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Finding her voice through Public Allies Arizona: Katerina Guerrero's story
December 11, 2024 - Katerina Guerrero’s story begins in Lawrence, Massachusetts, a tight-knit community where her parents owned restaurants for over three decades. Growing up in this environment, she was immersed in the world of community service from an early age. Her father, a Mexican immigrant, instilled in her a deep appreciation for her cultural heritage, while her mother, a dedicated teacher, nurtured her academic aspirations.
"I was very much involved in the community and working with students," Katerina recalls. The family's second restaurant, a bookstore cafe, became a hub for writing workshops, theater productions, and after-school programs. This early exposure to community engagement would prove instrumental in shaping Katerina's future path.
Despite her deep roots in Lawrence, Katerina felt a pull to explore her identity further. As a half-Mexican, half-American young woman, she often struggled to find people who shared her background. "Growing up, I did not see anyone like me," she explains. This desire for connection and understanding led her to make a bold decision: to move across the country to Tucson, Arizona.
The move was not without its challenges. "I didn't know a single person when I came here," Katerina admits. But her determination to learn more about her Mexican heritage and to forge her own path kept her going. It was during this period of transition that she discovered Public Allies Arizona, a program that would change the trajectory of her life.
Katerina's journey with Public Allies Arizona began in February 2022. Over the course of two years, she immersed herself in various community projects that allowed her to make a tangible impact while developing her professional skills. During her first year, Katerina worked on several impactful projects:
- Developing a Mexican-American curriculum for elementary students
- Implementing a community resiliency model for both young girls and elders
- Organizing the first art show and workshops at the Tucson House for elders
- Conducting surveys with police officers to improve community safety
These experiences not only allowed Katerina to contribute to her new community but also helped her grow personally and professionally. "Public Allies has helped me not be afraid to use my voice," she reflects. "I'm definitely not scared to use my voice as I used to be."
Katerina's second year with Public Allies saw her working at SARSEF as a marketing and communications specialist. This role allowed her to hone her writing skills and build her portfolio while continuing to engage with students and the broader Tucson community.
For Katerina, the impact of Public Allies extends far beyond the professional skills she's acquired. The program has helped her find her voice, connect with her cultural identity, and develop a deeper understanding of community development.
"You may not see results right away, and that's perfectly fine," she advises future Public Allies participants. "You might see the smallest result, but that still will have a very big impact on you."
Katerina's experience has reinforced her passion for community work and her desire to make a difference. It has also helped her realize the importance of representation and diversity in community leadership roles.
Katerina’s time with Public Allies was not without a few challenges, especially the difficulty of being far from home. However, these obstacles only served to strengthen her resolve and teach her valuable lessons about self-care and work-life balance.
"I think a lot of people forget about that sometimes – you have to take care of yourself before you continue to take loads of work on," she explains. The support she received from her mentors, including her manager at SARSEF and her Public Allies manager, was crucial in helping her navigate these challenges.
As Katerina completes her second term with Public Allies, she's looking ahead to new horizons. She plans to focus on her studies at the University of Arizona, where she's majoring in Mexican American Studies with minors in Spanish and Creative Writing. She's also considering a study abroad trip to Mexico, which would allow her to deepen her connection to her heritage and spend time with family members she rarely sees.
Despite these new directions, Katerina's commitment to community service remains strong. Her experiences with Public Allies have given her the tools and confidence to continue making a positive impact wherever her path may lead.
As she reflects on her time with Public Allies, Katerina sees it as a transformative experience that has shaped her identity and her future. "It makes you more passionate for the work," she says. "You see how much you want to be involved and how much you really care for the community that you're in."
Katerina's journey with Public Allies may have come to an end, but her impact on the Tucson community – and the impact the community has had on her – will continue to resonate for years to come. Her story serves as an inspiration for other young people looking to make a difference and find their place in the world.
Image: Katerina Guerrero (Center-left) with Bob Purvis and Yolotzi Lopez Ortega of Public Allies Arizona and other Allies at the SAVMA Breakfast 2024
Story by Nyasha Mhungu, ASU Lodestar Center
Find your voice as an emerging leader with Public Allies Arizona
Public Allies Arizona is changing the face and practice of leadership throughout Phoenix and Tucson communities by demonstrating our conviction that everyone can lead, and that lasting change results when citizens of all backgrounds step up, take responsibility and work together. We are a 10-month AmeriCorps program that places emerging leaders in paid nonprofit internships with partner organizations in the community. Our mission is to create a just and equitable society and the diverse leadership to sustain it.