A short conversation between two strangers that changes who heals whom and teaches one a great lesson in life.
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Influential Woman · Publishing and Writing
Ivy Garces
Author, Private Practice
San Jose, CA 95136
1Article published
Her Story
About Ivy
Ivy Garces is an author based in San Jose, California, who published her memoir, The Vessel, in April 2026. The book shares her personal journey of spiritual awakening, highlighting how her faith in God helped her navigate life's challenges and discover her purpose. Ivy earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), majoring in Marketing, from Ateneo de Davao University in the Philippines. After moving to the United States nearly 24 years ago, she dedicated 13 years to raising her family as a stay-at-home mother before returning to the workforce.
Following her time at home, Ivy began her professional career as a car salesperson at a Kia dealership in San Jose before transitioning into accounting at a photonics startup. Through her experience, she developed expertise in U.S. payroll and accounting systems and advanced into director-level payroll positions. One of her most notable achievements involved resolving a major IRS payroll tax audit for a nonprofit organization serving children with special needs. By identifying and correcting a tax identification error, she helped the organization recover $50,000 in overpayments, demonstrating her attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to making a meaningful difference.
Today, Ivy focuses on sharing her story and inspiring others through her writing. She credits her accomplishments to her faith in God, which continues to guide her decisions and shape her life's direction. Her daily routine begins with prayer and meditation, followed by exercise and her professional responsibilities. Beyond her career and writing, Ivy supports charitable organizations, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Shriners Children's, and groups that assist Native American children in California. Through her memoir and philanthropic efforts, she hopes to encourage others to embrace faith, overcome adversity, and discover strength and purpose in their own journeys.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ivy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith in God and my recently published memoir The Vessel which describes my personal journey of spiritual awakening and how faith helped me overcome life's challenges. My typical day starts with prayer and meditation followed by exercise and work responsibilities.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
It's a jungle out there, and be ready emotionally. Sometimes, someone will try to knock you down. Don't let other people's negativity get into you.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never give up, and always challenge yourself to discover your talents and gifts throughout your career. When the Lord calls you to step out in faith, listen and trust His guidance. My memoir, The Vessel, is a reflection of that faith, and I hope it inspires and helps others along their spiritual journeys.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of my biggest challenges has been navigating unemployment after being let go from my accounting position. However, I am stepping out in faith, embracing new opportunities, and pursuing a new chapter through the recent publication of my book, The Vessel.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My most important values are faith, obedience, and gratitude. I believe in sharing my story to give all glory to God, who now guides my steps and directs my path. Through my journey, I have learned to trust His timing and remain faithful to His calling, hoping my experiences will inspire others in their personal and spiritual journeys.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Ivy
The Yellow Sky
A Chance Encounter at Almaden Lake Park That Transformed Two Lives in One Conversation
When I was working from home, I made it a mantra to take a 1-hour walk at Almaden Lake Park in San Jose, California, every day. The story I'd like to share happened a year ago, and someone I recently met encouraged me to share this story.
It was in the third week of October 2025 that this encounter occurred at Almaden Lake Park in San Jose, California. I always start my day early, and I usually shut off my laptop by 3:00 pm and get ready for a long afternoon walk. I grabbed my water bottle, keys, and wallet, got into my car, and drove myself to the lake. The travel time was 15 minutes; it was a relaxing afternoon.
I arrived a bit early at the park since the traffic was very light. On that day, I decided to take a different route since it was warmer and I'd like to feel the sun's rays. I put on my headset, played music, and started my walk on the trail. During my first and only round on that day, I saw an older man sitting alone on the bench. As I passed by, I felt an ache in my heart, and I just whispered, poor guy.
Then I continued my walk, and as I passed the older man and crossed the bridge above him, I felt a sudden urge to go back to where he sat. I resisted the urge until I stopped and looked up at the bright blue sky and said, "Really."
Well, the force of the universe won, and I turned around and walked back to where the older man sat. It crossed my mind to keep going; however, as I got closer, two dogs and their owner blocked the way, barking at each other. So, I stopped and told myself, " Okay, universe, you won.
I walked near the older man sitting on the bench and decided to use an icebreaker to get his attention. I said, "Have you noticed, the color of the sky is 'Yellow'?" He turned around and looked at me and said, "What are you talking about?" The color of the sky is not Yellow. He also said, "Don't talk to me; my English is not good." I replied, " Well, that makes the two of us." I smiled and sat next to him.
The fifteen-minute conversation I planned to have with the older man ended up being one hour and thirty minutes.
During our talk, I started calling him "Baba" (the Arabic term for "father"). Baba smiled every time I called him Baba. He told me I reminded him of his youngest daughter. Our conversation started when Baba asked me where I came from. I told him I came from the Philippines and I migrated here to the United States two decades ago.
Baba said he is an Assyrian Christian; his hometown is now part of Iran. I was puzzled, and I asked him, " You're telling me that there are Christians in Iran? Baba said, "Yes," even after the time of Jesus Christ, Christianity is practiced in Iran. I told him I thought the Assyrian empire collapsed, and he said, "Yes," but we became part of Iran.
As time passed, Baba and I discussed politics, the history of the Middle East, Culture, Arabic Food, his Adventures, his love for his 3 daughters, and his deepest, most painful secrets. As he shared his life story, I stayed silent and listened to his pain, adventures, colorful culture, and geopolitical history of the Middle East.
The man who refused to talk to me 1 hour and 30 minutes ago opened up about his life journey, and as I looked at his face, I noticed that Baba was smiling more as he shared his adventures and his love for his 3 beautiful daughters. The day he needed to stand alone to raised her 3 girls while working long hours to support their needs.
One conversation changed it all.
The man who sat alone on a bench with sorrowful eyes was transformed in less than two hours. The hour has passed, and it was getting dark and colder. Baba asked me one question, "Ivy, should I return to Iran or should I stay here in the United States?" My response, "Baba, go where your heart leads you." I smiled, and he said, It is getting late for you, and I need to play chess with my Assyrian friends.
As we walk to the trail, he shows me where he will meet his friends and spend the night playing chess at the park. We parted with a firm handshake, and as I looked into Baba's eyes, I saw a spark that was not visible one hour and 30 minutes ago.
One conversation changes a man's life.
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