Bárbara Guzmán | At-Large Trustee
Class of 2004, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Political Science and Latin American Studies
Class of 2006, Master of Public Administration
Why I Serve
I grew up in a small town in North Central Washington and had only ever visited Seattle twice. I applied to UW because I wanted a challenge and to step away from my comfort zone. As a first-generation college student, I took the opportunity very seriously as I was often plagued by imposter syndrome. I showed up 30 minutes early for my first-ever class. Of course, no one was there at 8:00 a.m.!
One of the best learning moments for me though happened outside the classroom. The students and staff I met while at UW helped me to question but also to strengthen my ideas and perspectives. Conversations in class and in open spaces like the HUB challenged the status quo in my home area. This, along with my academic studies helped me discover my identity as a strong Latina individual.
Mentorship was also a notable and formative piece of support for me. As a work-study student, I had the extreme privilege to work in the Education Opportunity Program office for four years, where I had almost daily encouragement and love from the staff. Thanks to these caring individuals, I learned about graduate school and, before I knew it, became an Evans alum.
UW is different today than when I was a student. But as a trustee, I hope to continue connecting with the diverse UW alumni so they know they remain a part of this community. Come back and connect in different ways. Donate your time or encourage a prospective student. We welcome people contributing in whatever unique way they have to offer.
Biography
Bárbara Guzmán is an educational advocate who currently contracts with the North Central Education Service District. She is dedicated to helping provide access to resources and opportunities for all students with a focus on serving the undocumented student community.
One of her passions is increasing research regarding educational issues for Latinx students. She worked with South Seattle College to investigate the needs of students in the English as a Second Language track. She worked with the Latino/a Educational Achievement Project (LEAP) contributing research and working directly with youth. She was the main coordinator for LEAP’s annual statewide education and legislative conference. As director of a coalition of Latinx leaders, she worked with state legislators to pass the REAL Hope Act/Washington State DREAM Act.
Her work is inspired by her parents’ native country of Mexico and her personal hometown of Manson, Washington. She enjoys road trips, her mother’s amazing food and spending time with her family.
