Juanita Garcia

Juanita Garcia is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in mechanical design.

She is dedicated to enhancing people's quality of life through the built environment.

Juanita's diverse background includes studies in psychology, human rights, and massage therapy.

She obtained the prestigious U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Accredited Professional credential with a specialization in Building Design and Construction in 2009.

As a podcast host of Shades of Green Chicago, Juanita amplifies the voices of environmentalists of color.

She serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the WasteShed, a nonprofit focused on creative material reuse.

Additionally, Juanita is actively involved in the Environmentalists of Color advisory council and develops educational programs for the Carbon Leadership Forum in Chicago.

Her educational journey includes studying Psychology with a minor in Media Communications at Webster Leiden Campus, International Relations at American University, and completing a Diploma in Massage Therapy at Cortiva Institute in Chicago.

She has lent her expertise to various organizations such as Pepper Construction Group, where she held roles from Project Executive to Senior Project Manager focusing on High Performance and Sustainable Construction.

Juanita has also been an AutoCAD Instructor, a LEED Consultant at McDonald's Corporation, and a STEM Camp Curriculum Developer and Facilitator at Project Exploration.

Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to found BIM for Better and Phoenix Building Materials, showcasing her dedication to innovative solutions in the industry.

In addition, she has actively contributed to advancing sustainability initiatives as an ADVANCE Ambassador at the U.S. Green Building Council.

Throughout her career, Juanita has excelled in roles ranging from Mechanical Designer/Assistant Project Manager at Kroeschell Inc. to Social Media Director at Knowledge Fountain Network.

Her passion for sustainability and community involvement shines through her commitments to various roles within the industry.

Juanita's expertise in mechanical design, sustainability, education program development, and environmental advocacy positions her as a well-rounded professional making significant contributions to the field.

Her extensive background and dedication to creating a positive impact through her work establish her as a leader in the sustainability and construction sectors.