#WomenCrushingWednesday with Yatzi Garcia

Yatzi Garcia, Operations and Membership Manager
Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce

As we continue to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15), we couldn’t be prouder to shine a light on one of our own. Yatzi Garcia started at the CWCC not even a year ago and she’s already had so much influence on our mission and impact.

She’s not only an amazing Operations & Membership Engagement Manager, she is a stellar human who is truly crushing it! Here are her thoughts during this special time of year!

How does your cultural background and heritage inform your life and career?

As a first-gen child of Mexican immigrants, I was taught to speak up for those who do not have a voice. Listening and translating for family and friends that did not speak English became second nature to me, and instilled empathy towards others with limited resources. My cultural background has played a significant role in my career as I lean towards roles that focus on uplifting diverse voices to achieve equitable and inclusive solutions.

What is your “why?” and how does that make you passionate about your work and/or community contributions?

I strive to be the person I needed when I was younger for others who come from a similar background. As a Latina raised by working-class parents, I know how hard it is to navigate spaces that were not created for you, whether it’s college or your first professional experience, I believe everyone deserves to feel like they belong regardless of their background.

What is one of the biggest challenges that you have overcome, and how did you overcome it?

Embracing the uncomfortable and the unknown. Change is great but can be scary at times. As a Pennsylvania native with strong family ties, it was tough leaving home six years ago, but I decided to go big. I moved to Texas with nothing, but my car (and whatever fit in it) and started a life in a state with no family/friends. About a year ago I made the jump to Colorado, and I can not express how rewarding my journey has been so far, overcoming the fear of not knowing what was ahead took focusing on resilience, embracing the experience, and LOTS of encouraging phone calls from family and friends.

What is your personal motto or favorite quotation?

“Al final del día, podemos aguantar mucho más de lo que pensamos que Podemos” – Frida Kahlo
“At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.” – Frida Kahlo

Advice for others in business based on what you have learned on your journey.

Invite diversity to the table, listen, and be open to change. You’ll welcome better business and social impact!

What are you most proud of?

The role I’ve played in advocating for future generations in my young career, including my younger family members, just because we had it hard doesn’t mean they have to.