Her Story
About Cynthia
Cynthia Garcia is the Owner of ResideRise, LLC, and a Multifamily Real Estate Sponsor focused on helping accredited investors build long-term wealth through passive income, tax advantages, and professionally managed multifamily apartment investments. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Davis in Environmental Toxicology, which provided a strong analytical foundation for her disciplined, systems-driven approach to both public service and real estate investing. Cynthia has built an exceptional career defined by leadership, service, adaptability, and a commitment to creating lasting impact. After dedicating 27 years to public service in water resource management, she transitioned into real estate entrepreneurship, where she now focuses on building businesses, acquiring multifamily properties, and creating generational wealth for her family.
For nearly three decades, Cynthia served as a Drinking Water Program Manager with the California Department of Water Resources, where she contributed to major statewide water initiatives, including FERC license renewals and drought response efforts. Her work supported critical infrastructure, environmental compliance, and the delivery of safe drinking water to millions of Californians. She played an important role in addressing complex challenges such as saltwater intrusion during drought conditions, and her contributions were recognized through multiple professional awards. While she values her technical accomplishments, Cynthia credits much of her success to the strong relationships she built with colleagues, stakeholders, and community partners, which remain a cornerstone of her professional approach today.
Following her transition from government service, Cynthia entered the multifamily real estate industry, where she now owns and operates two companies focused on acquiring, investing in, and managing apartment communities. She applies decades of leadership, organizational strategy, and problem-solving experience to building scalable real estate operations and progressing toward her first acquisition. One of her primary motivations is creating a lasting legacy for her family, and she has intentionally structured LLCs and trusts to build generational wealth for her nieces and nephews. Outside of her business ventures, Cynthia remains active in community service through therapy dog programs, church outreach, and support of Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Services, reflecting her ongoing commitment to service, compassion, and meaningful impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cynthia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to building strong relationships above all else. The relationships are what's most important to me - not only with colleagues in the multifamily space, but also with my potential investors and my tenants. The assets will always be there, the money will always be there, the business will always be there, but the relationships are significant and rewarding. Communication is key, and I have a passion for educating not only my investors but my tenants as well. Throughout my 27-year career in public service and now in real estate, I've learned that the relationships I've built are paramount. I thoroughly enjoy connecting with like-minded colleagues who are dynamic and wonderful to work with. Those relationships have been the foundation of everything I've accomplished, and they continue to drive my success as I build my real estate businesses and work toward creating a legacy for my family.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Throughout her career, Cynthia has benefited from the guidance of colleagues, professional leaders, and industry experts who helped shape her leadership abilities and professional growth. She also values the relationships she has built through both government service and real estate investing.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Cynthia encourages women to focus on building strong relationships, remain open to learning, and not be afraid to pursue opportunities outside their comfort zones. She believes success often comes from the connections you build and the willingness to continue growing throughout your career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Cynthia believes one of the biggest challenges in real estate is navigating market fluctuations while continuing to identify strong investment opportunities. At the same time, she sees tremendous opportunities for individuals who are willing to educate themselves, build strategic partnerships, and take a long-term approach to wealth creation through real estate.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Service and giving back are at the core of who I am. As I told the interviewer, the Good Lord doesn't want us to not move and serve - we were here to move and serve, so it's time to get moving and serve. That's my goal. I've spent my entire career in service, first through 27 years of public service ensuring safe drinking water for millions of Californians, then as a volunteer chaplain for law enforcement helping first responders during traumatic situations, and now through my therapy dog work with children, seniors, and hospital patients. I'm deeply committed to my faith and my church community, regularly opening my home for youth fellowship events. Even in my real estate business, I see my work as service - I want to make my tenants' living spaces better through remodeling and improvements, and I'm passionate about educating both my investors and tenants. Everything I'm building now is about creating a legacy for my nieces and nephews and supporting my favorite charities. I believe success is measured not just by professional accomplishments, but by the positive impact we leave on family, community, and future generations.
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