Genelle Guzman-McMillan Shares Survival Story at Camden County College on 24th 9/11 Anniversary

Lead Genelle Guzman-McMillan, the last survivor rescued from Ground Zero, delivered a first-hand account of her 27-hour ordeal during a Sept. 12 speaking event at Camden County College’s Blackwood campus.

Nut Graf Gathering in Civic Hall on the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Guzman-McMillan recounted her miraculous rescue and underscored the enduring power of hope and faith, reminding attendees that resilience can emerge from the darkest moments.

Event Highlights

Timeline of Survival
Employed on the 64th floor of the North Tower, Guzman-McMillan descended to the 13th floor stairwell before the building collapsed.
Trapped under debris for 27 hours, she survived on prayer and the belief she would see her daughter again.
A mysterious rescuer named Paul grasped her hand and called out her name, leading to her eventual extraction by first responders.
Reflections and Impact
Guzman-McMillan described the silence after the collapse, the agonizing pain, and the moment she considered giving up.
She emphasized that purpose and community support fueled her determination to live.
The audience responded with standing ovations and emotional engagement as she shared memories of lost colleagues and her decade-long search for the man who saved her.
Continuing the Mission
Now a Port Authority supervisor and motivational speaker, Guzman-McMillan has authored Angel in the Rubble, detailing her experience and spiritual journey.
She called on listeners to honor 9/11 victims by fostering unity and carrying forward stories of courage.

Genelle Guzman-McMillan’s appearance at Camden County College offered both historical witness and a message of hope, demonstrating how personal testimony can transform tragedy into inspiration.