Eyes on the prize: The greater good of the CNMI

“I want to create initiatives for women empowerment in the workplace,” said Tan Siu Lin Foundation executive director Merlie Tolentino. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Over the years and after many projects and events, Merlie Torres Tolentino still manages to keep all moving parts of the Tan Siu Lin Foundation together by keeping her sight on the prize—ensuring that the foundation keeps working toward the greater good of the CNMI.

“Knowing that my line of work is not only limited to my own financial stability or personal interest but [has] ripple effects on the lives of others that I get to touch in the organizations that I work with makes each day worth the hassle,” she said.

Tolentino, who works with a board of directors as executive director of the TSL Foundation, said it is easy to get caught up in the idea of working for the sake of just earning “but every work day becomes meaningful once you realize how your work transcends and contributes to the betterment of society, and other sectors that we are working with.”

Aside from the foundation, Tolentino also plays active roles in organizations such as the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association, Northern Marianas Badminton Association, Asian Football Confederation, East Asian Football Association, and Pacific Century Fellows.

“It’s true what they say to ‘Find a job that you love to do, and you never have to work a day in your life.’ It might sound cheesy but loving what you do, your work ,and all that entails makes everything [run] smooth[ly],” she said. “It also helps to be surrounded by family and friends who are supportive, proud of what I do, and understand my line of work and responsibilities. It is because of this that I never really had a major problem in balancing my personal life and my career.”

In January this year, at the annual gala of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, the TSL Foundation was recognized as the 2019 Non-Profit of the Year for its many charitable acts, events, and projects that help uplift individuals and families in the CNMI.

“…It is great to be recognized by business people. All of us are working hard, whether in business or charitable works, to help the CNMI. … I hope that I get to inspire others with what I do,” Tolentino said.

“I hope that my hard work somehow inspires others to give their all in any job that they do. … At the TSL Foundation, we do not only work for ourselves, for the company, or to support our families. Whatever our line of work is, it should always bend toward helping to improve the society that we live in, no matter how small or big our contributions may be. I hope I get to deliver that message to many through my job each day,” she added.