Bernice Gutierrez was born in Carrizozo, New Mexico, eight days before Trinity Test, the testing of the atomic bomb at the White Sands Missile Range on July 16, 1945. The small community of Carrizozo is approximately 35 miles from the Trinity Test Site.

 

Bernice is a member of the steering committee of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium. Bernice’s immediate family experienced many cases of cancer, which has been one of the driving motivations to advocate for nuclear justice for New Mexico downwinders. Bernice has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a major in Criminal Justice from the University of New Mexico. She is now retired after working as an adult Probation/Parole Officer, paralegal/health rights advocate, and social worker.