Our #AskHer series is an interview with our partners, community members, and supporters who work tirelessly for women and girls. This interview is with Fresia Guzman, Director of Youth Opportunity Centers with Identity, Inc.

Identity’s Mission – In pursuit of a just, equitable and inclusive society, Identity creates opportunities for Latino and other historically underserved youth to realize their highest potential and thrive. Identity works in Montgomery County, MD and has been a Stand Together Fund and Early Care and Education Funders Collaborative Grantee Partner.

The Women’s Foundation: In one sentence, tell us why you joined your organization?

Fresia Guzman: Many years ago in Bolivia, the country where I am from, I helped create a foundation of the first Ombudsman. Every time that I met with that team, I felt so passionate about the work they were doing – creating a more equal society in Bolivia. Those feelings inspired me then and continue to do so now. Fast forward to 2016, when I found out about Identity I felt the same way, and I was sure that it was the place where I wanted to work.

TWF: What should people know about your organization that they may not otherwise read or hear about?

Fresia: That many of our staff were involved with Identity even before they started working with us. They were past participants of our programs, and they work with us now because they want to change lives the same way Identity changed theirs.

TWF: With unlimited funds, what would you do with/for your organization or clients?

Fresia: With unlimited funds, I would launch more workforce programs like ECE for youth and for adults. Identity has a relationship with 5,000 thousand adult clients every year and many of them want a career, need a job, or need to obtain the qualifications to have a better job but need someone to help open doors to new opportunities. I would love to manage a job center that understands and tailors its programs to the necessities of the population that we serve.

Read the full article about youth development by Mercy Chikowore at the Washington Area Women's Foundation.