Mary-Elizabeth Garcia

Community Outreach Specialist

“I’m passionate about making a positive difference in the community I grew up in. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than here. The people, the cultures, the community – nothing can beat it.”

Mary-Elizabeth Garcia is the Community Outreach Specialist for the Institute for Public Strategies’ SOR4 / CALI program. A proud South Bay, San Diego native, her roots in the community fuel her passion for uplifting those around her.

Before joining IPS, Mary served as a Project Coordinator for StRides Against Suicide and Overdose and a Membership Specialist for the Asian American Real Estate Association of America. Her commitment to service began in high school as President of the Boom Club, partnering with local organizations to give back to San Diego.

Mary holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from San Diego State University and successfully launched and sold her own company after completing two incubation programs. Outside of work, she enjoys kite flying, dance classes, and discovering new restaurants. She will never say “no” to a kite flying session.