Jay Guzman Vasquez

 Jay Guzmán is a mission-driven professional committed to social justice and civic engagement. Prior to their selection, Jay worked for Planned Parenthood Mar Monte as Lead Organizer for the Public Affairs Department where they developed a voter engagement and census enumeration campaign, expanded a college organizing program, and established standard operating procedures for grant management, data tracking, and training modules. Most recently, they led a cohort of 16 volunteers to lobby their legislators on critical reproductive health legislation that sought to expand and protect abortion access in the state of California. In addition to their advocacy work, Jay also expanded Planned Parenthood Mar Monte’s regional partnerships with key stakeholders, including LGBTQ serving community-based organizations, and racial justice and police reform advocates.  

Prior to their tenure at Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, Jay worked as an Analyst for the City of San José’s Housing Department where they implemented and assessed housing policy, including the Apartment Rent Ordinance, Mobilehome Rent Ordinance, Tenant Protection Act, and the Ellis Act Ordinance. As a public servant, Jay leveraged their understanding of civic processes and local laws to educate the Spanish-speaking community. They led over 15 workshops on topics including rent control and tenant protections, spoke to Spanish media outlets, and responded to hundreds of constituent inquiries.  

Jay graduated from Barnard College with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2017. During their time at Barnard Jay was awarded the Horatio Alger National scholarship and the Students Rising Above scholarship, both awards affirmed their academic commitment and strength of character in overcoming adversity. While managing a full course load, Jay worked as a Research Assistant and Consultant for the Clinical Directors Network where they supported three researchers with pilot studies on HIV/AIDS, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and barriers to health care access among low-income Spanish-speaking women. Towards the end of their college career, Jay was selected as an Athena Fellow where they received leadership training and learned about the nonprofit sector through a partnership with the Fresh Air Fund. 

In their spare time, Jay supports the Silicon Valley Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, an entity that supports LGBTQ supportive businesses through advocacy, training, and promotion. Jay also frequently testifies or rallies support for racial justice campaigns alongside Sacred Heart Community Service’s Race, Equity and Community Safety Committee and the Race, Equity, Action Leadership Committee. Prior to the pandemic, Jay volunteered frequently with the LGBTQ Youth Space, a resource hub for LGBTQ youth in Santa Clara County, where they mentored youth and supported youth-led programming. 

Through the professional coaching and rigorous academic training afforded to them by the National Urban Fellows program, Jay looks forward to becoming a strategic leader in the fight for equitable health care, civic participation, and community safety.