Our Digital Media and Communications Associate
We are thrilled to introduce Perla Guzman, our Digital Media and Communications Associate at Front Steps. We’re excited Perla has joined the Front Steps team! Here’s a glimpse into her background, motivations, and vision for her role with us.
Welcome to Front Steps, Perla! Could you tell us briefly about your journey and what led you to become a Digital Media and Communications Associate?
“I studied Marketing at Texas State University, knowing early on that I wanted a career that nurtured my creative side. As I approached graduation, I became deeply interested in Digital Marketing and was eager to find a role where I could create meaningful content.
While applying for marketing positions, I worked as a school district technology assistant. It was a fascinating experience, but I realized that my passion truly lay in crafting digital content. Determined to follow my dream, I decided to leave IT and focus entirely on pursuing a career in marketing.
Then, I came across Front Steps. When I received the call for my first interview, I knew I had found the perfect opportunity—a role where I could combine my skills and creativity with a meaningful mission. Joining Front Steps has been an honor, and I’m grateful to the Directors for believing I was the right fit for this fantastic organization.”
What attracted you to Front Steps, and what are you most excited about in your new role?
“What attracted me to Front Steps was their powerful mission: ‘based on the belief that all people deserve the dignity of a safe place to call home.’ In a time when compassion often feels scarce, knowing organizations like Front Steps remain dedicated to uplifting unhoused neighbors truly inspired me. I felt a strong pull to be part of this mission and contribute to making a difference.
What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to connect with and interview our newly housed neighbors. Sharing their stories not only highlights their resilience but also helps spark hope for others who may be facing similar challenges. It’s a privilege to amplify their voices and support Front Steps’ mission through meaningful storytelling.”
What skills and experiences do you bring to your role that you believe will be particularly beneficial for our organization?
“I bring a combination of technical expertise and a passion for storytelling, which are critical in amplifying Front Steps’ mission. My skills include digital strategy, content creation, analytics, and community engagement. I have plenty of experience creating and executing social media campaigns and proficiency in crafting compelling written, visual, and video content that resonates with diverse audiences. My previous jobs and studies have helped me with tools like Google Analytics and social media insights to measure campaign performance and optimize strategies. Additionally, my understanding of homelessness as a complex social issue aligns with Front Steps’ mission, allowing me to communicate with sensitivity and purpose.”
How do you stay organized and efficient while managing multiple tasks and responsibilities?
“I stay organized by using multiple calendars to keep track of deadlines and upcoming tasks. By marking important dates and breaking projects into manageable steps, I can prioritize my workload effectively as deadlines approach. I also use a folder system—both digital and physical—to categorize and store documents, content drafts, and resources. This allows me to quickly access what I need without losing momentum.”
In what ways do you plan to engage with the community to understand their needs better, and how can we support them?
“My plan to engage with the community is to actively participate in more events representing Front Steps, where I can connect with our unhoused neighbors and community members. Attending these events allows me to have meaningful conversations, listen to their experiences, and better understand their needs.
Another key way I plan to engage is by setting up interviews with individuals who have been helped by Front Steps. Sharing their stories with the Austin community highlights their strength and helps break down the stigma surrounding homelessness. By amplifying their voices, I hope to foster greater empathy and awareness while showing the real impact of Front Steps’ work.”
What motivates you to work in this field, and how do you maintain your passion for helping others?
“What motivates me to work in this field is my deep gratitude for the blessings in my life. God has been incredibly good, and that inspires me to give back and extend compassion to others. Working in this field allows me to provide hope and a helping hand to those who may need it most. Sometimes, that’s all someone needs to take their next step forward. Knowing I can play a small role in helping others find stability and dignity fuels my passion every day.”
What are your short-term and long-term goals as you start your journey with Front Steps, and how do you plan to achieve them?
“A short-term goal as I start my journey with Front Steps is to build a strong understanding of Front Steps’ programs, successes, and challenges by collaborating with team members. Additionally, some long-term goals are to increase community awareness and support for Front Steps by growing our digital presence. As well as establish Front Steps as a trusted resource by showcasing impactful storytelling and data-driven results.”