Pérez Chandler is a Guatemalan native that has called Winston-Salem home for almost 19 years. Her advocacy work focuses on equity, knowledge, and education. “When we think of how our social constructs have dismissed groups of people, we must fight for equity not equality. Equity will be what provides quality public education among our communities and an ecosystem of knowledgeable individuals who know and understand the career paths they can take to find success.” Vivian was the former Latino Achievers Director at the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina where she worked with middle and high school students in Forsyth County. Her passion to serve the community has been highlighted by the measurable outcomes demonstrated throughout her seven years of working in the non-profit sector. She grew the program she led by 300% over three years and has raised over $30,000 in individual donations to support scholarships for high school seniors looking to pursue higher education. Pérez Chandler serves on the Governor’s Advisory Council for Hispanic/Latino Affairs, the boards for Love Out Loud and The Shalom Project, and on the Forsyth County Advisory Council at the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. Vivian received the Winston Under 40 Leadership Award in 2019, a Youth Development Award highlighting the growth of YMCA program participants in NC and SC, and the statewide Latino Diamante Award for her state-wide efforts in the area of Education for the Hispanic/Latino community. Vivian holds a bachelor’s degree in Public and Non-Profit Administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and resides in Forsyth County with her husband Nicholas Chandler and their fur puppy, Ella. She enjoys traveling, running, and sharing special moments with family and friends.