Virginia Del. Elizabeth Guzman (D) immigrated to the United States from Peru 20 years ago. As a single mother with a high school diploma and a certificate for bilingual clerical work, it was a challenge to make ends meet.

Now, with two masters degrees, a career as a management analyst for the city of Alexandria, and a watershed election win under her belt, Guzman, 44, is about to make her debut on the national stage. Virginias first Latina immigrant lawmaker will deliver the Democrats Spanish-language response to President Donald Trump s State of Union address on Tuesday.

I cant describe my emotions, Guzman said. It is an honor. And Im happy to be able to be the voice of people that live in this country and are unhappy with the current administration.

A phone call from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who invited Guzman to make the speech, brought home the significance of the moment.

She was on the list of people that at some point I would like to know. But this happened so fast, Guzman said.