Ruben Garcia
Ruben Garcia (he/him/his) is a dedicated Business Administration major at Santa Rosa Junior College. He is preparing to transfer to Stanford University to complete his undergraduate studies in Economics, with ambitions to continue through to a master’s and Ph.D. at Stanford's prestigious Department of Economics. His career goal is to work at the intersection of economics, business, and public policy as an economic advisor to governments and leading businesses worldwide.
Ruben's community college experience is marked by significant achievements and dedication to social impact. He has successfully established the first-ever Student Investment Fund at a community college in the United States, demonstrating his passion for financial literacy and addressing equity gaps. Within six months, he raised $20,000 in initial capital for the fund and is now collaborating with philanthropists and representatives from the governor’s office to launch a $10 million pilot program to implement his program’s infrastructure across the California Community College system.
Drawing from his personal background in the foster care system, Ruben serves as a Youth Ambassador for the Child & Family Policy Institute of California. In this role, he advises state committees on system improvements and mentors foster youth nationwide. His six years of Public Service as an Emergency Medical Technician in the hospital and first responder setting of the San Francisco Bay Area has given him firsthand experience into the challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Ruben is committed to using his knowledge in economics and public policy to advocate for underserved communities. He believes that real change is driven by actions that deliver results and create lasting impact. He looks forward to being a resource for community college students and leveraging his experiences to inspire and support peers in navigating their own paths to success.