Vice President of Human Resources, YWCA of Western Massachusetts: Age 36

Diana Guzman

Diana Guzman enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age 17, serving for four years and excelling in a human-services role, handling trainings, promotions, changes of assignments and stations, and more.

“After I ended my enlistment, I took a little break to figure out what’s next,” she recalled. “Going from a really structured military world to being on my own was completely strange to me.”

So she continued on an HR path, earning a bachelor’s degree at DeVry College of New York, then returning home to Springfield and earning an MBA at American International College. She wound up at the YWCA of Western Massachusetts as a temporary receptionist, right around the time the HR assistant was leaving. From there, it’s been a steady climb to her current role.

Among her many responsibilities — from staff attendance and performance to recruitment matters to connecting employees with training and resources — Guzman especially loves onboarding new staff members. “We already have this culture at the YWCA, and it’s great to see people come in and contribute to that.”

She also speaks throughout the community about domestic violence and sexual assault, issues the YWCA deals with on a daily basis.

“It really is a pervasive problem, and I’m able to work in an organization where we’re trying to help people, telling them, ‘you’re not alone in this. It wasn’t your fault. We’re here for you.’ Being a part of that, even from an administrative support end, supporting the staff that is doing the work, I’m proud of that.”

Outside of work, Guzman is involved with her church’s children’s ministry and media ministry, and as a board member with the Western Massachusetts World Affairs Council, where she has been able to proudly share her Dominican heritage in myriad ways.

In addition, she is enrolled in a doctoral program in business administration at Liberty University and has launched her own business, Gentle Touch Cosmetics, selling homemade soaps and balms.

But she’s also been a balm to YWCA employees, with the staff recognizing her empathy and professionalism by naming her Employee of the Month.

“Her meteoric rise is a huge accomplishment in and of itself,” wrote CEO Elizabeth Dineen, who, for the second straight year, is celebrating two YWCA employees making the Forty Under 40. “Diana is a great role model for men and women alike as to what it means to be a true professional and patriot.”

—Joseph Bednar