Seven scholars from the CNMI let their voices be heard as delegates and facilitators at the National 4-H Conference in Washington D.C which took place from April 11 to 16, 2025. Through workshops and roundtable discussions on topics like mental health, digital literacy and resilience, and workforce development, the students proudly represented the CNMI and shared their islands’ perspective on national issues.
From right, Rownel Jody Coloma, Kelly Zheng, Sylvia Sanchez, 4-H Advisor Jacklynn Sanchez, Jia Ross Nicdao, Alicia Wen Teope, MercyAnne Christian, Advisor Tayna Belyeu-Camacho, and Rosabelle Surla.
The seven scholars — high school students Kelly Zheng, Jia Ross Nicdao, MeryAnne Christian, Alicia Wen Teope, Sylvia Sanchez, and college students Rosabelle Surla, and Rownel Jody Coloma — participated in workshops, networking opportunities, and a career fair at the conference. Sanchez served in a prominent role as part of the youth leadership team, alongside Coloma and Surla, who held key positions as the conference’s lead collegiate facilitator and collegiate facilitator, respectively.
The conference is an opportunity for 4-H members from around the nation and its territories to engage in civic engagement, leadership development, and advocacy at the national level. The youth attendees, referred to as delegates, have the unique chance to present recommendations to federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, AmeriCorps, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, and the U.S. Department of Labor on issues that impact young people today. Beyond policy work, the conference emphasizes leadership growth and professional development, helping youth strengthen their public speaking, critical thinking, and collaboration skills.
Collegiate Facilitator and former 4-H Marianas Youth State Council Public Relations Officer Rosabelle Surla shared a fun fact about herself during introductions at the National 4-H Conference.
Sylvia Sanchez, a senior at Marianas High School and current Secretary of the 4-H Marianas Saipan Island Council, addresses fellow 4-H’ers at the National 4-H Conference.
As lead collegiate facilitator, Coloma aided in the creation of the conference’s curriculum, guiding workshops, and fostering a learning environment that amplifies the impact of 4-H.
Surla’s role as collegiate facilitator was instrumental in creating an engaging experience for youth delegates through discussions on leadership, community service, and sustainability.
“I gained valuable skills, broadened my perspective, built new connections, and deepened my understanding of the challenges facing today’s youth. It was an enjoyable, memorable, and insightful experience — exceeding what I had imagined, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity,” shared Alicia Wen Teope. “The biggest highlight for me was sharing my own experiences and collaborating with my roundtable to present our responses to the challenge question, while also practicing professional development in depth.”
4-H youth advisor Jacklynn Sanchez highlighted the conference as “an incredible platform to proudly represent the CNMI and share our island perspective on national issues.”
Tayna Belyeu-Camacho, 4-H youth advisor and state/territory program leader of the NMC-CREES’ Family, Community, and Youth Development program, shared, “The 4-H National Conference isn’t just an event — it’s a space where young voices are truly heard, where ideas take root, and where the next generation of leaders begins to realize the power they hold to shape the future. We are incredibly proud of the CNMI delegation for representing our islands with heart, purpose, and pride.”
CNMI 4-H delegates and advisors were joined by fellow 4-H’ers during a welcoming reception.
The National 4-H Conference is an annual event where youth leaders from every corner of the country, including its territories, unite. They come together to discuss issues impacting their communities and develop strategies to create positive change with youth from the nation. The conference also serves as a space for cultural exchange, where youth from across the country and U.S. territories connect, share stories, and celebrate the cultural richness within the 4-H community.
For information and local opportunities with 4-H Marianas, contact the NMC-CREES Family Community and Youth Development program at (670) 237-6841/5/6 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./.