Higher education doctoral student Lisa Garcia is named one of West Michigan’s 25 Most Influential Latinos
Lisa Garcia was named one of West Michigan’s 25 Most Influential Latinos by VIVE Michigan Magazine. (Photo credit: VIVE Michigan Magazine)
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Lisa Garcia, a student in Western Michigan University’s Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership program, has been named one of West Michigan’s 25 Most Influential Latinos by VIVE Michigan Magazine.
The annual recognition celebrates Latino leaders whose work, leadership and service are making an impact across West Michigan. Garcia was recognized for a career centered on building connections, expanding opportunities and elevating voices throughout the region.
Garcia serves as associate vice president for external partnerships at Western Michigan University, where she connects the University with businesses, health care organizations, nonprofits and community partners. Through those relationships, she helps create opportunities for students through internships, mentorships, experiential learning and workforce development.
Before entering higher education, Garcia spent more than 20 years as an advertising and marketing executive in major markets including New York, Chicago and Dallas, working with brands including Kellogg’s and Nickelodeon. She joined Western in 2012 to lead the WMU Business Connection and has since become an influential connector between the University and communities throughout West Michigan.
Her impact also extends beyond the University. Garcia co-founded ELLAS, a Kalamazoo-based Latina leadership organization focused on mentoring, developing and elevating Latina professionals and emerging leaders. VIVE Michigan highlighted her continued commitment to creating greater representation and helping future Latino leaders see themselves in positions of influence.
Garcia is a current Ph.D. student in Higher Education Leadership in Western’s College of Education and Human Development and is in the dissertation phase of the program. Her doctoral research focuses on Latina leadership in community colleges, closely aligning with the leadership, mentorship and advocacy that have shaped her professional career.
Lisa’s recognition is a wonderful reflection of the kind of leadership and impact we are so proud to see in our students and graduates. Her commitment to building opportunities, strengthening communities and lifting up others embodies so much of what we hope to inspire through a Western education. We are incredibly proud to celebrate Lisa and this well-deserved recognition.
Garcia’s honor adds to a growing list of recognition for members of the College of Education and Human Development community in 2026. Alum Erik Meerschaert was named the 2026–27 Michigan Teacher of the Year, Dr. Kimberly Carter was named Michigan’s 2026 Superintendent of the Year, Tara Becker-Utess was named Michigan’s 2026 High School Assistant Principal of the Year and Kelly Alvarez received the Michigan Association for Bilingual Education’s Spirit of Excellence Award for her impact on multilingual learners and educators.
Those accomplishments come during a year of continued national recognition for the college. Western’s online master’s in education programs are ranked No. 45 in the nation and No. 2 in Michigan by U.S. News & World Report, with the programs also ranked No. 17 nationally for veterans.
Together, the recognition of Garcia and fellow members of the CEHD community reflects the reach of a Western education and the impact Broncos are making as leaders in schools, organizations and communities across Michigan and beyond.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.