Jose Garcia

A native Spanish speaker, fluent in English, born and coming from a family with roots in rural areas of Guatemala, Jose Garcia has developed a deep understanding of the realities and challenges faced by low-wage agricultural workers and other low-wage communities. Jose is an emerging professional in the field of International Relations, distinguished by a strong commitment to service and community engagement. His experience reflects a combination of academic preparation, leadership, and hands-on community service, positioning him as a dedicated professional.

Jose pursued his higher education at Universidad Rafael Landivar, where he is currently taking courses remotely to complete his degree in International Relations. His background has significantly shaped both his professional perspective and his dedication to service. During his university years, Jose demonstrated strong leadership skills and active involvement in student organizations, which led to his appointment as a principal student representative for the Political Science School, where he advocated for initiatives benefiting the student body and represented them in the Rafael Landivar University Policy-making of Public Action. Outside the academic environment, Jose has volunteered at fundraising for nonprofits in Guatemala.

Jose relocated to the United States in 2023, first to Maryland and later moved to Illinois in 2024. Driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, he focused his career on supporting the low-wage Guatemalan community abroad. His commitment to service is rooted in preventing other people from experiencing what his relatives endured when they arrived in the United States to work in landscaping and restaurant industries where they were abused because they did not know their legal rights. With this motivation, in 2025 Jose did an internship at the Guatemalan Consulate in Chicago. Where he was later promoted to an employee. At the Consulate, Jose provided direct assistance to fellow nationals by offering guidance and connecting them with organizations that could support their needs, including healthcare services and immigration orientation. In 2026, Jose joined Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project-FLAP as a Bilingual Outreach, Data and Information Technology Supporter as his motivation closely aligned with the organization’s mission to improve working conditions and opportunities for low-wage workers in the food supply chain. Later Jose was promoted to Coordinator.

At FLAP, Jose is continuing his commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and strengthening resource networks for low-wage and immigrant communities.