EIN: 47-4293491
Our Roots
"I founded Alianzas as a tribute to the resilient spirit of folks like my parents, who arrived in New York City as part of the Puerto Rican Diaspora; both a vibrant cultural hub and a landscape of systemic exclusion for Boricuas. Growing up within that migration story, I witnessed firsthand the challenges families face when navigating unfamiliar systems while trying to maintain their cultural identity.
My personal mantra is "Be the person you needed when you were younger" by Ayesha Siddiqi. Turning marginalization into collective power is the heartbeat of Alianzas and the honor of my life." ~ Nina
Nina M. Guzman
​Founded in 2010 by Nina M. Guzmán, Alianzas began as a visionary internship project while she studied Urban Missions and Social Work at the University of Valley Forge. The organization was built on a foundation of collaboration, bringing together municipal leaders, the Phoenixville School District, Phoenixville Hospital and nonprofits to address community needs through a unified alliance. By hosting public town halls, Alianzas provided a vital platform for the Latino community to voice their concerns, fostering a culture of trust and mutual accountability with local leadership. After launching in its first operational space in 2012 under the fiscal sponsorship of Orion Communities, Alianzas officially achieved 501(c)(3) status in 2015.
"waking up each day is a blessing, having the ability to serve is an even greater one. It is a privilege to rise every morning and pour into my community, to care for and support those in need. This is the same community where I once watched my immigrant mother raise me from nothing, without benefits, navigating the very resources I now oversee. Today, I have the honor of sitting at those same tables, working alongside others to make Phoenixville an even better place for the child who now looks up to me and to this community.
I do not see myself as anything more than a vessel for the one I serve. We are divinely blessed, and it is our calling to share those blessings with others" ~ Denise
Denise Vera Garcia
Since joining Alianzas in 2022, our Executive Assistant has become a cornerstone of our mission to support and empower the immigrant community. Her role transcends traditional administrative support; she is a vital bridge between our organization and the families we serve, ensuring that every individual who walks through our doors feels seen, heard, and respected.
Her deep value to Alianzas is rooted in her lived experience, which allows her to approach advocacy with a rare level of empathy and cultural nuance. She understands the complexities of the immigration journey firsthand, enabling her to build trust and navigate systemic barriers alongside our community members. This personal connection ensures that our services remain authentically grounded in the needs of those we support.
In addition, she serves as our Legal Advocate. Having completed training through Villanova University's VIISTA, she is equipped with specialized knowledge in immigration Law. This ability allows her to practice and provide critical legal navigation in partnership with local attorneys and support, significantly increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes for immigrants facing a complex and often daunting legal system.
Denise's commitment to social justice and her unique blend of professional skill and personal insight make her an indispensable leader within the Alianzas team.