Today we’d like to introduce you to Alma Garcia
Hi Alma, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hello! My name is Alma Garcia. I am a lifetime volunteer working with nonprofits that advocate for women and girls and foster hope and change in their futures.
In 2023, I founded Black Girls Go Global because of the gender/racial disparity that exists with Black women in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.) with less than 2% representation. This gap is often due to systemic barriers such as lack of access, bias, and stereotypes. By advocating for Black girls, we help dismantle these barriers and create a more equitable future.
I strongly believe that diversity drives innovation and everyone deserves an equal opportunity. By supporting Black girls in S.T.E.A.M., we encourage unique perspectives that can drive advancements in various industries. S.T.E.A.M. careers are among the fastest-growing and highest-paying jobs globally. Encouraging Black girls to pursue these fields ensures that they have access to economic opportunities that can elevate not only their own lives but also their communities.
When Black girls succeed in S.T.E.A.M., they become role models for the next generation. Representation matters. Seeing someone who looks like them succeed inspires younger Black girls to envision themselves in those roles too. Research shows that diversity in S.T.E.A.M. improves the quality of outcomes, whether it’s in health, technology, or environmental solutions. Advocating for Black girls to take part in these fields ensures their perspectives and needs are integrated into innovations that benefit everyone.
As we know all too well … the world is becoming more tech-driven and knowledge-based. To remain competitive on the global stage, it’s essential to tap into the full potential of all groups, including Black girls, who can contribute to the advancement of S.T.E.A.M. Advocating for Black girls in S.T.E.A.M. not only uplifts individuals but also strengthens communities and the broader society by promoting equity, innovation, and progress.
Black Girls Go Global offers S.T.E.A.M. educational and cultural programs to U.S. Black girls (Grades 9 – 12) in Costa Rica. Our 2025 program involves an architectural build with a Black woman-owned construction company on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. We expect to serve a total of 20 students.
Incorporating travel into S.T.E.A.M. education enriches students’ learning experiences, inspires innovation, and prepares them to work in an increasingly globalized S.T.E.A.M. landscape.
A little more about me … I grew up in Dallas, Texas where I lived and worked in management consulting and nonprofit leadership until I retired in 2020 and moved to the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica … where I enjoy the best nature offers. When I am not hiking, snorkeling, or exploring waterfalls, I dedicate my time raising awareness about Black Girls Go Global on a national level.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a nonprofit automatically puts one in the driver’s seat of fundraiser. The passion for raising awareness and funds to support our mission must be filtered down throughout the organization to Board of Directors, Board Committee Members, Advisory Board Council, and anyone else associated with our mission with the same vigor and enthusiasm.
Raising money for marginalized groups, like Black girls, is ten times more difficult because funders (1) don’t understand the gender/racial disparity that exists; (2) they feel as though we are discriminatory for only serving Black girls; or (3) they believe we are merely providing a vacation for program participants. Dispelling these myths and misconceptions is part of raising awareness about why Black girls?
Add the challenge of a start-up nonprofit not having 3-5 years of financial history … a requirement of many grantors. A larger nonprofit is needed to act as a “fiscal sponsor” to pursue grants while we build a financial history of our own.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My professional career spanned over 40 years in the areas of management consulting and organizational development in the business, healthcare and nonprofit sectors having worked for Towers Watson, The Dallas Community Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Fe, NM and Homewatch CareGivers of North Dallas.
My proudest moment has come from seeing young girls I mentored become an author, a NASA aerospace engineer, and be the first in their families to go to college and achieve their life dreams.
What sets me apart from other others is that I am mission-driven. I have a clear vision for the future and inspire others to work towards it. I have empathy and compassion and create a supportive environment that fosters trust. I am adaptable and resilient and can navigate uncertainties while keeping the organization focused and stable. I foster collaboration across teams and partnerships to leverage the strengths of our community. I am transparent and take responsibility for outcomes and ensure the organization’s resources are used ethically. I ensure that Black Girls Go Global reflects the diversity of our constituents by promoting equitable practices both internally and externally.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management when I was 58 years old. I became a mom at age 40 and spent the next 18 years raising a biological child and an adopted child on my own while working on my degree with the University of Phoenix … an online college for working adults.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blackgirlsgoglobal.org
- Instagram: @black_girls_go_global
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brasilitocostarica
