Rio Rico Insights-Class of 2026!

Alex Guzman, known professionally as Alex Woozia, achieved success early in his career. He launched his first business right out of high school in 2006 and spent nearly two decades building companies in technology, education, marketing, and leadership development. By any measure, he had accomplished what many people only dream of. However, Alex felt that something was missing: a desire for continued academic and personal growth. 

So, he decided to go back to school. 

“A lot of people think that once you start working professionally, school is behind you,” says Guzman, an entrepreneur, author, and community advocate from Santa Cruz County. “I found the opposite to be true. My real-world experience made me appreciate education even more because I could immediately apply what I was learning to leadership, business, communication, and community engagement.” 

At Pima Community College, Guzman pursued a Liberal Arts degree, intentionally selecting courses in government, communication, ethics, public service, and leadership. He aimed for an education that connected directly to his long-term goals in political science, public administration, and economic development. The program’s flexibility allowed him to create an interdisciplinary path tailored to his vision, bridging his practical business knowledge with academic theory. 

More than grades or a diploma, Guzman sought something deeper: proof that learning never truly stops, regardless of age or circumstance. 

“I wanted to set an example for others who may feel it’s ‘too late’ to go back to school,” he says. “It’s never too late to invest in yourself. Your background, your struggles, your age none of that defines your future.” 

Returning to the classroom transformed Guzman in unexpected ways. He became a better listener, a sharper critical thinker, and a more empathetic leader. Courses in ethics and public service challenged him to view problems from multiple perspectives, while group dynamics and communication classes taught him how to collaborate across diverse skill sets, skills he now applies daily in boardrooms and community meetings alike. 

“In business, it’s easy to focus solely on execution and results,” Guzman reflects. “But school challenged me to think more critically, to collaborate with different perspectives, and to communicate ideas more effectively. It reinforced the importance of empathy and adaptability in leadership. Every person comes from a different background, and understanding that helps you lead more effectively.” 

Beyond the classroom, Guzman’s educational journey laid a stronger foundation for his long-term goals in leadership, economic development, and public service. He sharpened his analytical thinking, deepened his understanding of organizational systems, and rediscovered the joy of intellectual curiosity. Yet his most powerful lesson was simple: “Education is not just about earning a degree; it’s about developing yourself into someone who can create opportunities, solve problems, and positively impact others.” 

Guzman’s story serves as a beacon for anyone who has ever wondered if they’ve missed their chance. Whether you’re twenty or sixty, whether you’re a parent working night shifts or a professional feeling stuck in your career, his message is clear: never stop investing in yourself. 

“Success rarely happens overnight,” he says. “It comes from persistence, resilience, and continuing to show up even when things get difficult. Sometimes the biggest transformation begins the moment you decide to try again.” 

Today, Alex Guzman stands as living proof that reinvention has no deadline. His journey reminds us all that the classroom door is never truly closed, and the best time to pursue your dreams is right now.