Mario Garcia III began his career in the non-profit sector working in case management, community development and philanthropy. His passion for children and youth education led him to organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Boys and Girls Club.
Amidst a global pandemic, Garcia decided to change course and move across the country to Washington D.C. to work on Capitol Hill. It was there he had the opportunity to staff a United States Senator and raise money for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Garcia’s time in the Nation’s Capital allowed him a first-hand look at public service at a national level and how the federal government operates. Near the end of his time in DC, he was encouraged by family and friends back home to consider a run for public office.
After his return to the Kansas City metro, Garcia continued his work in the non-profit philanthropy space at Children’s Mercy Hospital. Around the same time, he and a group of supporters kicked off a campaign for the Position 1 seat on the USD 512 School Board.
Garcia won his election in November 2023 and is currently a sitting member of the Shawnee Mission School District Board of Education.
Garcia received his bachelor’s degree in family studies and human services in 2018.