Special Section

Rita Garcia

Published March 13, 2025 - 5:00 a.m. Modified March 13, 2025 - 12:20 p.m.

Rita Garcia is the marketing manager at UNM-Valencia, and has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, advertising and public relations, and another bachelor’s degree in Spanish.

She has one daughter, Danielle, who graduated college with a bachelor’s degree in science .

Garcia has served in local chamber boards, including Belen, Los Lunas and the Hispano Chamber. She is also part of the development of Valencia County Partnership, which builds a network of communication with schools, local businesses and college campuses.

What advice do you have for aspiring women looking to advance their careers?

“Focus on your strong skills, and talents. Most likely, it will lead you to a career and a life that you’ll love and can make an impact for you and those around you.”

Who is your mentor?

“Many inspiring mentors, starting in grade school through now. My grade school teacher, Mrs. Sanchez, who always challenged me to the next level, even if I didn’t know it then. My high school yearbook and photography teacher brought out the creative side. My college Profesora de Español, who inspired me somehow to write the ‘Don Quixote’ essays, in español. Work colleagues have always offered encouragement, help and hilarious memories.

“My most inspiring mentor has been my mom, and her sisters (my aunties). She’s one of five, and every one of them, ever since I can remember, are so determined to make a better life for each of us kids and show us how to make it happen.”

Have you had any life-changing experiences that led you to where you are today?

“Professionally, I can’t pinpoint one life-changing experience, but more like a progression of events that opened doors. High school grad, to college, internships, college graduation, starting career, working in different arenas, gaining valuable experiences to lead me to my present marketing role at UNM-Valencia.”

What are your accomplishments that you are most proud of?

“To mark accomplishments in life, it takes a team of supporters, I’m proud to have a team encouraging me in one way or another. Family, even though sometimes, is brutally honest, pulls me in the right direction. I’m also a proud parent, of a daughter who’s even more determined than I could imagine.”

If you could say one thing to your younger self or give them one piece of advice, what would it be?

“Take time to enjoy the ride. It’s OK if it all doesn’t happen according to a time schedule. When it comes to the comfort zone, embrace the unknown a little bit at a time and see if it fits.”

What legacy do you want to leave?

“In my opinion, it’s important for each of us to know our traditions, our culture, and what we can pass on in wisdom, values for upcoming generations. My teenage self may not have realized at the time but having moved away from family and while experiencing other cultures, and other family traditions, it certainly reinforced my family core values to make for a better life.

“I hope my legacy includes those family traditions, strong work ethic, generous quality-time with relationships, and life preparation skills.”