Michaela Gatdula says her creativity is inspired by her community, culture, Saipan and the Pacific.
Growing up on Saipan has taught Michaela Gatdula the importance of community, culture, and the power of storytelling.
She says these are values that guide her work every day as a Content Creator and Digital Media Specialist for Northern Marianas College – Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services (NMC-CREES), where she uses her background in graphic design and media arts to transform community knowledge into accessible, meaningful visuals.
“In my role, I have the privilege of serving Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, collaborating closely with diverse community members, students, partners and stakeholders to amplify local voices and highlight programs that strengthen our workforce, support food systems, and empower future leaders,” Michaela says.
“Whether I’m documenting local initiatives, designing outreach materials, or capturing the stories of the people who make our islands vibrant, my goal is always the same: to uplift voices, preserve identity, and celebrate the unique experiences of the Pacific.”
Saipan is the largest island and capital of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and a place which Michaela pays homage to with her creativity.
“Every project is an opportunity to honor my roots, support my community, and contribute to a future where Pacific stories continue to lead, inspire, and connect us,” she says.
In 2023, Michaela and her team earned a Bronze Award from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) for our Let’s Move Marianas campaign, which promoted the Junior Healthy Cooking Competition.
It aimed at engaging youth in nutrition education, healthy cooking, and overall wellness through culturally relevant and visually engaging digital storytelling.
Another project the team supports is the Walk-and-Roll on Wednesday (WOW), a weekly community wellness initiative that supports diabetes and chronic disease prevention through encouraging residents and families to stay active in a safe and welcoming environment.
A short-form video produced by Michaela and her team for WOW reached over 200,000 views, becoming the most-viewed video across the College’s social media platforms to date. This significantly expanded community engagement and demonstrated the impact of digital storytelling in our islands.
Michaela is one of 30 emerging leaders from 20 Pacific countries selected to attend the YPL Navigating the digital landscape workshop, with a focus on truth, transparency and technology, from March 10-13, 2026, in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand.
Hosted by the United States Department of State and Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL), the YPL cohort will take part in the four-day workshop, highlighting the power of Pacific storytelling through digital media.
Throughout her creative journey to date, Michaela has learned the digital landscape has transformed storytelling by making user experience just as important as the story itself.
“We are moving away from straight-line narratives and toward more flexible content that allows our audience to choose their own path,” she says.
“Instead of simply watching or reading, people now interact with our content, and because of this shift, we focus on creating meaningful digital experiences that respect what our audience is looking for.
“This allows them to enter the story where it matters most to them and leave with something useful, making our storytelling both engaging and practical.”
The biggest benefit of digital media is ownership, she adds.
“We don’t have to wait for someone else to tell our stories anymore; we have the tools to show the world who we are on our own terms.
“However, a real challenge is how fast everything moves now, especially with AI – I’m constantly trying to figure out how to stay modern and tech-forward without losing the hand-crafted, intentional feel that makes our Pacific stories special.
“I want to use technology as a helpful tool, rather than letting it take over my creative voice.”
Of Filipino descent, yet born and raised in the CNMI, Michaela says she has struggled with feeling “not Filipino enough” or “not Micronesian enough” at times.
The March workshop is an opportunity to deepen for Michaela to deepen her storytelling skills, to embrace her identity, experiences, and aspirations more fully, and to share stories of the Pacific in ways that are compelling, respectful, and impactful, she says.
“That sense of being in between has made it difficult to tell stories that felt wholly authentic, but over time, I have come to understand that this in-between space is not a limitation, but a strength.
“It is where my perspective has been shaped, by culture, community, and lived experience, and as I continue to grow professionally, I have learned how to bridge stories across cultures and generations, and how to honor multiple identities while remaining grounded in place.”
Visiting Aotearoa will be a brand-new experience for Michaela, who is looking forward to being immersed in its culture.
“I am eager to listen to the stories of the people I will encounter and to witness how culture is protected and carried forward through digital innovation.
“I look forward to being surrounded by other young leaders who share a deep love for the Pacific, and to seeing how the spirit of Aotearoa can expand my understanding of what is possible for the CNMI.
“I am ready to be inspired by a place that holds profound respect for both its past and its future.”
Storytelling can take many forms, and the high caliber of successful applicants selected from over 200 candidates for the workshop, have a variety of backgrounds, from media and communications specialists to educators, researchers, health practitioners, digital entrepreneurs and visual artists.
Cohort to attend the March workshop:
- Wallace Aroita (Cook Islands)
- Julie Cooper (Niue)
- Asia Camacho Hilario (CNMI)
- Camo Diaz Egurrola (Guåhan)
- Absalom Edwards (Marshall Islands)
- Clarriann Futai (Solomon Islands)
- Gina Ishmael (Vanuatu)
- Kreetika Kumar (Fiji)
- Gabby Langkilde (American Samoa)
- Jasmine Leota (Aotearoa New Zealand)
- Tony Leota (Samoa)
- Pita Loloma (Fiji)
- Magic Lus (Australia)
- Don Maifala (American Samoa)
- Lincy Marino (Palau)
- Michaela Montoya Gatdula (CNMI)
- Ondine Moyatea-Ferdnandez (New Caledonia)
- Dr Lavau Nalu (PNG)
- Jay Nasilasila (Fiji)
- Chelsea Pedro (Palau)
- Rain Sancher (FSM)
- Antonnia Singut (PNG)
- Penina Sua-loa (Samoa)
- Maria Tanner (Cook Islands)
- Tahnee Tchen (French Polynesia
- Esther Tetava (Cook Islands
- Pohaikealoha Worley (Hawai’i)
- Gitty Yee (Tuvalu)
- Kanoelani Toshida (Hawai’i)
Visit the Young Pacific Leaders website for more information about the US Department of State program.