate of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix. While her studies initially focused on education, she later developed a passion for business and organizational leadership and is currently nearing completion of her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Kimm’s commitment to community service extends beyond her professional role. She serves as Vice President of the Northern Marianas Technical Institute Foundation and as a member of WestCare Pacific’s NMI Community Action Council, supporting initiatives in education, workforce development, health and human services, and community well-being across the Marianas.
In recognition of her leadership and service, Kimm was named a recipient of the Marianas Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award, receiving the Community Spirit Award for her contributions to the CNMI. Kimm joined the Northern Marianas Humanities Council because she believes preserving and sharing the stories, cultures, languages, and traditions of the Marianas is essential to honoring the past and shaping the future. She is especially passionate about ensuring future generations have access to these opportunities, which she did not always have growing up.
Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Kimm enjoys creating TikTok content and vlogs, reading, experimenting with coffee mixtures, and catching the island’s beautiful sunsets.
Ajani Burrell
Ajani Burrell is currently an assistant professor in the Languages and Humanities Department at Northern Marianas College, and a doctoral student in American/Anglophone Studies at Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz working on his dissertation, tentatively titled Analysis of Contemporary Indigenous Culture in the English Language Narratives of the Mariana Islands Archipelago and Diaspora. He served as the lead collection editor of and authored two chapters for A Marianas Mosaic: Signs and Shifts in Contemporary Island Life, which was generously supported by funding from the Northern Marianas Humanities Council.
Ajani holds a BA in history from the University of Michigan and an MFA in creative writing from Northern Michigan University. His research interests include neo and postcolonialism, contemporary Indigenous and Pacific literature, transpacific and transnational studies, Indigenous studies, and the intersection of literature and culture. In 2023, he was awarded the Governor’s Humanities Award for Research and Publication in the Humanities.
When he is not working, Ajani enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, playing football, and all manner of outdoor activities.
Raquel Aguon
Raquel Aguon is the Research and Product Development Manager for the Marianas Visitors Authority. Originally from Tinian, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and is passionate about cultures, communities, and the use of data-driven research to foster meaningful engagement and informed decision-making. In her role, she leads initiatives that support tourism planning, visitor research, and product development to enhance the visitor experience throughout the Mariana Islands.
A proud advocate for cultural preservation, Raquel enjoys traveling and learning about diverse cultures around the world. Her personal interests reflect her deep connection to the Mariana Islands and include cultural dancing, traditional and contemporary arts, and outrigger canoe paddling. A cultural dancer for more than 20 years, she has dedicated much of her time to preserving and sharing Chamorro traditions through performance, education, and community engagement. She is also a founding member who helped charter a nonprofit Chamorro dance organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of the Mariana Islands.
Raquel also considers herself an environmental steward with a strong interest in reducing plastic waste throughout the Marianas and promoting sustainable practices within island communities. Through both her professional work and community involvement, she is committed to preserving and promoting the unique heritage, traditions, and natural beauty of the Marianas for future generations.
