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Sonya Cassella

Friend of the south Dallas community – and of the community in general – Carmen Garcia says she first learned about nonprofits, the political arena and multicultural partnerships while working at ARCO after she graduated from Dallas Baptist University.

The Houston native remembers, "It was while in the Governmental Affairs department of ARCO that I experienced firsthand the political process. It expanded my knowledge of how important it is that various entities must work together as a community."

This spirit of community cooperation is something she continues to focus on today. "Public relations fascinated me, and I have learned from the best, including Mayor Ron Kirk, Governor Ann Richards, State Comptroller John Sharp, Senator Royce West and from community leaders from across the state," she says. In particular, Garcia gained important experience and professional clout by managing Kirk’s successful bid to become mayor of Dallas in 1995. Coalition building, meeting people, planning events and carrying out the plans come naturally to Garcia partly because of the example of her parents. "I can tell you that my father and mother were very outgoing individuals. Wherever they went, they never met a stranger. I believe that I have carried those same traits with me in my career and personal life. I truly enjoy my career and the direction that it has taken me and without my parents, friends and colleagues, I would not be where I am today."

With this background and after five years of experience owning her own PR business, Garcia took on the newly created position of director of community affairs for the State Fair of Texas in 2001. From the beginning of her tenure, she has been the community emissary for the State Fair and continues to serve on various boards and committees representing the State Fair.

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