Her Story
About Sylvia
Sylvia Garza serves in county government in Cameron County, Texas, where she has worked for 12 years after nearly 28 years in the healthcare field. In her current role, she oversees six offices including judicial county courts and handles the recording of official documents, vital statistics, public records, marriage licenses, birth and death records, and military discharge documents such as the DD-214. She manages a team of about 20 employees and emphasizes clear communication to educate constituents on processes without using office jargon. Garza earned her bachelor's degree while raising a family as a single parent, drawing inspiration from her maternal grandmother, who taught herself to write her name despite illiteracy, and her mother, who completed only the sixth grade yet built a strong network through hard work. She previously worked in hospital administration and as an administrator for a Medicare Advantage plan at Cigna, where she partnered with physicians across multiple counties. Garza is a former board member of the County and District Clerks Association of Texas, serving on its Education and Mentorship Committees, and she sits on the board of the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce while belonging to Zonta International, an organization advocating for women's education and against violence. She attributes her success to the resilience and values instilled by her grandmother and mother, and she advises young women to persist through challenges, seek help when needed, and maintain fortitude in pursuing their goals.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sylvia
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from my maternal grandmother and my mother. My grandmother never learned to read or write English or Spanish but learned to write her name by tracing it. She insisted I learn English and speak up, and she would take me as her interpreter. She always said keep going to school and learn because one day you will help other people. My mother completed only the 6th grade but worked hard, engaged with people, and made lifelong friends despite having seven children. Both taught me the love of cooking, learning, arts, and music, giving me the opportunity to go to school and get educated.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
A former boss advised me to never stop believing in yourself even when people criticize you or you don't fit into a special group. Keep fighting to have your place at the table, be a voice for those coming behind you, and extend a hand to help others up.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
There are challenges we meet and may not know how to overcome right away, but there is always a glitter of hope. Nothing can be broken unless you allow it to break. If you don't know something, keep trying and don't give up. There is nothing wrong with asking for help. As long as you keep trying to move forward, learn, and grow, you show fortitude and resilience to pursue your dreams.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Opportunities in municipal, county, and state government are endless with many careers available. There is opportunity to grow, bring experience to resolve issues, and implement policies that improve services impacting everyday individuals. It is important to explain things clearly without office lingo, even going back to basics, to educate people on processes and services.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value studying and reviewing everything before speaking. I am not afraid to say I don't know but will find the answer or ask someone who can help. We don't always have all the answers, and there is nothing wrong with asking for guidance to arrive at a good decision for everyone, not just one individual.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.