The CWC membership selected the women
based on their active roles and contributions in their professional, family,
community, church, State and National government lives.
To begin the day, over 300 women met in a
“March-A-Thon” to represent the solidarity of women within our
communities. Walking together and
singing, this moving symbol of women unity headed to the Anderson Field from the
old Stop & Shop parking lot. Fiin Alisi Mama Emiko Souleng christened this
special event including the awards ceremony for the recognized 10 women.
Ms. Kiki Stinnett, President of CWC, gave an overview
of International Women’s Day and presided over the recognition ceremony for the recipients of the “ Ten (10) Courageous
Women” merit award. The honorees included:
 |
| Sr. Faustina, left, and Kiki Stinnett |
Sr.
Faustina Nedelec is now 75 years old. Celebrated her Golden Jubilee August 21,
2010 where family members, the Catholic Church, government leaders and
community leaders jointed the festivities to honor her accomplishments on
Fefan. Sr. Faustina has over 50 years’
experience working and helping children, youth, men and with women. She is passionate and committed to promoting
education learning and her commitment to advancing women’s involvement in the
church and community.
 |
| Tersita Aten |
Tersita
Aten served as Chuuk State First Lady during the period of 1978 and 1986 when
her late husband was Governor. During
her term as first lady she was very instrumental in the formation of the Chuuk
State Red Cross and continues to support the FSM Red Cross today. She graduated from Lorreto Academy High
School in Kansas and maintained her position as Executive Secretary for the
Department of Public Safety until she retired.
She is the founder of the Club 20 that promotes education and focuses on
fundraising to secure funds for High School Scholarships. They also recognize
Outstanding Students at all the High Schools during Graduation Ceremony every
year.
 |
| Maria William |
Maria
William is a true “Woman of Service “as described by her daughter Julia
William. Maria William began her career
in Education as a teacher’s aide at the St. Cecilia School. After a number of
years as a teacher’s aide she moved to Iras Elementary School and began teaching.
During her time at Iras, she furthered her personal education at the College of
Micronesia, Prell Program, and by attending the summer programs held by Eastern
Oregon College in Chuuk. She eventually became the Principal of Iras and held
this position for many years, until her promotion to Superintendent for the
Northern Namoneas Elementary School. In addition to her educational career, Ms.
William is a busy member of the community served at the Immaculate Heart of
Mary Parish faithfully, while fulfilling many commitments to her busy life and
family of 12.
 |
| Yurie Gouland |
Yurie
Gouland was born July 2, 1943 and is the mother of 14 children. She is a former Chuuk State First Lady and
was the founder of the Chuuk Women’s Council.
She remains a faithful Advisor to the CWC, raised her children and
numerous grandchildren religiously, and is actively involved with serving the
church that carries her father’s name “Keter Memorial Church”. Mrs. Gouland is
an accomplished and dedicated public servant who has done justice to her role
as First Lady of Chuuk State.
 |
| Chineina Graham |
Chineina
Graham was born April 7th, 1946. Her collegiate career included the
College of Micronesia and the University of Hawaii. Her education focused on elementary
education, including summer professional trainings from 1962-1977. Chineina has
also worked in a multitude of business functions, including serving as a legal
counselor & consultant for the Micronesia Legal Services Corporation,
officer and advisor to many local organizations and charities including CWC,
Tobacco Coalition, and was founder and Vice President of Ship/Hoops. Chineina
has also dedicated her life to being an exemplary mother, having 3 children,
one of whom competed as an Olympic wrestler in the 2012 Olympic Games in
London.
 |
| Tanceny Reynold |
Tanceny
Raynold served as the first Chuuk State Government Women Interest. During that time she also served on the FSM
Women Advisory Council and as Vice President for CWC. She graduated from Mizpah Christian High
School and has always been very committed to public service and continues to
promote Christianity and Education in Chuuk. She is also co-founder of the
Nukuno Christian High School on Tonowas Island.
 |
| Carmina L. Billy |
Carmina
L. Billy, born July 14, 1954. Educated
in Guam, Carmina served as Assistant Coordinator for the Early Childhood
Education Program for the Chuuk State Department of Education. Within the
community, she personally organized and currently serves, as the Advisor to the
Inamwoto Ramalum Women’s Association. Carmina
is the Chairperson for the CWC Board.
 |
| Dr. Rita Mori, left, and Ms Eleanor Setik |
Dr.
Rita Mori, born January 22, 1954. She earned her undergraduate degree from
Grand Valley State College in the U.S. and her medical education was pursued in
Pohnpei with her post-graduate studies being completed in Fiji. Dr. Rita is the
acting obstetrician and gynecologist at Chuuk State Hospital and provides
training to local NGOs regarding maternal-child health. Dr. Rita owns and runs a local clinic and
pharmacy with her husband. She is a member of the Pacific Basin Medical
Association, the Chuuk Medical Association, the Pacific Society of Reproductive
Health, President of the Club 20 and Advisor to CWC.
Eleanor
Setik, RN, N.P., was born January 1, 1957. She completed her collegiate study
at the College of Micronesia in Nursing, continued her undergraduate degree at
UCLA Women’s Health Center where she earned her Nurse Practitioner
license. Currently, she is based at
Public Health in the Chuuk State and serves as the HIV/AIDS Coordinator. She is
actively involved in the Chuuk Women’s Council, and serves as Vice Chairperson
and for the Chuuk State Health Services Quality Assurance Committee.
 |
| Dr. Dorina Fred-Reselap |
Dr.
Dorina Fred-Reselap was born July 8, 1967. Doria attended the College of
Micronesia’s School of Nursing where she earned her AS in nursing. She worked
for Chuuk State Hospital as a nurse until completing the University of Hawaii
at Manoa Pacific Basin Medical Officer Training Program in Pohnpei. She
finished the program with a MBBS and returned to Chuuk to work in Public
Health. Currently, Dr. Reselap serves as the MDRTB physician at Chuuk State
Hospital. Her work with MDRTB earned her the CDC’s National Award for
Humanitarian Assistance to Patients. She has also served as an officer for the
Chuuk Medical Association.
CWC
used this day to highlight the strength and capacity of Chuukese women with a
Track & Field competition that included about 300 women who were divided
into seven (7) competitive teams. Each team wore their own colorful headbands
which identified them to the delight of their many cheering fans.
The
various teams signified a specific issue within the community unique to women
or an issue the women of Chuuk have been actively involved in during this year.
These issues included Domestic Violence (Yellow), Tuberculosis (Maroon),
Beautification (Purple), HIV/STI (Red), Diabetes (Blue), Cancer (Pink), and
Nutrition (Green).
The seven (7) teams competed in a number of track and
field events which included the 60 &100-meter dash, the Pinchiri, a walking
race, a relay race, and the crowd’s favorite, the Tug-O-War. Prizes were given out to all who participated.
When the dust settled and the cheering died down, the
Domestic Violence team won the day and took the coveted 1st place
award along with the bragging rights that goes with winning - but only until
next year!
Hopefully, this event will encourage continued
vigilance on the part of all the women of Chuuk, and the Chuuk Women’s Council,
to stop or significantly reduce the instances of Domestic Violence over the
next year and to continue strengthening the voice of women in Chuuk!
A Special Kinisou Chapur is extended to FSM
Congressman at Large, Wesley Simina, who sponsored this worthwhile event. CWC also expresses their appreciation to the local business that donated and contributed to the
success of the event.
Submitted
by Kiki Stinnett
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