Deputy mayor Guzman takes significant step forward as her influence expands on the national government stage

Sunrise, Florida – The City of Sunrise is celebrating a moment of pride and history as Deputy Mayor Jacqueline A. Guzman takes on a prominent role on the national stage. Guzman, whose public service story began long before she entered elected office, has been selected as the 2nd Vice President of the National League of Cities (NLC) Women in Municipal Government (WIMG) constituency group. For many in Sunrise, her rise reflects not only her dedication to public service but also the grit and strength that have shaped her life.

Guzman’s background is rooted in community involvement. Before holding office, she was a hands-on parent and an active volunteer in Sunrise schools, serving as a Discovery Elementary PTA Volunteer and later as President of the Westpine Middle PTO. But her journey also includes adversity. A single mother of three and a two-time heart attack survivor, she has become a strong advocate for women’s heart health—an effort that has resonated with families across the region. Her new position with WIMG adds a national platform to her longstanding mission of supporting women and elevating issues that often go unheard.

“I’m honored to represent Sunrise on a national stage,” said Deputy Mayor Guzman. “As a single mom and a woman who has worked hard for every opportunity, I am committed to lifting the voices of women—not just in Sunrise, but across America.”

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Her appointment was announced during the 2025 NLC City Summit in Salt Lake City, Utah, an annual gathering that brings together municipal leaders from across the country. As 2nd Vice President, Guzman joins a leadership team that includes WIMG President Lisa Ford of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and WIMG 1st Vice President Amy Shuler Goodwin, Mayor of Charleston, West Virginia.

The selection carries a clear path for the years ahead. Guzman is slated to move into the role of 1st Vice President next year and then assume the presidency of WIMG in 2027. As part of her long-term vision, she plans to bring the group’s annual Summer Conference to Sunrise—a move that city officials say would shine a national spotlight on the community and generate economic activity for local businesses.

The significance of her appointment was echoed by national leadership. “Local leaders like Deputy Mayor Guzman continue to strengthen communities across America,” said NLC President Kevin Kramer. “Her voice and leadership will be invaluable to NLC’s mission.”

WIMG, one of several constituency groups within the National League of Cities, plays a key role in guiding federal advocacy and shaping priorities within NLC’s National Municipal Policy. By elevating issues that directly impact women, families, and local leaders, WIMG pushes for stronger policies and resources that support municipalities nationwide. Guzman’s leadership is expected to contribute to policy development in areas such as workforce participation, leadership equity, public health, and community resilience.

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Her work, however, extends well beyond WIMG. Guzman also holds leadership roles in NLC’s Hispanic Elected Local Officials (HELO) constituency group and serves on the Race, Equity, and Leadership (REAL) Council, two influential bodies that focus on representation and fairness in local governance. Her participation in these groups places Sunrise at the center of important national conversations about equity, inclusion, and community wellbeing.

For residents of Sunrise, Guzman’s appointment represents more than a title—it signals recognition of the city’s growing influence in national municipal leadership. As she steps into this next chapter, she carries with her the voices of the families she has long served, the experiences that have shaped her resilience, and a commitment to ensuring that women in every community have a place at the table.

With a new leadership role ahead and plans to bring national attention to Sunrise, Guzman’s ascent is poised to bring both honor and opportunity to the community she calls home.