INTERVIEW BY SARAH DECARO-RINCON.
Photographed by Sarah DeCaro-Rincon
MARGARITA GUZMAN, COMMISSIONER OF WEST NEW YORK, NJ
“Recognize women in all capacities.”
Her advice to newcomers: My advice to newcomers will be to look within and if you have the desire to serve, then you have one of the most important characteristics that any leader should have. I really encourage other women to run for office, we can make a big difference. Look for the betterment of others, or those that are in your community. You have to have in mind that many times, you have to sacrifice your own private life and time to be accessible for others.
“I speak to the need for diversity, and inclusion within our system of government.”
Goals she has as a Commissioner: One of my goals is to work towards having people more involved and know the influence that they can have in their community. Our next big project is to create a state-of-the-art library for our children. I know education is the key to success and we must provide resources for them in a big scale, and provide with the best resources with can with them. Because they deserve it.
Her first experience voting: My first experience voting was in my own country Dominican Republic during a time that there was a lot of violence and crisis. I felt proud to exercise my civic duty to participate in democracy and vote for my ideals and my fellow citizens. I remember today when I had to vote and with my vote I think I changed the course of the politics in my country. I was so happy that day. I have always had a profound respect for the democratic institutions and the belief in a united country where everyone has the capacity to make their voice heard and to enact changes. And I am on this day very happy that my first time involved in the political process helped to enact that change in my country.