SE Valley Times

Toni Garcia, a Student Services Specialist at Rio Salado College, has been part of the Maricopa County Community College District for two decades. Since joining Rio in 2021, she has found a sense of belonging and enjoys assisting students in becoming self-sufficient.

Garcia emphasizes the importance of empowering students. "I believe my work contributes results by educating students about our resources and tools," she stated. "I want to empower students to complete tasks on their own and have the knowledge to do so in the future."

She shares her personal experiences with students, encouraging them not to let their past define them. Recalling advice from high school, Garcia said, "In high school, I was told by my guidance counselor that I did not have to worry about college because I was not 'college material.' Achieving the highest level of education became my goal and aspiration."

Garcia defied expectations by earning a bachelor's degree in communication from Ottawa University in May 2024. She is now pursuing a master's degree through a program with MCCCD and Northern Arizona University. Despite challenges, she remains focused on her goals: "It’s challenging because I still hear that voice in my head today," Garcia admitted. "But I tell myself what I tell our students – that they are here now and their future and its possibilities are all that matters."

Outside of work, Garcia enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as caring for her five furry grandbabies: Cookie, Oreo, Capone, Vic, and Oscar. She also loves humor: "I tend to remember jokes and love making people laugh," she shared. "I am building up the nerve to participate in an amateur night for stand-up comedy."

On her days off, Garcia might visit Dominic’s Bistro Italiano in Sun City. Praising the establishment's atmosphere, she remarked: "The food is homemade and the family who owns the restaurant makes you feel like you are at home... One of the owners, Dominic, also provides live music by singing his favorite Sinatra songs."