ATL Standard

Mayor Dickens appointed Paulina Guzman as the Director of Mayor’s Office of International & Immigrant Affairs (MOIIA), stating, “Atlanta is an international city, and the Office of International & Immigrant Affairs is one of the most essential elements in maintaining our cultural and economic strength in the global community.” Guzman, who previously served as the Interim Director of MOIIA, brings strong leadership qualities along with a background in international affairs and a passion for Atlanta, making her the ideal candidate for the role.

Guzman's responsibilities in her new role include planning, implementing, and overseeing the office’s operations to uphold Atlanta’s standing as a global leader and empowering the city’s international and immigrant community. She will also provide advice on diplomatic protocol to senior leadership and lead strategic partnership opportunities with various organizations on local, national, and international levels.

During her time as Interim Director, Guzman hosted numerous delegations from various countries, including Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and other high-profile figures. Her achievements in 2024 include hosting 16 delegations, securing over $6.8 million from the Emergency Food and Shelter Program – Humanitarian Grant to support newly arriving migrants, and reinforcing the city's commitment to humanitarian efforts.

Guzman's professional background includes roles such as International Affairs Coordinator, Global Engagement Officer, and Deputy Director before assuming her current position. She holds a Master of Science in International Affairs from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in Economics from Georgia State University. Additionally, she is actively involved in various boards and advisory committees related to global studies and international affairs.