Senator Sylvia R. Garcia is a native of the South Texas farming community, Palito Blanco. The eighth of 10 children, Sylvia learned at an early age the value of education and hard work. She saw her parents struggle to raise 10 children and because of their struggles, her parents wanted to make sure each of their children had a good education in order to better their lives.
As a result, Sylvia worked hard and attended Texas Woman’s University on scholarship, graduating with a degree in social work. She then received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University.
Aside from acquiring her education, Sylvia knew it was also her responsibility to give back to her community. As a social worker early in her professional career, Sylvia protected our community’s most vulnerable – whether it was our children or our elderly, she made sure no one was forgotten.
Shortly afterwards, Sylvia entered her public service career with the City of Houston. She served as Director and Presiding Judge of the Houston Municipal System for an unprecedented five terms under two mayors. She made our city court system effective and efficient for our community.
When Sylvia was elected to City Controller, she earned a reputation as the taxpayers’ watchdog who fought to protect the pocketbooks of working families. Recalling the struggles of her own parents, she knew every dollar counted when raising a family so she made sure city government was transparent and accountable.
In 2002, Sylvia was elected to Harris County Commissioner’s Court. The first Hispanic and first woman to be elected in her own right to the office, she continued her advocacy for working families and made certain Harris County took care of its most vulnerable, all while making certain Harris County led the way for new jobs and economic development.
Sylvia was sworn into the Texas State Senate on March 11, 2013, the seventh woman and the third Hispanic woman to serve in the upper chambers.
Sylvia is active in the Houston community, having served on more than 25 community boards and commissions, including the San Jacinto Girl Scouts, the Houston Hispanic Forum, the American Leadership Forum, Battleship Texas and the Museum of Fine Arts – Houston.
Sylvia has been named “Humanitarian of the Year” by the National Conference of Communities and Justice and was chosen as one of “Houston’s 25 Power People” by Inside Houston Magazine. She is a recipient of the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents Woman of Distinction Award, the Hispanic Scouting Distinguished Citizen Award from the Sam Houston Area Council/Boy Scouts of America and the Board Award from the San Jacinto Girl Scouts. She also received the inaugural award for public service from the Latino Influencer Awards.
Sylvia has dedicated her life to her community and to public service. Just like her parents believed in her future, she believes in the future of Texas families who depend on quality education for our children.
Sylvia R. Garcia
State Senator
Texas Senate
5425 Polk St, Suite 125
Houston, TX 77023
713.923.7575
www.sylviaforsenate.com
