Senator Gardenia Aisek

Her Story:

I was born 7^th to my mother and was between a girl who was two years older and a boy who was 2 years younger.  I was close to my father and I did well in school and those were two things that helped be through my turbulent teen years.

I went to college and finished my Master’s degree in Business Administration; came back to Chuuk and taught at the College of Micronesia.  Then I moved to Saipan and taught at the Northern Marianas College.  During my time at Northern Marianas College, I became the Director of the School of Business and Hospitality. I moved back to Chuuk and helped my father in his business, managing the Blue Lagoon Resort, while my husband then was the Governor of Chuuk State and that made me first lady of Chuuk from 1997 to 2005.  I was with the Blue Lagoon Resort from 1997 to 2008 as the controller for 4 years and then manager for 7 years.

I became the first woman Director of Education in Chuuk State in 2010 to 2014. During this time, I implemented the education reform plan, which was considered a controversy for many, especially the leaders and the employees of the Department of Education. As a result, the Board of Education decided to terminate my employment with the Department, which led to a lawsuit against the Board of Education.

Motivation to enter Politics:

I decided to run for Senate in the Chuuk State Legislature because I believe it is time for change in Chuuk, not merely putting women in government but women who can fight for change to improve things in our islands and our communities.  In spite of the challenges and difficulties that face a woman in our islands to run for political office, it is not impossible.  The key is you must believe in yourself and the timing must be right.  I thank my father for believing in me and for always encouraging me to be what I want to be.

Key achievements:

First woman to be a member of the Board of Regents for College of Micronesia.

First woman Director of Education, Chuuk State.

Implemented the Chuuk Education Reform Plan.

First woman elected to the House of Senate, Chuuk State Legislature