Alma Garcia
Alma’s professional background includes management consulting, nonprofit leadership, and healthcare solutions. She retired in 2019 and moved to Costa Rica where she has created a simple, joyful, pura vida life.
Alma is a life-time volunteer who believes in mentoring. She has spent many years helping young girls believe in themselves and achieve their highest potential through nonprofit organizations like Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Dream Angels, Inc. and Black Girls Go Global.
She founded Black Girls Go Global in 2023 to empower and inspire the next generation of Black women in S.T.E.A.M. She believes Black girls need more opportunities for education and growth to narrow the gender/racial disparity that currently exists. More Black girls in S.T.E.A.M. fields equals a more diverse, innovative, and inclusive S.T.E.A.M. community.
As the sole parent of two Black children (a 31-year-old daughter adopted when she was 10 and a 27-year-old son), Alma says “raising them was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but the most rewarding and inspiring thing I’ve ever done!”
In Their Own Words
What are your favorite quotes?
“Honesty and openness is always the foundation of insightful dialogue.” – bell hooks
Who is your favorite woman fundraiser or philanthropist of color?
Michelle Obama. Michelle made us realize that women of color are socialized NOT to ask for anything for OURSELVES. That knowledge empowers me (as a woman of color) to be unapologetic about seeking investments in causes that are relevant to Black girls and Black women.
What inspired you to pursue a career in philanthropy and fundraising with a focus on empowering women in the S.T.E.A.M. field?
Starting a nonprofit with a mission of empowering and inspiring the next generation of Black women in S.T.E.A.M. automatically puts you in the “driver’s seat” within the organization to seek funding with foundations, individual donors, and civic organizations who are aligned with our mission.
Where do you want to be in three years?
In three (3) years, I want to look back (in awe and wonder) at the growth of our organization, at the number of Black girls whose lives were transformed by our work, at the partnerships that were cultivated through our mission, and the depth of our leadership.
Do you have any advice for other women of color entrepreneurs in the realm of philanthropy and fundraising—whether they are in Canada, the United States, or the international WOC community at large?
Absolutely! I see several areas where women of color can shine by:
building a strong network and connecting with other women of color in philanthropic spaces and seeking mentors who understand the unique challenges faced by women of color;
telling our story in a way that resonates deeply with donors and supporters, and sharing impact stories and data to show how contributions are making a difference;
leveraging technology and social media to reach a broader audience;
diversifying our funding sources (i.e., grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donors);
building capacity to invest in our own personal growth and that of our team;
raising awareness about the challenges face by women of color and partnering with other organizations to amplify our voices;
being aware of cultural differences and sensitivities when approaching potential donors, especially in an international context; and
building a strong support system and maintaining a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout.
How can women in the WOC community get involved with the work of Black Girls Go Global?
WOC women can get involved with Black Girls Go Global as volunteer fundraising consultants or as Board members. We currently need members with backgrounds in law, HBCUs, and fundraising. They can also support our mission by investing in Black girls in STEAM.
