Seven Questions with Nyomi
by WREN Staff on Oct 25, 2018
Our nest is getting bigger! Meet WREN’s newest staff member and Development Associate, Nyomi Guzman.
1.Where are you from?
I was born in New Hampshire and lived there for most of my life before moving to South Carolina. I received my bachelors in Women Studies and Communication with minors in Queer Studies and Race & Ethnic Studies from the University of New Hampshire. I moved to Columbia, South Carolina in 2017 and started volunteering as a Guardian Ad Litem and Girls Rock board member.
2.What did you do previously before coming to WREN?
I worked for a few years at the New Hampshire Women’s Foundation on fundraising development and programming. Once in South Carolina, I worked for the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault as the Prevention Inclusion Specialist examining the intersecting experiences of LGBTQ+ people color who are also survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence.
3.What drove you to get involved in this cause?
Since high school, I have been pushed to think of the philosophical and ethical ramifications of how we treat one another. I helped run my high school Ethic Forum, a student lead group where we found ways to connect and improve our community through compassion, volunteerism, and ethical thought. After learning about ethics, becoming a feminist was a natural fit and allowed me to embrace and acknowledge the full humanity of myself and the people who occupied my community.
4.When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time?
When I am not working, I love to eat delicious food and spend time with people I love and admire. I think being surrounded by others people passions and kindness is one of the best places to be.
5.If you could meet one woman from any period of time, who would it be?
I would want to meet Mildred Lovings. Mildred Lovings is responsible for the court case, Lovings V Virginia that moved forward laws that allowed couples to marry interracially in the 1960s. She later in her life became an advocate for marriage equality, upholding her values and experiences in spaces where they were needed. I am in awe of her tenacity, warm brilliance, and consistency in the face of fear.
6.What is one mantra that you live by?
Leave people better than you found them. Although you cannot change everyone’s mind about the things you feel passionately, trying to leave people with more information, more insight, and more love are always important.
7.What’s one thing you’re excited about that’s coming up in 2018/2019?
I’m most excited to grow in my role here at WREN. To meet donors and engage these issues through fundraising with donors of all identities in South Carolina.