This story is part of How We’ll Win in 2019, a year-long exploration of workplace gender equality. Read more stories here.
Sylvia Garcia (D-TX) has spent much of her life advocating for people in her various roles in public service. She’s served as the director and presiding judge of the Houston Municipal System, the city controller, on the commissioner’s court (the body that governs a county), and as a state senator. Now in the House, Garcia represents the approximately 765,000 people that live in her district. She serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the Financial Services Committee.
What have you learned though your career in public service that you wish you had known from the very beginning?
No matter how hard you work and follow through with your commitments, perception and, regrettably, sometimes rumors, become reality. Correcting that takes precious time from the task at hand. You must stay the course, focus on your goals, and do not let distractions alter that.
What were you told that you wish you hadn’t listened to?
I was told that once I took the oath of office, that there would be more help and support in governing than in running. I found that not to be true and I wish I hadn’t listened at first. With time and growth as a public servant, I learned the balance and approach for each. The main thing to remember is that we govern for all the people but run to get the 50% plus one to win. For that, we do rely on our parties. But it is always about people first.
This story is part of How We’ll Win in 2019, a year-long exploration of workplace gender equality. Read more stories here.