Florie Mendiola, Ed.D., a proud CHamoru from Rota, CNMI, is the daughter of Lucas and Rosalin Mendiola, a member of the Casa Mayot and Tugong family clan, and mother to Marley Jade Mendiola Terlaje. Growing up on a 32-square-mile island with fewer than 2,000 residents, she developed a deep commitment to ensuring that all students, especially those from underserved communities, are seen, valued, and supported.

Descended from master navigators who voyaged over 2,000 miles of open ocean 3,000 years ago, Dr. Mendiola carries forward their legacy by forging new pathways to uplift future generations. With over 20 years of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, and advocacy, she has championed equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Her work includes leading national advocacy for AANAPISIs, spearheading research to strengthen student support, and building partnerships that address barriers to education and opportunity.

A dedicated storyteller and advocate, Dr. Mendiola is grounded in the CHamoru value of Inafa’maolek—to make things better. She believes in the power of collective action to break barriers, nurture leadership, and create lasting change.