Jenifer “Jeni” Garcia was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Deeply connected to her community, Jeni brings a background in grassroots organizing and social justice advocacy to her role as Community Engagement and Development Manager. She focuses on building genuine relationships, supporting community-led work, and connecting donor resources with the priorities of local communities.

Jeni earned her BA in International Studies from the University of New Mexico in 2022, where she studied global policy, human rights, and social equity. She has worked with grassroots and community-based organizations at both the local and national levels, supporting work around racial equity, immigrant rights, and mental health advocacy.

Outside of work, Jeni enjoys spending time with her partner and their three dogs. She loves being outdoors and exploring creative outlets like art, dance, and music.

• Red or green? Christmas of course!
• Mountain or River? A mountain AND a river!
• Comedy Club or Dance Club? Dance club for sure - preferably salsa or cumbia!
• Hometown: Chihuahua, Mexíco.
• High School Mascot: Bulldogs (Go Albuquerque High!).
• If you could have lunch with anyone alive or dead, who would it be? Frida Kahlo, Mexican Painter, Cultural Icon and Political Activist.
• If you didn’t work for the Foundation, where would you work?Community based organizations that align with my values.
• Name three songs you would include on your soundtrack of life:1. The Great Gig in the Sky by Pink Floyd 2. Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole 3. Gracias a la Vida by Chavela Vargas
• What’s your favorite time of the year in New Mexico? Autumn, witnessing the changing colors of the leaves and trees is a beautiful thing!
• What is a skill you’d like to learn? Learn a third language; Brazilian Portuguese
• If you could witness any event of the past, present or future, what would it be? If I could witness any event of the past, present or future, it would be the March on Washington (1963) for civil rights, featuring MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech.