Pelosi Announces Guests to State of the Union
"Tonight, when President Trump looks into the gallery during his State of the Union, he will see the dignity, courage and patriotism of dozens of DREAMers," said Leader Pelosi. "It is my privilege to have DREAMer Melody Klingenfuss as my guest, representing the extraordinary contributions of DACA recipients in our communities."
"Virginia Delegate Elizabeth Guzman personifies the strong, energetic leadership rising in communities across America," Leader Pelosi continued. "We are proud to have Delegate Guzman in the chamber and to have her delivering Democrats' Spanish-language response."
Melody Klingenfuss – Melody was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala. After growing up without her parents, she was reunited with her mother in the heart of Los Angeles when she was 9 years old. She earned her bachelor's degree in Communications and Political Science at California State University, Los Angeles. She graduated with a Master's degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of Southern California. She has conducted a research thesis focused on the representation of undocumented students in mass communication. Melody works as CHIRLA's California Dream Network (CDN) Statewide Youth Organizer as a devoted advocate for human and immigration rights. She has been a DACA recipient since 2015.
Virginia Delegate Elizabeth Guzman – Delegate Guzman came to the United States from Peru, looking for a better future for her oldest daughter. Through her love of learning, hard work and dedication, Guzman persevered through economic hardship and obtained her degree in Office Administration and Management from Northern Virginia Community College, while working three jobs. Guzman then obtained a bachelor's in Public Safety from Capella University, a Master's in Public Administration from American University and a Master's in Social Work from the University of Southern California. Today, in addition to representing Prince William and Fauquier Counties as a Delegate, Elizabeth is a Court Appointed Service Advocate. Guzman works as a Division Chief for Administrative Services for the Center for Adult Services in the Department of Community and Human Services for the City of Alexandria, providing programs and aging and support services for persons with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders. Guzman is a member of AFSCME Local 3001. She is the first Hispanic female immigrant to be elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. She is married to Carlos Guzman, a small business owner. They live with their children Pamela, Ivanna, Carlos and Hannah in Dale City, Virginia.
The Leader's other State of the Union guests are President Richard Trumka of the AFL-CIO, President Randi Weingarten of the American Federation of Teachers, former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and Mrs. Dorothy McAuliffe.