Summary About Us
Islan Marianas, Incorporated (IMI) was established on March 31, 2018, in Kempner, Texas, and officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in June of that year. Its mission is to promote the arts, culture, and language of the Marianas and surrounding Pacific islands, expand educational opportunities, support community outreach, and enhance the overall welfare of the community.
Guided by the vision of “One Family / Un Familia,” IMI has actively engaged in cultural preservation and community service across Central Texas. Education and youth empowerment have remained central to IMI’s work. In 2019, the organization formally launched its Education Program, which includes Honor Roll incentives for students from Pre-K through 12th grade, as well as three distinct scholarships: the Emerging Leader Scholarship ($1,000), and two Aspiring Leader Scholarships ($500 each). IMI has consistently recognized academic achievement by awarding students during its annual CNMI Liberation Celebrations. In 2019, 12 students were honored with incentives for their performance, and two scholarships were awarded. The tradition continued in 2023 to present, with nearly a $1,000 of Incentives awarded and an additional $4,500 distributed in scholarships. These efforts reflect IMI’s strong commitment to supporting future leaders and academic success within the community.
Beyond education, IMI has led several charitable and cultural initiatives. Notable projects include relief fundraising for Typhoon Yutu victims in the CNMI, in 2018, cultural performances at local nursing centers, and annual Christmas Shelter Projects providing handmade gift bags and caroling visits to families and shelters across Central Texas. These holiday efforts have raised thousands in donations, which were distributed to local churches and shelters, including Holy Family Catholic Church (Copperas Cove, TX), Saint Joseph Catholic Church (Killeen, TX), Saint Paul Chong Hasang Catholic Church (Harker Heights, TX), Roman Catholic Diocese in Chalan Kanoa (Saipan), and the Cove House Shelter. Although IMI paused activities during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020–2021, the organization resumed outreach in 2022 to present with renewed efforts, including holiday caroling and scholarship awards. Its CNMI Liberation Celebrations remain a vital tradition, bringing together community members to honor culture and celebrate student achievements. Islan Marianas, Inc. continues to serve the community with pride, rooted in family values, culture, and the belief in education to uplift future generations.