Guam Legislature honors University of Guam student Kaylene Roberto for winning NASPAA 2025 global competition

The Guam Legislature presented a certificate of recognition Sept. 10 to Kaylene Roberto, a master of public administration student at the University of Guam, for winning the grand prize in the NASPAA 2025 Student Simulation Competition.

Senator Tina Munoz Barnes, ranking member of the Committee on Education, said the legislature and the people of Guam are proud of Roberto’s achievement and praised the University of Guam for its role in preparing students to represent the island internationally. "Your hard work, dedication, and talent make all of us here very, very proud," Munoz Barnes said.

The certificate (No. 196-38-COR) was introduced by Senator Vincent A. V. Borja and listed Speaker Frank Blass Jr., Vice Speaker V. Anthony Ade, Senator Shelly Cabo, Senator Chris Duenas and the 38-member Guam Legislature as co-sponsors. The certificate text directs that the official expression of recognition and congratulations be sent on behalf of I Liheslaturan Guåhan and the people of Guam and notes the certificate was certified in the city of Aganya on Sept. 10, 2025.

Roberto described the NASPAA Student Simulation Competition as an international policy simulation that brings graduate students together to address complex policy issues through collaborative decision-making. She acknowledged her global teammates — Analia Kasimova of Nazarbayev University (Kazakhstan), Bette Trudillo of Louisiana State University, Brighton Huynh of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, and Samuel Mackey of the University of Delaware Biden School — and thanked fellow University of Guam MPA students Trixie Nahalua Torres and Jessica Valencia Duenas.

Roberto also thanked School of Business and Public Administration Dean Roseanne Jones, MPA program chair Ron McNich, and professor Ron Uggen, who nominated her to participate. "This experience has reaffirmed reaffirmed the importance to me of education, collaboration, leadership, and partnership, especially at a time when the world is rapidly changing and public service is needed," Roberto said.

The presentation concluded with applause from the chamber and brief closing remarks from legislators.