‘My desire is to make the most of each day’

Kanae Quinn and her husband, Russ. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Urban Dictionary calls a woman who knows how to do everything as a “jill of all trades.” Sort of like the female version of the “jack of all trades.”

The CNMI’s own jill of all trades has a name and she is Kanae S. Quinn. She has been involved in various fields and skills that include consulting, fitness, education and training, community outreach, and marriage counseling.

But Quinn is quick to point out that living and everyday life should be more about quality and not just sheer quantity. “My motivation stems from my desire to make the most of each day. Sometimes, it’s not a lot as quality has become much more valuable than quantity,” she said.

“…My daily goal is not to do as many things in a day as possible, but rather, do the most important things on a particular day. …Balance is essential and has become easier to attain as I have grown older. I have come to realize that time is the greatest asset and we have to utilize it wisely…,” she added.

If Quinn is to put a feather in her cap after each accomplishment, she will need many caps.

She manages her time at Quinn Consulting, LLC doing hospitality and events consulting service; at Marianas Fitness Ltd. as part-owner of a gym where she teaches spin class; as a hospitality and career training instructor at Latte Training Academy; as a board member for Make-A-Wish Guam and CNMI where she has been with for six years now; and Worldwide Marriage Encounter, helping CNMI couples and families enhance their relationships.

“I don’t necessarily believe there are advantages in being a woman who works in various industries. If you’re an individual with diverse interests, it’s a good way to meet and work with lots of different people,” she said.

“As a teacher of hospitality classes to high school students, my passion is to impress upon them that being a kind, honest individual with integrity are essential to becoming a great employee. …A person’s character speaks loudly of how he or she will perform in anything he or she accomplishes. Commitment, love and empathy are traits I endeavor to instill in myself,” she added.

After achieving so many goals in different fields, Quinn boils down her idea of excellence in woman to relationships that are built with others. “My view of ‘women of excellence’ may not necessarily conform to the norm. A person who has achieved a certain level of financial success or a prestigious position, title, or award is not always an excellent woman,” she said. “An excellent woman values relationships and time with family and friends. She’s not ‘too busy’ for you. She’s kind, willing to help others, is a good listener and one you want to invite for parties as she’s fun as well.”