A250: Community Talks is a series of facilitated, small-group conversations across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Through these gatherings, we reflect on the CNMI’s relationship with the United States and the 50th anniversary of the Covenant.
In each session, community members engage in guided and open dialogue. Together, participants explore the Covenant’s meaning, impact, and future.
Themes may include resilience and adaptability. In addition, we will discuss bridging identities, self-governance, cultural heritage, and our shared histories and futures. By design, the series welcomes diverse voices from each island.
Rather than debate or push for consensus, we focus on exploration. Instead, we practice active listening and thoughtful reflection. As a result, participants build deeper understanding and stronger community connections.
We especially encourage cultural practitioners to join and share their perspectives to the discussion.
REGISTER TODAY!
Interested participants must submit an application and consent form. Each location will be limited to 12 participants. Cultural practitioners and knowledge bearers are encouraged to register for the event.
Meet the Facilitators
Catherine Perry
Catherine Perry 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.
Queayla Sablan
Queayla Sablan, LMSW, is a Clinician for WestCare Pacific Islands. Born and raised in Saipan, she has long been drawn to the helping profession and is grateful for the experiences and people she has encountered throughout her career in social work. Curious and eager to learn, Queayla was excited to facilitate A250 Community Talks, drawn to both the small-group format and the opportunity to explore the CNMI Covenant with our youth.
Lynn F. Tenrorio
Lynn Tenorio is the Executive Director of the Commonwealth Cancer Association. She is a former board member of the CNMI Humanities Council, where she facilitated text-based community discussions through The Art of Association. Building on that experience, she joined the A250 initiative to engage students, cultural practitioners, and the wider community in conversations about culture and the CNMI’s political union with the United States through the Covenant. Though not a Covenant expert, she approaches her role as both facilitator and learner, creating spaces for reflection on identity, history, and governance to deepen appreciation for the islands’ unique culture and shared future.
Bryan Manabat
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator. He also has local community outreach experience. Bryan is a reporter for the Marianas Variety news team since 2016 and he has covered community, health, education, tourism, business, police and court news beats.
Dolores Cabrera
Dolores Cabrera was born in the Philippines and is proud product of the CNMI Covenant. After her father gained U.S. citizenship through that historic agreement, her family relocated to Tinian in 1989, where she graduated from Tinian High School, married a local, and raised her family. Deeply rooted in the land and culture that welcomed their family, she’s never left—and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Dolores joined A250 Community Talks to connect with our youth, hear their stories, and understand how they see their identity within CNMI–U.S. relations. She wants to listen to their perspectives, learn from their experiences, and explore their vision for leading our islands into the next 50 years.
