Christian Garcia was born and raised in a farm labor camp in Watsonville, California. His parents and two older brothers emigrated from Jocotepec, Jalisco in the late 1980s. The first of his family to graduate from college (CSU Chico), Christian was part of the first TOLA class (an intensive 16-week program for individuals and organizations to learn basic organizing skills) and then worked for The Unity Council in East Oakland. He returned to TOLA as the first Executive Director, where he was instrumental in developing the curriculum and organizational structure.
For over a decade, Christian has coached new organizers and provided direction, training, and strategic advice on voter engagement and community outreach for healthcare districts, school districts, community-based organizations, cities, candidates, and other causes.
Fluent in Spanish, Christian believes in supporting and training community members who don't typically engage in the political process so they can become more active. He has learned that collective community and group action cannot be successful unless we create the space for people to share their personal stories, core values, and passion for change. Christian is committed to working with people who are passionate about people and making changes that give others an equal voice in their communities.
Most recently, Christian joined the Reproductive Freedom Movement as Vice President of Government Relations and Communications at Planned Parenthood Northern California.