Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandria Garcia.
Hi Alexandria, 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.
(Jan-May 2021) As an almost Political Science graduate of St. Mary’s University in my last semester of class- I took a Public Administration Class that quite literally changed the course of my life. Since my Senior year of High School (NSITE (formerly Business Careers), I was dead set on being in politics as a mayor, city council, or even a political commentator. I was always aware of Political After taking the ONE Public Administration Class I realized what I really and fully desired to do was SERVE. I have always served in the capacity of a student leader, public speaker, and Sunday school teacher. In those capacities, I have also taught others the value of servant leadership.
(May 2021) At my College graduation party, -a family gave a speech that started with recognizing the meaning of my name “Alexandria means defender of men” and he went on to explain that with the education I have received and the gifts God has given me: I was created to defend. To defend the underserved, to defend those that have a limited voice and limited participation in the community. This was the fuel that began to get my wheels turning to answer the question “What’s Next?”
From that moment into 2022- I began to plan, read and educate myself. While in college, I wrote an award-winning article called: The Cry of the American Negro: Northern vs Southern Demand for Human Rights. That forced me to study the works and lives of Booker T. Washington and WEB Du Bois. Out of both African American Human Rights activists- the life and teachings of Booker T. Washington resonated with me the most. His autobiography “Up from slavery” followed the journey of his many times of hard work, his discovery and yearning for truth, and his path to excellence. All of these are the core principles of my non-profit Generations Excel, Inc. With those principles Generations, Excel began to come to life.
By the same token- I began to develop a deeper love and interest in the financial state of Black America and Black Americans in San Antonio and a love and understanding of Financial Literacy and Generational Wealth. By way of research, supporting, and talking to black businesses- I started to understand how far behind Black America was concerning the idea and passing down of wealth and financial peace. I graduated from a private University debt-free combination of a college fund, scholarships, and WORKING almost full time) and I desired the same for my community and everyone willing to put in the work.
(July 2021-December 2021) I was afforded the honor of speaking to the youth about God in my life and my successes. This ultimately set the principles (Hard work, Truth, and Excellence) in stone as well as laid the biblical foundation for Generations Excel. Each principle is backed with scripture that is used to help people understand the importance of these real-life principles from a biblical perspective. I also began reading more about non-profit operations, contacting lawyers, doing some self-teaching, and mental and spiritual preparation. I also founded the name Generations Excel and created a logo centered on power and completeness.
(Jan 2022)- I went full force in developing the ins and outs of Generations Excel. I founded a name based on the VISION. We desire to help generations and generations excel in their career, and education in their finances. I chose Chisholm Law Firm to assist me but at the time I was not ready to make a financial commitment so I started to save money each month in hopes of starting my nonprofit debt free.
(April 2022-June 2022)- I made the financial sacrifice to work towards developing the legal innards of the non-profit. I attended vendor events, talked with amazing community leaders, Joined the African American Chamber of Commerce, and Planned a Youth Goal Setting Summit. The emotional and physical support was at its highest during this time. Whatever I needed- they were there. Whatever naysayers or negativity I was receiving they were there to help me get through it.
July 2022- I received my OFFICIAL 501c(3) status!!! I was so excited to finally have the ability to reach out to those who wanted to donate and support us more largely.
Goal Setting Summit Aug 2022- We will identify our passions and look at how with the help of God, they help us grow into beautiful individuals with good character, goals, and visions for ourselves, as well as individuals with profitable businesses, careers, and life journeys! With the end goal of Generational Wealth in mind, we will work through the difficulties of goal setting, planning, and execution in the simplest way possible.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road, but it hasn’t seemed impossible either.
I struggled with 2 things
1. Career.
Since I graduated I expected and expected myself to get a “real job”. I have a job but it is not in my career field. That discouragement within itself was almost enough to question my work in the workforce and as a leader. As a student, I spent most of my time leading and doing above and beyond only for me to feel like it wasn’t worth it while putting in job applications. It was also the fact that many public sector jobs do not pay well. When you have bills to pay- it’s hard to fully follow your dreams when the salary does not.
2. Patience.
I wanted everything to happen in an unrealistic timeline. I often think about if I had not had enough patience to wait until legal fees and prices dropped by $1,000. Or if I had gotten a career job and forgotten about my passion and dream. Patience is true virtue and does NOT run in my bloodstream, but in certain situations, I forced myself to listen to reason and sound wisdom that told me to 1. calm down 2. wait 3. continue to plan.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The most important aspects of my life and what sets me apart…
1. God
God truly has brought me to this point in my life. I often ask myself “Am I worthy?” to do this type of important work with very important people (all people). It divinely seems like everything I have done in my life (being strained in Public speaking since age 8, being a student leader at the National level (Business Professionals of America), writing award-winning articles (STMU), being in spaces influence, etc.) has truly led me to this moment of being a Nonprofit founder.
2. Family
My family has always been amazing at supporting me in my (many) endeavors. They are a backbone for me as well as my best supporters. They surround me with the support and criticism I need to succeed and have my best interest at heart.
3. Age
When I tell people how old I am they are always stunned to know a 22-year-old minority woman is a founder of a 501c(3) nonprofit. People love to applaud me for where my mindset is and where my life is heading, which is all Glory to God. I always know that I want to have a purpose in any stage of life I am at and I always want that purpose to benefit others. I so desire to be a role model that is transparent about failures and success, life struggles, and my relationship with God. I KNOW there is a need for role models in our society that are fully transparent and practice what they preach.
4. The Program
The program in general (as far as I know) is one of a kind in San Antonio. We are a program FULLY based on helping people understand and acquire Generational wealth. My 3-year plan is to have certified financial advisors on demand that will draw up a plan for people to achieve their financial goals. I have been helping someone with their finances since June and they have paid off 3 loans, and all payment plans and have started to pay rent on time. These are financial moves and behaviors that matter and build up the ability to generate wealth.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Servant leadership and educating myself make me happy. I enjoy serving others in any capacity I can. I don’t serve others to feel like I have in some way helped myself- I do it to know I have truly helped someone else. I love reading history and applying some of the principles to today’s time.
As I mentioned with Booker T. Washington and the teachings of WEB Du Bois. Reading and Education also give me a sense of empowerment to combat negativity and educate others.
Contact Info:
- Website: GenExcel.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/generations_excel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenerationsExcel
- Other: https://stmuscholars.org/the-cry-of-the-american-negro-the-demand-for-human-rights-by-the-north-and-the-south/
Image Credits
Stacey Franke Photography
