Q&A with CNMI’s Woman of Excellence in Wildlife Preservation

AMANDA SANTOS

Wildlife biologist, Division of Fish and Wildlife

Q: What drives you to make a difference in your community?

A: The community itself is my inspiration. Everything I am today is because of it, and I want to give back because I am truly grateful.

Q: Can you share a particularly memorable experience or achievement?

A: I travel to the Northern Islands for work, and it proves to be a challenging task for both men and women. We are there for weeks without the basic amenities that we are used to having on Saipan. No running water, no power. Being up there is physically demanding because we hike from dawn ’til dusk collecting wildlife data. It is a big accomplishment for me not only as a woman but as an indigenous person to go to the Northern Islands, and it is something that I will continue to do. I even have plans to go to Alamagan and Agrihan this year.

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges women face today?

A: Gender opportunities. The struggle for work-life balance is universal, and it is defined by gender-specific challenges. Not only do women work full-time [but] we often bear more of the responsibility when caring for our home or family. Understanding these differences is a step forward in creating a supportive environment. Communities can also work together by educating people that roles are equal and should be given the same opportunities regardless of gender.

Q: Was there ever a time when you had to challenge societal norms and stereotypes?

A: When I started my career, I was often dismissed or unheard, because I was seen as a “young woman.” On one of my surveys, I was talking to the applicant and he refused to answer me. Even though I was the one asking the questions, he would respond to my male coworker and has even referred to me as an inexperienced trainee. If he had actually talked to me and not assumed, he would’ve realized that I was a trained biologist, and the person to whom he was responding to was getting trained by me. I overcame it by standing my ground and continuing to do my job.

Q: How can individuals, businesses, and governments collaborate more effectively to create an environment where women can thrive?

A: By acknowledging International Women’s Day. Creating equal opportunities for women is a great way to help them gain experience and thrive.

Q: Have you had any mentors? Ho w do you pay that forward?

A: When I graduated high school, I participated in the Coral Reef Initiative Internship where I had a female mentor. While in my undergrad at Oregon State University, I was in the College of Agricultural Science Leadership Academy where I also had a female mentor. The mentors I had at different stages of my life helped motivate me by sharing their experiences. It helped me pave the road in my career.

Last year I mentored two amazing females under the Division of Coastal Resource Management Internship program, one of whom recently informed me she got accepted into a graduate program. This year I plan to continue to mentor under the same program.

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 see that there is progress but there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done. I envision a safe environment for women, equal opportunities, and peace. I see myself continuing to be a woman in science and I hope to inspire other women to achieve their goals in life.

Q: On this International Women’s Day, do you have any message or advice for other women?

A: You are special. Know your self-worth. You are strong in all aspects. Your mind and body are capable of so many things. Don’t let the words of others hinder you from gaining knowledge and moving forward. Be kind and resilient along the way. (Nhorleen Bitco-Lilles)