Catching up with Claire Guinta
Claire Guinta graduated from Marquette University in 2018 with a major in International Affairs and minors in Spanish and Peace Studies. Below is a brief conversation with Claire in which she updated us on her career, shared how the Center for Peacemaking has impacted her life, and offered some advice for current and future students.
What have you been up to since you graduated from Marquette?
After graduating in May 2018, I have been living in Washington, D.C. For 2 years I was working as a paralegal with Fragomen, an immigration law firm. The firm works almost exclusively on business immigration matters, with some pro bono cases and trips. Through the firm’s pro bono work, I went to the family detention center in Dilley, TX last November with the Dilley Pro Bono Project (a part of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA)). I volunteered as an interpreter/legal assistant for one week, preparing detained mothers for their credible fear interviews and for appearing before the immigration judge. The managing attorney at DPBP turned out to be a Marquette alumnae as well, Allison Herre.
I am now External Relations Manager for Nonviolent Peaceforce, an NGO that employs unarmed civilian protection methods in conflict zones around the world. I am still in D.C., focusing on strategic communications and advocacy. Much of my work has been focused around COVID-19 communications and getting the word out that violence can be heightened right now, strong community ties are key to a successful virus prevention response, and that the crisis highlights how our current structures are failing our most vulnerable — we need structures built in peace and inclusion, not militarism.
What impact did the Center for Peacemaking have on your career trajectory?
Such a big impact! The beauty of the Center for Peacemaking is that it is more to students than just the time you spend there: it is truly immersive. Because of this, I was able to really benefit from the Center resources: speakers, the staff, library, projects, other students, professors, research on campus, projects in Milwaukee, trips, Soup with Substance…you name it!
My college experience consisted of absorbing a lot of information, and the Center helped me connect the dots. College shakes up and expands your worldview, and I was able to process a lot of that at the Center and make sense of it all. Because of the support I found at the Center, I was able to take some of my interests and values (human rights, conflict resolution, community organizing, and nonviolence) and start to build a life around them. I really learned that you can Make a Living and Make a Difference. Not only did the Center help set me on the course that I am now, but it really gave me the tools I needed to succeed on this course.
A very specific tie-in from the Center to where I am in my career right now: my peacemaking fellowship allowed me to work with Nonviolent Peaceforce on UN-related matters the summer before my senior year. I remember feeling so thankful at that time for how well-prepared I felt due to Peace Studies and the Center. And now, back with the same organization, I can still point to the ideas and principles I learned in Peace Studies and the Center. For that, I am forever grateful.
What is a favorite memory from your engagement with the Center for Peacemaking?
I went on the SOA-W Border Encuentro in 2017. A huge reason why SOA-W moved the vigil from Ft. Benning to the border wall in Nogales was because the wall has become a symbol for US militarism in the Western Hemisphere for my generation. That trip helped me to understand the reality of injustice and the power of solidarity.
One of the most moving parts of the trip for me was protesting outside Eloy Detention Center. Driving miles and miles through the desert to get to Eloy, it really felt vast and lonely, like the world had forgotten this plot of land. Outside Eloy, we sang and chanted in protest while the detainees flashed their cell lights on and off in response. Through that act of solidarity, we were able to say to the detainees, “you aren’t alone in this struggle.” And, fast forward, this led me to explore US immigration more deeply, and led me to my first job outside of college.
I also loved Soup with a Substance, interviewing feminist anti-militarist Carol Rojas, and canvassing for Near West Side Partners.
What advice do you have for current and future undergraduate students?
If you are interested in something, even if it is a vague interest, follow it! Marquette has so many resources for students. I apprehensively wandered into the Center the first time I was there, not quite sure how to move forward. That day led me to years of support, resources, and friendships that have impacted my professional and personal growth, and I wish the same for every student.
Find your people! I don’t mean to craft your college career to be your own personal echo chamber, but it is important to find that support network who will sit down with you and chat for hours about your goals, get to know you and recommend you enter your paper into that conference/speak at an event/come to dinner with an interesting professional in your field, connect you with mentors, and help guide you.
Take risks! This is easier said than done, but definitely easier when you have a strong support network. Risks will stretch you and push you to grow (and if it doesn’t turn out the way you thought it might, you’ll have a good story!).
And, lastly, have fun! The Center is full of hard workers (students and staff alike), but I also have precious memories from the Center of friendship and laughter.
