Dr. Patricia Garcia is an accomplished and dedicated educator with over 30 years of experience, 15 of which focused on district leadership. During that time, Dr. Garcia has accumulated a proven track record of academic excellence and passion for equity and social justice through effective leadership, positive organizational change, and building high-performance teams. Throughout her career, she has made a vast impact in education by advocating for equity through initiatives such as expanding college learning opportunities for students, instituting algebra in the middle grades, and developing dual-language programs.

During her 30 years in the field of education, Dr. Garcia has served in a wide range of roles in the United States as well as overseas. Starting as middle school teacher in her native country, Panama, she has gained experience at all levels of the educational system from classroom teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, college professor, director of child development services for the U.S. Army in Germany, and superintendent of schools for the last 15 years, including most recently superintendent of Windham Public Schools in Connecticut since 2014. In addition, Dr. Garcia currently serves as an adjunct instructor in the University of Connecticut Executive Leadership Superintendent Preparation Program.

Dr. Garcia earned her Ph.D. from Florida State University, and is a fellow of the prestigious Broad Urban Superintendent Academy. She earned an Ed.D. at the University of Sarasota, an M.A. from the University of South Florida, and a B.A. from the University of Panama. In addition, she pursued graduate studies at the University of Virginia and George Mason University.

Dr. Garcia has been acknowledged as a visionary and a courageous leader, and has received many notable awards in recognition of her commitment and dedication to students and community, including the following: the Connecticut State Education Resource Center’s George A. Coleman Excellence in Equity Award (2019); the NAACP 100 Most Influential Blacks Leaders in Connecticut recognition (2018); the NAACP regional “Above and Beyond Award for Exemplary Commitment to Education” (2018). Connecticut Parent Power’s “Exemplary Education Leader” recognition (2017); and the “Professional Who Made a Difference in Education, Superintendent Award” while serving as superintendent of schools in Virginia.

Dr. Garcia believes in professional growth as well as serving the community. As such, she has served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Latino School Administrators and Superintendents, and the Advisory Board of the Regional United Way.