Kelly DeGuzman

There are times in our lives, whether young or old, that circumstances or necessity calls us to ask ourselves, “What is my purpose?” It is a heady question, but legendary artist Pablo Picasso summed it up by saying, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” When Kelly DeGuzman moved to Las Vegas from Huntington Beach in 1989 with her then fiancé and now husband of thirty years, Jerome, she had followed a very different career path than she had initially intended. “I started out working in banks, a law firm, then aerospace,” DeGuzman recalls.  “When we moved to Las Vegas I wanted to go back to my first love, which was working with kids in need. My mom was an incredible role model and very active in our community and encouraged me to volunteer. As a result, I ended up being the CEO of a non-profit specializing in this area for nearly twenty years.” During that time DeGuzman became the mother of two sons, Alexander and Joshua, and took a break from the work force. She was later approached by Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada to take on the role of Director of Operations, and she gladly accepted.

Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada was formed in 1996 to assist grade school children from K-12 with programs and curriculum to learn key life skills such as the importance of saving, the difference between wants and needs, and learning key economic principles and personal budgeting.  With the motto “We’re in the business of building brighter futures”, the organization reaches over 20,000 students annually through the Clark County school system.  Since it began in Southern Nevada, more than 330,000 students have been provided with practical, hands-on financial literacy programs. Over 285 local businesses and 6,800 business role models have taken part in the curriculum. “We can’t do enough to support the kids and help them to achieve their goals and dreams, but most importantly, to keep them safe and have them feel safe in this difficult global climate.”

The organization has held exciting fundraising events, including raffles during Vegas Golden Knights hockey games at T-Mobile, a raffle for a 2018 Harley Fat Bob which will be given away at the annual 4.01K Race for financial fitness this coming April. “Giving back is about being engaged, caring about what is happening and having a voice,” DeGuzman said. “These events and our volunteer programs provide opportunities for others in the community to do just that.”

Over the years, Kelly has also been involved in a variety of charities, including being the Board President of Young Artist Orchestra, a free music program in Nevada that is passionate about educating, promoting and developing the musical talent of young artists.  “Within all of the charities I have been involved with, I received more than I could possibly give,” she said.  “Each person is so unique and special, and we can learn all of our life lessons if we just take the time to listen.”

While she is dedicated to helping our community’s children, her first passion is spending time with her own family. “I love being at home playing board games with my boys, reading, or attending a concert with my husband. My family’s love and support helps me get through all the rough times and gives me the wisdom to appreciate all the times of my life.”