In Loving Memory of Diane de Guzman
We first met Diane in 2005 during our work with the United Nations Mission in Sudan. From the outset, she stood out, not only for her sharp intellect and deep experience, but for the quiet strength and integrity that defined the things she did. Diane was a person of principle, deeply committed to justice, and unwavering in her dedication to the people and communities she served across Sudan, South Sudan, the wider region and the United States.
Diane lived fully and with intention. After her passing, we came to learn of a final, deeply moving act of generosity. One that continues her lifelong commitment to healing and human dignity. Through this gift, her spirit lives on in the work of the Roots Project, supporting trauma healing efforts in South Sudan and across Africa. It is a legacy that reflects who she was: thoughtful, compassionate, and devoted to the well-being of others.
Diane remains deeply loved and honored by the entire Roots family. Her life continues to inspire us to serve with integrity, to live with openness, and to care for one another with courage and compassion. We are dedicated to ensuring her generosity reflects her life and her intentions for a connected, loving and peaceful world.
The ROOTS family
Her life was one of extraordinary service. For more than three decades, Diane worked across East Africa and the Horn, including with the United Nations, where she served as a Human Rights Investigator and later as a Senior Civil Affairs Officer. She was known for her courage and her willingness to be present in the most challenging environments, always seeking to listen, to understand, and to advocate for those whose voices were too often unheard.
Yet beyond her professional accomplishments, Diane brought warmth, generosity, and joy into the lives of those around her. She had a gift for creating community wherever she went, through a beautifully prepared meal or lively conversations that stretched long into the evening. She appreciated culture, history, music, and beauty, and she invited others to share in that appreciation with her. Her friendships spanned the globe, and her stories connected us all to a wider world.