Dear East Area UTLA Members,  

My name is Mimi (Noemi) Guzmán and I am running for UTLA Board of Directors to represent YOU. 

My Backgroud I am the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants. I grew up in a large extended family in the San Gabriel Valley. I navigated schools as an English Language Learner, and was a first-generation college student. I know the trust that my parents placed in my teachers, and I understand the impact that we have on our students and their families. I carry my parents and their experiences in my work with students and families.

My Education I attended high school in Montebello and attended UCLA as an undergrad. I graduated with a degree in Sociology and Diversified Liberal Arts. I was recognized with the Chancellors Service Award for my student activism and community service. I began my career as an emergency credential teacher and completed my credential work at Cal Poly Pomona. I achieved National Board Certification as an Early Childhood Generalist in 2007. I completed Reading Specialist coursework through UCLA Extension.

My Leadership Experience My union activism began when my school fought off a charter co-location.  I worked with UTLA staff to rally my coworkers, partnered with parent and community groups, and used innovative strategies to defend our school.  I have been on the front lines, fighting off privatizers and supporting other co-located schools.  

 I have been a Chapter Chair since 2018, served as Strike Captain during the 2019 strike, and helped to unite SEIU and UTLA staff for the 2023 strike.  I have served as a Cluster Leader, on East Area Steering Committee, as well as House of Representatives.  I have served as a CTA State Council – Alternate Delegate and as a Delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly.

*Workshop Presenter 2018

UTLA Leadership Conference

My Priorities –

*A fair contract with competitive salaries

*Protecting our health benefits

*Safe, fully staffed schools

*Protecting vulnerable communities – Immigrants, LGBTQ+,

     Special Education Students, and Foster Youth

*Safeguarding programs like BSAP, and Immigration Supports

*Defending Academic Freedom