Mauricio Garcia

Mauricio Garcia is an experienced leader in community development, currently serving as the Senior Vice President for Programs at UnidosUS, a prominent civil rights organization focused on Latino advocacy. Before this role, he was the Chief Program and Engagement Officer at Friends of the High Line from December 2019 to October 2022. In that capacity, he managed various initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and accessibility within the park, which is a significant public space in New York City.123

Professional Background

• Chief Program and Engagement Officer, Friends of the High Line:

  • Oversaw local and national initiatives including youth development, public art, and community programming.
  • Worked on making the park more equitable, connecting under-resourced communities to cultural and educational opportunities.12

• Deputy Director, Cities of Service:

  • Led efforts to support a network of over 280 cities in engaging residents to address local challenges.13

• Previous Roles:

  • Held leadership positions at organizations like Seedco and Change Machine, focusing on workforce development and financial empowerment services.12

Education

Garcia holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Baruch College (City University of New York) and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Oakland University.12

Community Involvement

He has been involved with various initiatives aimed at social justice and community empowerment, including serving on the board of Teens for Food Justice and participating in the Coro Leadership New York program.13

Personal Background

Originally from the Detroit area, Mauricio Garcia resides in Jackson Heights, Queens.13 His extensive experience spans nearly two decades working across civil society, government, and the private sector to foster social change.