Connecting Serving Advocating

Heather Garcia Mendoza is an advocate whose journey reflects resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to equity and opportunity. Raised in Washington’s Yakima Valley, Heather identifies as Mexican American with a multi-racial heritage. Her mother and father both migrated with their family from Texas to find work in agriculture and eventually both families settled in Sunnyside, Washington. Her father later served in the Army and both her mother and father had various jobs while they purchased and remodeled rental properties and owned a couple of small businesses. Working alongside her two brothers and parents from a young age, Heather learned the importance of perseverance, hard work, family, a commitment to paving the way for future generations; which inspired her life of service.

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Learning of her family's migratory experiences which included systemic barriers and discrimination and experiencing her own systemic barriers, Heather has dedicated over 20 years championing programs and initiatives that empower migratory students and their families. Her career in the Migrant Education Program demonstrates a commitment to breaking down barriers to education and implementing equitable opportunities for students who are often under-resourced and under-served. From developing outreach models, such as the Out-of-School Youth Re-Engagement initiative, to leading statewide programs that grant credits to hundreds of students annually, Heather’s impact on Washington’s migrant education is undeniable. Her expertise in communication, strategic planning, and advocacy have enabled her to develop strong partnerships to serve migratory students throughout Washington State. In her new role as the Migrant Parent Empowerment Coordinator, Heather is developing a new “training of trainers” model focused on parent empowerment and access to academic services to reduce the learning gap in mathematics and literacy for migratory students.

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Heather’s journey as a non-traditional student exemplifies her perseverance in overcoming cultural and systemic barriers. Heather made the tough decision to leave school at the age of 16, but she was determined to not let her challenges define the trajectory of her family. She returned to earn her high school diploma at 21, and went on to pursue a post-secondary education. As a first-generation college student she became the first woman in her family to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree and she is on course to become the first family member to earn a Master’s degree. Her undergraduate studies included various courses in education, law and justice and psychology. Her Master’s degree will be in Communication and Leadership from Gonzaga University, where she has been inducted into the Lambda Pi Eta Honors Society for her academic excellence. Her academic journey reflects her determination to continue growing personally and professionally while creating a brighter future for her family and countless others.

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As one of her professors remarked, “It is more than just where you are going, but what you want to do once you are there.” Heather’s advocacy has extended past her professional career as she has entered spaces and served on numerous advisory boards, scholarship committees, and community leadership positions, including as an elected school board director since 2022. In each role Heather has worked alongside others to champion equitable programs, policies, and systems that support underserved communities.

 

A wife, mother of five, and grandmother of five beautiful little humans, Heather finds solace and balance in her family. Her faith and their support have given her strength in her pursuits and kept her grounded through life’s challenges. She cherishes time spent with loved ones and satisfies her adventurous spirit through travel and exploration and nurtures her creative interests through DIY projects, baking, and crafting.

 

Heather Garcia Mendoza is a champion for collaboration and educational initiatives that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and opportunity. Her work paves the way for a legacy that continues to empower families, educators, and students for generations to come.