Today we’d like to introduce you to Prisma Garcia.
Hi Prisma, 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 backstories with our readers.
I am of humble beginnings. I was born and raised in the Pleasant Grove community in Dallas. My parents are both immigrants from Mexico. My mother is a homemaker, and my father owns a construction company. I attended Dallas ISD schools and graduated top of my class at H. Grady Spruce High School. I was a trailblazer in my family and the first to leave for college out of state. I decided to apply to the University of Notre Dame after watching the movie Rudy in my eighth-grade class. I was admitted early to Notre Dame and moved to South Bend, Indiana, in the Fall.
During college, I had similar challenges to other first-generation students of color. I experienced culture shock, challenges in academics, and the freezing weather. It was tough to go from a neighborhood of primarily black and brown people to a predominantly white institution.
During the summer of my freshman year, I volunteered at Casa del Migrante in Tijuana, Mexico. The experience was one of the most powerful in shaping the rest of my college experience and life. It was the first time I was exposed to true poverty.
There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of my time at Notre Dame. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science after a short five years. I returned to Dallas at the height of the recession and housing crisis.
I worked at a marketing analytics company for a short year and a half and left to work in consulting for a New York-based company. I spent the next four years traveling for work and raising dollars for large nonprofits like the Catholic diocese. After taking almost 50 flights in a year, I decided to make Dallas my full-time home again. I started to work for a Latino-serving organization and eventually transitioned to another philanthropic organization. Now, I work in corporate social responsibility at a global corporation.
I still live in Pleasant Grove and believe I can make a difference in my community by being a mentor and leader.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been struggles along the way. I have been very blessed, but it has not always been easy. College was a big test, as I took such an enormous leap from high school to college. It required extra work for me to be on par with my peers. I have never been afraid of work since and never felt that I could not do something. I am not easily intimidated anymore.
The housing crisis was detrimental to my family’s income, the job market was low, and I was running out of money. Eventually, my family rebuilt, but it took several years for us to get on our feet.
I have experienced loss and heartbreak like many others. Yet, my faith in God has allowed me to trust that things are how they should be.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work in social impact at a global company. My role focuses on DEI, volunteerism, philanthropy, and employee engagement. I am most proud of my work in the community. For example, I helped co-found a nonprofit called Community Does It. I am also a board member of several nonprofits and remain active in my local alumni club. I specialize in creating impact. I have training in social impact strategy and am an expert connector. I am most successful because I work hard to build relationships and do not mind rolling up my sleeves.
We’d love to hear about what you think about risk-taking.
I view risk-taking as a daily activity – even small risks matter! If something does not scare me, I am in my comfort zone. Taking risks is about pushing yourself to a place you have not been. I am a risk taker and believe you must gain self-confidence and awareness through constant change and discomfort.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.prismagarcia.com
- Instagram: irishlatina09
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Love.thee.ND
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prismagarcia/
- Twitter: irishlatina09
- Other: www.communitydoesit.org
Image Credits
Grace Topete
St. Philip & St. Augustine Catholic School
Friends of Crawford Park
Social Venture Partners Dallas
Dallas Regional Chamber
Julie Alexander
Seth Block
