The City of Sunrise, Florida along with the National League of Cities (NLC) together announce that Sunrise’s Assistant Deputy Mayor Jacqueline A. Guzman has been appointed to the NLC’s 2025 Race, Equity and Leadership (REAL) Council. Assistant Deputy Mayor Guzman was elected to a one-year term to develop and guide programs among local elected officials from similar communities. The appointment was announced by NLC President Steve Patterson, Mayor of Athens, Ohio.

"Being appointed to the Race, Equity and Leadership board is a true honor, especially in a city like Sunrise, where diversity is our strength,” said Assistant Deputy Mayor Guzman. “As a leader, I am dedicated to standing with our community, ensuring that equity and inclusion are at the forefront of everything we do."

As a member of NLC’s REAL Council, Assistant Deputy Mayor Guzman will play a key role among a diverse group of local leaders to encourage collaboration and networking. Her efforts will lead to the development of resources and programs beneficial to communities of similar demographics, size or location so they can be shared across the country.

“It is crucial that we bring together local leaders that are representative of all communities to share solutions and challenges from their hometowns, which are used to develop NLC policies and programs,” said National League of Cities President Steve Patterson, Mayor of Athens, Ohio. “Bringing the experience and leadership of Assistant Deputy Mayor Guzman to serve as a member on NLC’s REAL Council this year goes a long way to ensuring every city, town and village has the resources they need to lift up their communities and improve the lives of their residents.”

This year’s council leadership will consist of Chair Andrea Barefield, Councilmember of Waco, TX, Vice Chair Diana Perez, Councilmember of Vancouver, WA, and Vice Chair Timothy Lonergan, Vice Mayor of Oakland Park, FL.