Lydia Guzman

Director of Advocacy and Civic Engagement, Chicanos Por La Causa

Lydia Guzman, the Director of Advocacy and Civic Engagement at Chicanos Por La Causa, brings a diverse and extensive background in community activism and organizational leadership. With a career spanning various roles and organizations, she has significantly contributed to advancing civil rights and social justice causes. Guzman's professional journey includes serving as the Director of Voter Outreach at the Secretary of State’s Office and as the Arizona Director at the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project. She has also held positions such as Director of Outreach at the Clean Elections Institute and Western Counties Education Coordinator at the AZ Attorney General’s Office. Guzman's involvement with SEIU (Service Employees International Union) as the Western Maricopa County Organizer underscores her commitment to workers' rights and advocacy.

In addition to her governmental and union roles, Guzman has played pivotal roles in nonprofit organizations, notably within LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens). Her tenure with LULAC includes serving as the Immediate Past Arizona State Director and holding various other leadership positions within the organization. Guzman co-founded and served as President of the Somos America Coalition, a coalition of over 40 Arizona organizations dedicated to immigrant rights and social justice. Her engagement in initiatives such as the Respect Respeto hotline and participation in high-profile legal cases like the Meledres vs. Arpaio racial profiling case reflect her commitment to combating injustice and supporting marginalized communities.

Beyond her organizational leadership, Guzman has been actively involved in law enforcement-community relations, serving on advisory boards and conducting training sessions for law enforcement agencies. She has also been a staunch advocate for civic engagement, spearheading voter outreach programs and participating in Census outreach initiatives. Guzman’s dedication to legislative advocacy is evident through her involvement in redistricting hearings and her efforts to promote voting rights legislation. Throughout her career, Guzman has received numerous awards and recognitions for her unwavering commitment to social change and community empowerment.