Maria Garcia
Milwaukie ,Oregon
Summary
Dynamic and strategic community leader with over a decade of experience in community affairs and local entrepreneurship. Expertise includes public affairs, team leadership, fundraising, and the development of culturally relevant programs, along with a strong foundation in physical trauma therapy. Proven success in advocating for minority communities and fostering donor relationships while effectively guiding cross-functional teams to exceed social and cultural development objectives. Committed to promoting equity, financial prosperity, and safety for women and children affected by unjust laws, stigmas, and economic disparities.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Owner
Yolotl Traditional Mexican Cuisine
Happy Valley, Oregon
09.2022 - 06.2025
- Established and operated a restaurant specializing in authentic traditional Mexican cuisine, celebrating regional flavors and culinary traditions.
- Fostered community engagement through cultural events, cooking classes, and partnerships with local organizations.
- Created employment and mentorship opportunities, with a focus on supporting abused women in the culinary field.
- Managed all aspects of restaurant operations, including staff training, marketing, and customer service, ensuring an exceptional dining experience.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Reduced operational expenses, reviewing and adjusting budgets to align with financial goals.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
Commissioner & Co-Chair
New Portlanders Policy Commission (NPPC)
09.2017 - 06.2020
- Provided leadership and strategic direction as Co-chair of the NPPC, guiding key initiatives to support immigrant and refugee communities.
- Advocated for the needs of Spanish-speaking residents in city policy development, promoting inclusion and representation.
- Fostered strong partnerships and solidarity with minority leaders from diverse ethnic groups across Oregon, strengthening community advocacy efforts.
- Served on the Sanctuary City Task Force, shaping recommendations and priorities to protect individuals and communities targeted for deportation by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
- Collaborated with local, county, state, federal, and educational partners to identify actionable solutions.
- Helped secure and commit $50,000 to assist DREAMERS with DACA-related legal services, and an additional $50,000 to support Metropolitan Public Defenders in aiding immigrants facing deportation.
- Member of the Portland COVID-19 Economic Impact and Intervention Task Force, supporting businesses and workers affected by the COVID-19 economic emergency.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through regular assessment and feedback mechanisms, driving continuous improvement efforts.
Entrepreneur / Owner
Revolucion Coffee House
Portland, Oregon
01.2013 - 01.2020
- Founded and operated Oregon's first Mexican-inspired coffee shop, introducing pre-Hispanic drinks and authentic Mexican coffee in a formal café setting.
- Promoted Mexican gastronomy and culture through community events, educational workshops, and strategic partnerships.
- Created job opportunities for college students, single mothers, and minorities, fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace.
- Hosted social justice brunches and fundraisers for local causes, and catered events for organizations such as the Department of Justice, PSU Casa Latina, City of Portland, and Oregon Historical Society.
- Organized and co-sponsored Portland's first large-scale Day of the Dead celebration with the Portland Art Museum and PNCA, attracting 3,000 attendees in the first year and 5,000 the following year.
- Reduced operational expenses, reviewing and adjusting budgets to align with financial goals.
- Implemented employee training programs, improving team skills and fostering culture of continuous learning and development.
- Built strong brand recognition and customer loyalty by delivering high-quality products and services consistently over time.
- Launched new product lines successfully through comprehensive planning, strategy and research.
Community Affairs Delegate
Mexican Consulate
Portland, Oregon
01.2009 - 01.2013
- Led cross-functional teams to organize cultural festivals, outreach programs, and educational workshops, strengthening community engagement and cultural pride.
- Collaborated with local non-profits and government agencies to promote programs advancing equity, safety, and economic opportunities for marginalized groups.
- Coordinated logistics for high-level visits from Mexican authorities, ensuring seamless execution and meaningful community interactions.
- Built partnerships with cultural agencies to sponsor and promote culinary events, enhancing visibility of Mexican traditions.
- Connected Mexican indigenous individuals with language resources, supporting cultural preservation and access to services across USA.
- Facilitated distribution of information about Mexican government programs for Mexicans living abroad by establishing strong relationships with local leaders and non-profit Executive Directors throughout Oregon.
- Verified authenticity, legality, and capability of institutions offering free educational programs sponsored by Mexican government, ensuring community members accessed legitimate, high-quality opportunities.
- Served as liaison between th Consulate and local community, addressing concerns and providing guidance on available programs and services.
- Supported the development and implementation of initiatives empowering Mexican nationals and their families, including health, education, and financial literacy programs.
- Advocated for wrongfully incarcerated men at Oregon State Penitentiary, ensuring their rights were protected and their complaints addressed by establishing direct communication with Oregon State Department of Corrections officials.
- Educated business owners about international commerce opportunities between Mexico and the USA through Mexican government economic prosperity programs, helping them expand and thrive.
- Capture and processing of personal information to help issue Mexican passports and 'Matriculas Consulares', (Oregon legal approved Mexican ID's) at the Documentation Department.
- Travel to Oregon fields supporting the Protection Department to identify women and children exploited or suffering any type of abuse referring them to services and helping expedite their ID's to start their legal cases.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop strategies that advanced organizational goals.
- Organized successful fundraisers (10k -25k), developing donor relationships and raising vital funds for the institution.
Orthopedic Massage Therapist
Jordan Physical Therapy Center
Palm Desert, California
01.2005 - 08.2009
- Specialized in physical trauma therapy, treating sports injuries, orthopedic conditions, and supporting both pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation.
- Provided targeted care for amputees, aiding in physical adjustment and rehabilitation through specialized massage techniques.
- Supported women recovering from physical abuse with therapeutic massage, promoting healing and emotional well-being.
- Delivered pregnancy massage therapy to enhance comfort and health for expectant mothers.
- Administered lymph drainage therapy for older women with severe lymphedema, improving circulation and reducing swelling.
- Collaborated with athletes to optimize performance, prevent injuries, and accelerate recovery from sports-related trauma.
Education
GED -
Portland Community College
Portland, Oregon01.2009
Certified Orthopedic Massage Therapist -
Iowa Institute of Rolfing
Des Moines, Iowa01.2003
Certified Massage Therapist -
Somatherapy Massage School
Desert Hot Springs, California01.2002
Italian Language Studies -
College of the Desert
Palm Desert, California01.2001
English as a Second Language -
College of the Desert
Palm Desert, California01.2000
High School Diploma -
01.1997
Skills
- Public Affairs
- Restaurant Management
- Community Engagement
- Staff Training & Leadership
- Customer Service
- Event Planning
- Customer relations
- Small business operations
- Relationship building
- Multilingual, Spanish, English, Italian (basic)
Certification
- Certified Massage Therapist
- Certified Orthopedic Massage Therapist
Additional Information
Member of Community & Engagement at Portland Opera, 2020
Board Member. Boom Arts. 2017-2018
Don't Shoot PDX, President 2018-2019
Cultural Consultant, Portland Art Museum, 2018-2020
Board of Advisors, World Oregon, 2019-2020
Languages
Spanish
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Italian
Elementary (A2)
Timeline
Owner
Yolotl Traditional Mexican Cuisine
09.2022 - 06.2025
Commissioner & Co-Chair
New Portlanders Policy Commission (NPPC)
09.2017 - 06.2020
Entrepreneur / Owner
Revolucion Coffee House
01.2013 - 01.2020
Community Affairs Delegate
Mexican Consulate
01.2009 - 01.2013
Orthopedic Massage Therapist
Jordan Physical Therapy Center
01.2005 - 08.2009
Certified Orthopedic Massage Therapist -
Iowa Institute of Rolfing
Certified Massage Therapist -
Somatherapy Massage School
Italian Language Studies -
College of the Desert
English as a Second Language -
College of the Desert
High School Diploma -
GED -
Portland Community College
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