Meet Jacqueline Guzman | City of Sunrise Assistant Deputy Mayor, Community and Child Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacqueline Guzman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacqueline, how has your background shaped the person you are today?

I am originally from New York, raised in Plantation, Florida. I am very blessed to have both of my parents in my life but it wasn’t always like that.

My parents divorced when I was 11 years old. My mother became a single mom of 4, worked full time and did everything she could for us with limited resources. When my father left our home, for almost 10 years, we did not have a good relationship. During that time, I almost lost my mother to an erupt brain tumor. My sisters and I relied on each other and with our faith in God, my mother recovered and is living her best life, enjoying her 12 grandchildren. In my 20’s, my father and I restored our relationship and since then, we talk everyday!

At the age of 26, I too became a single mother, worked hard to provide for my children and blessed to have survived 2 heart attacks. My mothers resilience and work ethics were instilled in me and for that reason, I credit her for who I am today.

Now married to my husband, Emmet, raising our blended family, I pray that my children become strong, resilient and independent one day too!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

From 2007 to 2019, I was a single mother working full time in the medical field, sometimes two jobs to provide for them. Even with my full schedule, I still found time to have my children involved in sports. I’ve coached tball and we volunteer as a family. As my children grew older, I decided to get more engaged in my community by completing programs with our local government and became a Child Advocate in with the Guardian ad Litem program in Broward County.

In February 2020, I pursued my passion to serve by running for City Commission. It was challenging but with perseverance, determination and a dynamic team of women, I won my election with 19K+ votes; making history as the first Latina elected into office in the City of Sunrise.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Yes, I love being a Sunrise tour guide. I would start the day with coffee at Don Pan. If they have children or like to get a walk in, then a visit to a Sunrise park is a must. Oak Hammock and Oscar Wind parks have great trails and a dock overlooking a lake. For lunch, there are so many local spots to chose from; Luv’n Oven, PFChang’s, El Colombiano’s, Scuotto’s Pizza Cafe, Sunrise Pita and more. For adult beverages and Karaoke, I would stop at Bru’s Room, The Inn Field, Legends or Hooters. Shopping at one of the largest malls in the U.S., Sawgrass Mall and either a concert or Panther game at the BB&T Center.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am thankful to have a strong network of women who support each other, a husband and children who love me unconditionally and parents who provide guidance. Most importantly, I thank God for his grace.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/assistantdeputymayorguzman/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-guzman-a058831a4/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VoteJacqueline4Sunrise

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeq-qxRn6o98Iii32jw4f8g

Other: Email: jguzman@sunrisefl.gov

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Walter Francois – Exclusive Imagery Studios