Alumni Spotlight: Sandra Maria Garcia, Class of 2020

Sandra Maria Garcia is committed to supporting the next generation. As an immigrant and one of the first undocumented students in Fort Worth ISD, Sandra is a shining example of how a strong public education can open doors to opportunity and prepare students for success in professional leadership roles. Today, she works for the City of Fort Worth as a management analyst and serves as the state chair for the Hispanic Women's Network of Texas (HWNT), a statewide, non-profit organization that promotes the advancement of women in public, corporate, and civic life through education, personal, and professional development. In this role, she oversees nine chapters and 800 members across Texas. 

Passionate about educational equity and advocacy, Sandra serves on several boards that work to promote equity, public education, and college readiness in addition to her role leading HWNT. She is involved with the Young Women's Leadership Academy Foundation, Texas Wesleyan University President's Advisory Board, MANA de North Texas, and Juntos Se Puede. "I like to show that as a product of public education, you can be successful and a leader," Sandra shared. "It isn't about me, it's about the next generation."

An avid reader, books have made a significant impact on Sandra throughout her life, and she remarked how important it is for students to have access to books that speak to everyone’s history. In her free time, Sandra likes to spend time with family, travel, and volunteer for causes close to her heart.