Angela Garcia: Vice President of Development and Marketing, A Gift for Teaching

As a business major in college, Angela Garcia was certain she’d run her own company one day. But she struggled to find a meaningful “why” in business that inspired her. Everything changed when she took a class focused on the study of people—and realized nonprofits are businesses with people at their core. She shifted her career toward service and the nonprofit sector and never looked back. 

“It was a decision that aligned perfectly with my passion and purpose, allowing me to make a meaningful impact every day through work that truly fulfills me,” says Garcia. 

Today, in her role at A Gift for Teaching, Garcia connect generous donors and community partners with opportunities to support students and teachers in need. She also develops strategies to secure funding, build corporate partnerships and engage supporters through storytelling and campaigns.

“Knowing that our efforts help equip classrooms, ease financial burdens and create opportunities for students to succeed is incredibly fulfilling,” she says. “Seeing the community come together to support education and knowing I played a role in making that happen is what makes this work so meaningful.”

Since joining A Gift for Teaching in 2015, Garcia has advanced through six roles, steadily increasing her impact and leadership. In thinking about making a difference over time, she recalls the most memorable piece of advice she ever received—to always wear sunscreen. 

“It’s simple advice, but it’s really about thinking long-term—even when you don’t see the results right away. In my career, I’ve learned that the little things we do consistently can make a big difference over time. Whether it’s building relationships, growing professionally or setting the stage for future success, the effort you put in now always pays off later. Just like sunscreen, a little prep and care today can save you from bigger issues down the road and help keep everything on the right track.”