By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Prince William Living
The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade has long honored individuals who shape the character and heart of the community. This year, the title of 2025 TD Bank Woman of the Year is awarded to someone whose work has elevated cultural identity, empowered artisans, and strengthened the sense of belonging across Manassas: Maria E. Guzman, Founder and Director of LAREXPO.
For Guzman, the recognition is both deeply personal and profoundly symbolic. “Being named the 2025 TD Bank Woman of the Year is an honor I receive with deep gratitude and humility,” she shares. As a Latina woman, she sees the award as an affirmation not only of her own work but of the voices, traditions, and aspirations of the Latino community. “It celebrates the value of our contributions and the resilience, creativity, and cultural richness that strengthen our city every day.”
Guzman believes strongly that culture is a bridge capable of connecting and transforming communities. Her mission, rooted in inclusivity and visibility, has always been to create spaces where every culture is respected and appreciated. The award, she says, is a reminder that leadership is more than an achievement—it is a responsibility. It inspires her to continue expanding opportunities, strengthening community connections, and celebrating the diverse voices that define Manassas.
Her signature work, LAREXPO, was inspired by a desire to honor the hands and stories of artisans and cultural keepers throughout Latin America. “LAREXPO had to become more than a showcase of craftsmanship,” she explains. “It needed to uplift art, folklore, and gastronomy—the four pillars of our cultural foundation.” From the beginning, the project was designed to support emerging entrepreneurs and small business owners, offering a platform where their creativity and talent could be seen and valued.
Today, LAREXPO is one of the most anticipated cultural events in Manassas. Held for seven years at the Harris Pavilion, it has grown into a gathering place where families can experience the richness of Latin American identity, and artisans can access real opportunities for visibility and growth. Guzman sees this as an essential contribution not only to her community, but to the civic and cultural development of the city as a whole.
The spirit behind LAREXPO also inspired one of Guzman’s other signature accomplishments: the first-ever Mosaic at the Manassas Museum event. Designed as both a cultural celebration and a reintroduction to the newly renovated museum, Mosaic brought the pillars of Latin American identity into one of Manassas’ most significant historical spaces. Though the event was singular, it served as an extension of LAREXPO’s mission—elevating cultural recognition, fostering connection, and introducing new audiences to the vibrancy of the region’s Latin American community.
“Both Mosaic and LAREXPO share the same purpose,” Guzman says. “To unite the community, elevate our cultural roots, and strengthen our sense of belonging through meaningful cultural experiences.”
Her enthusiasm for this mission remains as strong as ever. On Sunday, May 17, 2026, LAREXPO will return to the Harris Pavilion for a new and expanded edition, celebrating artisans, entrepreneurs, and the living traditions of Latin America. As always, Guzman sees it as an invitation for the entire city to participate. It will be, she promises, “a living tribute to our traditions and a space to share the best of our culture with the entire community.”
For Manassas, her work continues to build bridges—between cultures, generations, and neighbors—and her selection as Woman of the Year highlights the essential role she plays in shaping a city that values diversity, celebrates creativity, and embraces the many stories that make it home.
Rebecca Barnes is the publisher of Prince William Living and a devoted community storyteller. She volunteers as the Public Information Officer for the OWL Volunteer Fire Department, cherishes time with her grandchildren, and never turns down a chance to enjoy a little Disney magic.
