Emilie Green Johnston (1924-2011) is a significant figure to historians and researchers of Guam history. Along with Guam historian/professors Paul Carano and Marjorie Driver, Johnston helped found the College of Guam’s (now the University of Guam) first research center.
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Gertrude Costenoble Hornbostel (1893 – 1982) was born on 20 December 1893, in Reinfelden, Switzerland, to Gertrude Blum and Ludwig Wilhelm Herman Costenoble. In 1903 she and her older brother Hermann moved with their parents to settle in Saipan, which at the time was a territory of Germany.
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Rosa Aguigui Reyes (1915-2007) is distinguished as being the first woman elected to the Guam Congress, in 1946. She was a pioneer in politics and in education. Reyes was born 7 February 1915 to Bienvenida Mata Tyquiengco and Ignacio Babauta Aguigui. She graduated from Agana High School before World War II.
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Mary Essie Underwood (1906-1998), also known as Sister Mary Inez, was one of the first three Sisters of Mercy from North Carolina who came to Guam in 1946 to establish a community of women religious and Catholic schools.
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Lucia Fernandez Torres (1933 – 2007) was a recognized Master of the traditional folk art of weaving. An advocate of the importance of cultural traditions, she shared her skills with others interested in learning how to weave. Her crafts have been displayed locally and in regional exhibits throughout the Pacific.
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Elizabeth Pangelinan Perez Arriola (1928 – 2002) is most widely recognized in Guam history for her stand on issues affecting the family. A six-term Guam senator, Arriola took tough stances against legalizing casino gambling and abortion, and championed legislation on a wide range of issues affecting Guam and its culture, focusing special concern on women, youth and senior citizens.
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Amanda Pangelinan Guzman Shelton (1906-1982) was one of a handful of native Chamorro nurses who worked at the Naval Hospital in Hagåtña in the early American administration of Guam before World War II. Better known as “Mac,” Shelton was born 22 October 1906.
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Maria Yatar McDonald (1955 – ) is a multi-talented musician, traditional tattoo and visual artist influenced by a wide range of artists beginning with her parents. McDonald was born in 1955 in the village of Pali, Sumai before spending nearly two decades living in the village of Sånta Rita-Sumai, and then in Hågat. She graduated from George Washington High School in 1973 and received a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Guam in 1997.
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Flora Baza Quan is a renowned CHamoru/Chamorro singer and songwriter from Guam, who has been performing and recording for more than thirty years. Known affectionately as the “Queen of Chamorro Music,” Baza Quan is a pioneer of contemporary Chamorro music, lending her signature sound and vocal talents to perpetuating Chamorro culture. Some of her recognized favorites include “Hagu,” “Puti Tai Nobiu” and “Hinasso.”
Melvin Won Pat-Borja is a spoken word poet, slam poet and hip hop artist, and teacher, now serving as president of the Department of CHamoru Affairs. Spoken word poetry is performance-based poetry that is presented as a narration, as if the poet were engaged in a conversation. Won Pat-Borja recites originally composed poetry with a rhythmic presentation, akin to hip hop style. Unlike rapping, however, spoken word poetry does not usually incorporate music. Like many spoken word artists, the subject matter of his poetry reflects issues in social justice, education and identity. Won Pat-Borja has been competing in poetry slams since 2003.
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