ELIZABETH FUREY
Program director, Mariana Islands Nature Alliance
Q: What inspires you to be involved in the community?
A: My greatest inspiration is a combination of my family’s commitment to education, a legacy in public service, and our deep-rooted connection to the Marianas. My desire to protect and support the conservation of our natural resources for current and future generations, particularly my daughter, is a passion I share with my father who has served in this field for the past 40 years. Through my work at MINA and alongside community partners, I too have been dedicated to serving my island community and promoting environmental conservation.
Q: Any memorable experience or achievement?
A: There is not one personal achievement or experience specifically that comes to mind that I can say has attributed to the ideals of women’s empowerment and equality. I do believe that my position as a program director at MINA has served as an inspiration for some and hopefully others in the upcoming generations to serve for a cause greater than oneself.
In my time at MINA, I have been fortunate to be a part of the machine that has developed the Tasi Watch program exponentially. Tasi Watch was established to build local capacity in managing and conserving the islands’ natural resources with the goal of providing rangers with a comprehensive set of skills, on-the-job experiences, and basic environmental values to help prepare them for future careers in natural resource management and responsible leadership roles in the community.
As a result, this program has been instrumental in raising community awareness and support for better conservation practices that impact everyone in the CNMI. It is my hope that our efforts have empowered not just women, but people from all walks of life to take action in protecting the environment today for tomorrow.
Q: In your opinion, how can individuals and communities work together to overcome some of the challenges women face today?
A: Though I believe that there are unique challenges that women must endure, I also believe in the strength that all women possess to overcome such obstacles. I am a girl mom, and I must believe that my daughter can exist in a world where she can dream big and achieve bigger. If there is a wall standing in her way, I will teach her how to either climb that wall or run right through it.
I believe myself to be most fortunate to have been surrounded and supported by strong women my whole life. And by strong, I don’t mean successful, but women who struggled and fought for what they believed to be right and just. I gauge my worldview of powerful women not by the prestige in their accolades but by the risks taken and sacrifices made to be who they are.
As a leader in my field, the most impactful means by which I have contributed to young women was by being a mentor. It is my hope that anyone whom I may have impacted has taken steps forward even further for themselves and in return done the same for others.
Q: In your experience, how can individuals, businesses, and governments collaborate more effectively to create an environment where women can thrive professionally and personally?
A: I am not sure how these separate groups can effectively collaborate for such a purpose. It’s like inserting an introduced species into an ecosystem because it seemed like the right thing to do, so instead of having a snake problem, you have a mongoose problem; we overdid it.
I don’t think creating a “new” environment is the solution, but more so the enforcement of standards. Leaders in the workforce must keep order and maintain accountability for the people in their organization for all to thrive. If that’s not happening, then get a new leader. It is widely proven that women can compete in the workforce therefore success, recognition, and promotion as they always should have been, must be decided upon performance and merit and nothing else.
As far as thriving personally, I feel that wanting to do so includes finding a purpose and direction. For the government or organizations to be part of that equation, perhaps hosting more events that provide opportunities for free minds to build on great ideas.
Q: Any mentors? How do you support other women in similar ways?
A: I have had the privilege of being part of incredible mentorship programs and support networks that have greatly benefited my professional career and personal development. I remain an active member of my current cohorts and fellowships, continually benefiting from their guidance and support. Additionally, I am fortunate to have my mother and sister, who have served as invaluable mentors throughout my journey and continue to play a significant role in my growth.
I am passionate about the importance of paying it forward and supporting other women in similar ways. I take pride in mentoring the next generation of women, not just in the natural resources management field but through other organizations I am a part of.
Q: How do you envision the future of gender equality and women’s empowerment, and what role do you see yourself playing in advancing these goals?
A: I’m crossing my fingers for a future where we don’t have to remind people about why International Women’s Day is important each year because equality should be every day. As I progress in my field and role in the community, I am committing to continue mentorship of anyone who wants to do more. Equality is as obvious as the sun on a cloudless day!
Q: On this International Women’s Day, what message or advice would you like to share with women and girls in the Marianas who aspire to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond?
A: Hey, ladies of the Marianas, let’s show off that island pride and unleash our inner environmental superheroes! We’re talking about protecting and conserving our paradise for generations to come. Keep learning, keep lifting each other up, and remember, kindness is free. (Saipan Tribune)