Edith A. Guerra
Edith Guerra is a dedicated leader in public service, currently serving as the Parks and Recreation Department Head for the City of Artesia, California. With over 6 years in leadership roles within the City of Artesia and over 20 years in Parks and Recreation, Edith has been instrumental in organizing community events, managing teams, and fostering a culture of engagement and teamwork. Her approach combines a strong focus on operational excellence with a commitment to creating inclusive and memorable experiences for residents of all ages and abilities. With a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, Physical Education, and Sports Medicine from Pepperdine University, Edith began her career in athletic and physical training, which laid the foundation for her transition into public recreation management. She spent fifteen years shaping recreational programs and leading staff in the City of Miami Beach, where she honed her skills in community engagement, event management, and specialized programming for diverse populations. Edith also served in operational management roles outside the public sector, further broadening her expertise in organizational leadership. Currently completing her Master of Public Administration at Purdue University, Edith continues to invest in her professional growth while applying her knowledge to enhance public services. She is known for her hands-on leadership style, dedication to her teams, and passion for community enrichment, whether it’s coordinating citywide events like 5K runs and Halloween celebrations or ensuring that every program and initiative leaves a positive impact on the Artesia community.
• Aquatic Facility Operator Certification
• Certified Playground Safety Inspector
• Purdue University- M.P.A.
• Pepperdine University- B.S.
• Outstanding Community Service Award from UM-NSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities
• Surf Rider Foundation
• California Parks & Rec Society
• National Recreation Parks Association
• Life Rolls On
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my family and the experiences that have shaped me. My family has provided constant support, guidance, and motivation, while my life and work experiences have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of hard work. Together, they have helped shape my perspective, strengthen my character, and guide the decisions that led to my success.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to not try to reinvent the wheel, but instead focus on building and improving what already works. That advice taught me the importance of learning from existing systems, respecting institutional knowledge, and making thoughtful improvements rather than change for the sake of change. I’ve been fortunate to have amazing mentors at the start of my career in Parks and Recreation in Miami Beach - Amy Lutze, Kevin Smith, Julio Magrisso, and Cindy Casanova, whose guidance and experience helped shape my professional growth and reinforce the value of collaboration, patience, and continuous improvement. It reinforced that long-term success comes from listening, learning, and steadily building on a strong foundation.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
For young women entering the field of parks and Recreation, my best advice is to not sell yourself short. It’s important to learn the technical skills of the job and understand how your organization works, because being knowledgeable builds trust and respect among your peers. Don’t undersell yourself! Go after opportunities even if you don’t meet every requirement, speak up in meetings, and take credit for your work. Find mentors who can support and help advocate for you, and be willing to be visible in the field and in public settings, since showing up and being seen helps challenge stereotypes and build confidence.Never stop trying to innovate!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Parks and recreation is facing both challenges and opportunities right now. One of the biggest challenges is tight budgets, which can limit staffing, maintenance, and programs even as the demand for more programs increases. City’s also struggle with hiring and retaining staff, maintaining aging facilities, and providing equitable access to parks and recreation services. At the same time, there are opportunities as parks are increasingly recognized for their role in public health and community well-being. Partnerships, creative programming, sustainability efforts, and better use of tech can help agencies serve their communities more effectively despite having limited resources.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, family, and strong moral character. I believe in doing the right thing even when it’s difficult, being honest and accountable in my actions, and treating others with respect. Family is my foundation and guides my priorities, reminding me to stay grounded and balanced. Strong moral character shapes how I lead, make decisions, and interact with others, to make sure that my actions align with my values in every part of my life.