Meet the Board - Amanda Garcia

I love the atmosphere of community – it’s such an important part of life for everyone. Regardless of your walk of life, whether that’s recovery or something else, you need people walking alongside you. I feel like “partnership” sums that up; we’re collaborating, we’re shoulder to shoulder, and we’re in this together.

A mom and grandmother, Amanda Garcia has a can-do attitude accompanied by warm, genuine kindness. Joining our board last November, Amanda is one of the newest members of the team, with her event expertise and sunshine-y demeanor bringing energy and excitement to the future of the Café.

L: Let’s get started! What is your name, and how long have you been on the Board?

AG: My name is Amanda Garcia, and I have been on the board since November 2024.

L: Where are you from?

AG: Originally New Mexico, but my dad was in the army, so we lived overseas in Germany for a lot of my childhood. I’ve been in Colorado now for 28 years. My husband and I moved here in 1995!

L: What are your hobbies and interests?

AG: I love to travel, especially now that we’re empty-nesters. I look for ways to serve people and volunteer wherever I can. I love spending time outside.

L: Can you share a little bit about your professional background?

AG: My professional experience is in ministry, and for the last five years, I have had my own events business. I’ve always been an events person, whether it’s a classroom or a large-scale event.

L: So, how did you get connected with the Café?

AG: After hearing my friend Crystal, who’s on the board, talk about her time volunteering here, I was interested in being a part of the Café – she invited me to come to lunch.

L: What drew you to saying yes the joining the board?

AG: I’m someone who’s supported people I love through their recovery journeys, and seen how many things “recovery” can mean. When I was in [the Café] for lunch, Jen said that “we’re all in recovery from something,” which resonated with me. And as I got involved, I saw more and more how necessary spaces like this are in every community.

L: How has being a part of this organization impacted you?

AG: It has encouraged me to realize, things that seem small to me make a difference. It’s all about being willing to jump in, whether that’s volunteering, giving financial support, or being an ambassador for the Café’s mission in out in the community.

L: How would you describe the role of a board member? Have you ever served on any other boards?

AG: I have not served on any other board. To me, being on this board brings to mind that word again, “ambassador.” In any sphere of influence I have, I should be sharing about the Café’s mission and what it is doing for the community.

L: What part of our mission speaks to you the most?

AG: I love the atmosphere of community – it’s such an important part of life for everyone. Regardless of your walk of life, whether that’s recovery or something else, you need people walking alongside you. I feel like “partnership” sums that up; we’re collaborating, we’re shoulder to shoulder, and we’re in this together.

L: Has there been a time in your board service when you’ve been reminded why the Café’s work and mission are important?

AG: It’s the stories I hear. Jen just shared that one of the local judges is, for her retirement gift, having people donate to RCL. Hearing that someone in a position of power sees the Café as something worth personally investing in spoke volumes about the work being done here. It’s clear that this is such a beacon of hope, and could potentially bring fewer people through the courts.

L: What makes RCL unique?

AG: The fact that this is needed all across the country, in every community, and we’re the only one in Colorado – a need was seen, and it’s being met. But truly, we need a Café in every city.

L: What does community mean to you?

AG: Community, even though this may sound cheesy, is life. I’ve tried to do life without it, and it doesn’t work – I know the benefit of having people in your life who will listen to, support, and say the hard things to you. That’s what community means to me.

L: What are your hopes for the organization over the next few years?

AG: I would hope to see more Cafés speckled around Colorado. I think communities may not think they need a Café, but once they have it, they’ll wonder how they functioned without it. We all need spaces to just be who we are.

I’m so glad that RCL is willing to do the outreach to spread further across the community and show how crucial this place is as a refuge for recovery.

L: What is your favorite Café event you’ve attended?

AG: I went to the comedy show in March, and I was just so taken with how these comedians bring up these dark parts of their lives, and have the comfort with themselves to just laugh at it. And then, I see the same people around the Café!

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L: What is something you never leave the house without?

AG: My phone. I feel like my family needs to be able to get hold of me at any time. Someone might need me!

L: Who is your role model?

AG: This might sound cheesy, but my husband. We got married young, and I was a teen mom, and throughout our relationship, I’ve seen qualities in him that I wish I had. I wish I could let things go as easily as he can.

L: What does your perfect day look like?

AG: Being surrounded by my family. I don’t need anything special – we can just eat pizza and hang around, as long as my house is full of my people.

L: What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

AG: It’s called Feel, it’s about different emotions.

L: Movies or TV shows?

AG: Movies!

L: What is your favorite food?

AG: Street tacos.