Beyond the Classroom: Creating Braver, Safer Spaces

​Experience an hour of power with Dr. Cruz and Mr. Aguon! Learn about what it means to be brave and embrace your authentic self. Recognize your privilege and use it to create safer spaces. In this session, you will explore diversity and inclusion, bring to light then debunk stereotypes, and confront biases that harm others. More importantly, you will leave with simple strategies that you can apply right away to help create a more inclusive Marianas. Join us and level up your allyship!

 

Speakers:

Dr. Bobby Cruz (Presenter)

Dr. Bobby Cruz is a proud son and servant leader of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). He is passionate about promoting positive social change that improves the lives of people. Dr. Cruz holds a Bachelor’s degree in English, a Master’s degree in International Education, and a Doctorate Degree in Administrative Leadership for Teaching and Learning. His professional work in the CNMI includes more than a decade of service to the Public School System where he served as a teacher, curriculum manager, and school administrator. Dr. Cruz is currently the Director of Instructional Technology & Distance Education, overseeing technology programs and initiatives that provide online learning opportunities for students and professionals. Dr. Cruz is also involved with non-profit organizations such as the Saipan Chamber of Commerce and Marianas Young Professionals. He is a coach and an athlete, having represented the CNMI in international competitions in both tennis and Va’a.

 

Jonathan Aguon (Presenter)

Jonathan Aguon was born and raised on the island of Saipan. He moved to California to attain his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Accounting. It was unequivocal that he would return back to the CNMI to serve the people of the Marianas. As the adage goes, “Home is where the heart is.” He chose to serve in educating the youth within the CNMI Public School System (PSS) where he served as a teacher and a school administrator, currently serving as the principal for Da’ok Academy. He furthered his education by completing a Master of Education Degree from Framingham State University. He has experience in consulting for the Small Business Consulting Program of the Aztec Business Alliance in collaboration with the San Diego Small Business Development Center, where he provided business consulting services to a local business in the greater San Diego area. Jonathan Aguon has a wealth of experience facilitating professional development and leading professional learning networks.

 

Alyssa Attao (Host)

Alyssa is currently a student at the Northern Marianas College majoring in Education with a concentration in Rehabilitation and Human Services. She has been actively involved with 4-H Marianas for the past 6 years, and it was through volunteering with this nonprofit that she discovered her passion for working with kids and giving back to our community. Alyssa currently serves as an advisor for the 4-H 

 

When: Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location: Via Zoom