Today we’d like to introduce you to Ilsa Garcia.
Hi Ilsa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started with The National Hispanic National Organization 8 years ago as part of the NHPO Leadership program. That program was life-changing in many ways that I stayed and joined the Board. serving as membership chair, public relations chair, and chair-elect I later was elected to serve as Chair of NHPO which I have done so for the past 4 years.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I truly believe that the things in life are never a smooth road, it’s only human that we come across many obstacles. When elected to Chair of NHPO we had no more than 25 members attend the Networking events but I kept pushing and marketing the organization. Aside from attendance, we had no sponsors or locations to hold the events which are very important to the organization. My first line of business was building a Board with a group of people that had the skills and the heart to follow me on this journey. After putting a word on social media, I came across amazing people that were willing and able to join me in making NHPO an organization that would bring not only professionals and solid connections but also education programs for all. As of today, we have more than 400 people in attendance and sponsors that have become family. Alongside the board of NHPO, I feel the struggle was worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I was born in the great state of Texas my family migrated from Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas to Houston at a young age and that’s where my life and heart reside. I attended public schools and graduated from Milby High School and went on to attend the University of Houston on scholarship. I currently work in the Oil and Gas field, but my true passion resides in volunteering and being part of many organizations.
I currently sit on many boards and current President of the National Hispanic Professional Organization. I desire to help our communities to prosper and be better in many ways. Not only helping those in need but also making sure we thrive in the areas we live. I appreciate and I’m thankful for all the opportunities I have been blessed with and various awards in the community, NHPO Volunteer of the year 2014, FORD Mujeres Legendarias Community Advocate 2019, Houston International Trade Development Council G7 Award for Outstanding Advocate 2020, as well as serving on the City Board appointed by Mayor Turner, Keep Houston Beautiful, Advisory Council for LiftFund, Alley Theatre Zocalo Board, MPAC Advisory Board. Served as Emcee for Magnolia Park Dia De Los Muertos Festival and Emcee at the Miller Outdoor Theater for the launch of the new play Calavera con Calavera and Emcee for Houston Dia de Los Muertos.
My passion does not stop there as I continue to pursue new ventures and propose new ideas to keep our communities safe and prosperous for our future generations.
Any big plans?
The sky’s the limit…I love that quote because it is so limitless to what the future brings. In terms of the organization, my goal is to create a scholarship for continuing education. It is important as adults that we don’t stop learning and getting the education we need to continue to grow within our families and communities. NHPO would focus on awarding a person that would like to take trade classes or personal development classes a scholarship would help them further in their quest for a better future. On a personal level, I’m in the process of graduating from Leadership Houston, a prestigious organization that grow’s leaders in Houston. My future is exciting and full of self-growth and most importantly, self-love.
Contact Info:
- Email: ilsaglad@gmail.com
- Website: NHPOHTX.org
- Instagram: ilsaglad
- Facebook: Ilsa Garcia
- Twitter: Ilsaglad
- Youtube: NHPOHTX
Image Credits
Chris Sanchez (NHPO pictures)
Ricardo Alvarez
