FIYou: Angel Garcia ’05, MS ’07

Name: Angel Garcia ’05, MS ’07

Hometown: Born and raised in Miami, Fla.

Job Title/Department: Assistant Director, Center for Leadership & Service

Campus: Modesto A. Maidique Campus

In a nutshell: I advise and facilitate the Academy of Leaders, Alternative Breaks and LEAD Team (peer leadership consultants) within the Center for Leadership & Service. I also create custom presentations on the needs of my students and/or organizations that request facilitation. Developing well-rounded leaders and active citizens in our community is my mission.

Number of years at FIU: 8

What do you enjoy most about your job?

It’s all about the students! Waking up in the morning and knowing that I can create innovative ways for students to better themselves through the programs I advise is such a great feeling.

What do you think faculty/staff and students should know about your department?

Our department hosts some of the largest leadership and service programs on campus. We have the Academy of Leaders, Alternative Breaks, Dance Marathon, Relay for Life and many other incredible programs ready to change your life. Trust me – it changed mine.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?

Depends on the time of day – Bustelo in the morning for a tostada and café con leche, Camille’s Sidewalk Café for lunch and my office with my lamp on for the afternoons.

If there is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU, what would it be?

It’s all in the name – we truly are a melting pot of many amazing cultures.

Family snapshot:

Single. Party of one for now, but always close to my beautiful parents and two amazing younger sisters.

Word that best describes you: Legendary.

First paying job: Bag boy, or as they say now “customer representative,” for a Winn-Dixie.

Favorite TV show: Heroes.

What is playing on your iPod?

Oh my, the question here is “What is not playing on my iPod?” On average I’d have to say Red Hot Chili Peppers, Coldplay, U2, Linkin Park, Dave Matthews Band, Daughtry, Andrea Bocelli and Gypsy Kings.

Your proudest accomplishment:

On a more personal and physical level just recently completing the ING Marathon. Chalk one up for life!

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?

You can call me a curious leadership entrepreneur. I’m always reading books that could later spark great conversations or even presentations. I love to run, work out and eat. Oh yes – finding those hidden jewels to eat around Miami is always fun. Computers and overall technology are also close to my heart – it allows me to work smarter not harder.