Her Story
About Iris
Iris Garcia is an experienced operations and business management professional with over 30 years in the field. She began her career managing high-end operational affairs for governmental, private, and nonprofit sectors, including work for the Pentagon and White House affairs in the early 2000s. She currently serves as Internal Operations Director for a historic preservation organization in Houston, Texas, where she leads internal operations and oversees a $2.3 million budget, ensuring financial alignment, compliance, and seamless processes across the organization. Garcia is also a chef and caterer who was chosen as the premier caterer for the 2023 Houston Neon Blanc event out of 25 caterers, leading to partnerships with the City of Houston and local school districts. She founded Greater Works Ministries, a 501c3 organization in Houston focused on economic and spiritual empowerment, and has served as a notary for the state of Texas for over 25 years. She was previously the Houston president of the International Association of Women and was featured as a student at Abilene Christian University in a nationwide commercial highlighting her journey as a busy mother, caregiver, and working professional. Garcia has received an influential leader award through Greater Works Ministries.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Iris
01What do you attribute your success to?
Understanding the importance of consistency and dedication, and having a heart for doing the type of work that I've been called to do, both professionally and spiritually. When you have the right heart doing what you know you should be doing, then it's always going to make an impact on other people who encounter you.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never allow how someone views you to define who you are. Always know who you are in every room, in every table that you're qualified to sit at. And that confidence that you can take will always remain with you, and you won't be easily moved in the spaces that you've been qualified to operate in.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
For nonprofit work, it's challenging to get those dollars for folks who enjoy giving back to the community... Not always what you do is who you know, so shaping and defining those relationships are always important to avoid those type of challenges.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.