Her Story
About Mary
Mary Garcia brings more than two decades of experience in healthcare to her role as founder of Raices Unidas, a Houston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit she established seven years ago. She began her career as a trauma nurse at a young age before moving into emergency medicine operations, where she continues to work as a seasoned executive. Seeking to expand her impact, Garcia launched her nonprofit to address community needs by providing free prom and graduation attire through a dignity boutique, sponsoring Project Prom for underserved schools, creating holiday experiences for students and senior centers, and offering scholarships. She holds a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration and is currently pursuing a master's degree. Garcia also serves on the boards of the Alley Theater Houston, the National Hispanic Professional Organization (NHPO), Ria de los Muertos Houston, the Frida Festival, and the Aeolian Manor Foundation. She recently authored and launched the book Grassroots Blueprint, which details her journey building the organization from the ground up with community support. Garcia attributes her drive to the example set by her parents, a fifth-generation Mexican father from a broken home and an immigrant mother who arrived alone at a young age, and she emphasizes the importance of family, faith, and mentorship in her work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mary
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to growing up witnessing my parents' hard work and struggles. My dad came from a broken home as a 5th generation Mexican, and my mother was an immigrant who came here by herself at a young age and had to figure out life on her own. Validating their struggles and seeing how hard they worked to provide for my sister and me really shaped who I have become.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received is to find yourself a good mentor. Finding a good mentor is very helpful because you always have someone to ask questions, and you don't want to reinvent the wheel. If someone has already taken those steps that you aspire to take, they can provide guidance so you don't have to do it blindly.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering the field, especially in healthcare and emergency medicine operations which is still very male-dominated, that you belong there. You worked hard, just as hard or maybe even harder, to be in that position, so don't question it, own it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
For the nonprofit world as a 501c3, funding is a big challenge right now, especially in the current political climate and economy. It's hard to come by, and grassroots nonprofits like mine are built from the heart and passion, not for wealth. It's not sustainable to be grassroots without grants, but I built it with my own blood, sweat, and tears and community support instead of grant writing.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family and being faith-based are most important to me. Everything that I do is always with my family on my mind, trying to leave them a legacy, and I can't do any of that if my faith is not on point. Those form part of my core.
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