Garcia Robinson was born and raised in Toronto. She grew up in the Downsview
area where she attended school until the college level. Garcia has always had a passion for youth,
social justice and equality issues. In the seventh grade, Garcia submitted her first deputation to
the Toronto District School board, urging them to consider an inclusive curriculum which affirmed all
students from various backgrounds. She also emphasized the need for African heritage courses for not
only African Canadian students but for all to know the truth about the rich history of Africans to
civilization. Garcia continued her cultivating her passions by volunteering as a youth leader within
her church and also within her community.
After completing high school, Garcia moved into the technology sector serving as a
Technical Support agent for IBM and Microsoft applications. After working for a couple of years in
the IT field, Garcia felt that she could be using her talents and time more effectively. After
careful discernment and prayer, in 2005 Garcia decided to go back to school, to be trained as a
Community Worker at George Brown College.
Garcia completed her practicum at Toronto Community Housing during her last year of
college, where she was hired immediately after graduation. Starting off as a Youth Mentor, she was
able to evaluate, create and implement unique and customary youth programs across Toronto. She was
quickly promoted to Health Promotion Officer in which she evaluated community health issues, while
locating resources to address concerns. During this time Garcia represented TCHC as a facilitator
to the 2007 Canadian Community for Dialogue and Deliberation, highlighting the work of youth across
our city. She was also selected to represent TCHC during the Ontario Bill 103 summit, which allowed
community members to contribute to the shaping of the new police complaints process. In addition
to facilitating, Garcia also worked with community groups of youth and seniors in assisting them to
identify their own needs and ways to organize around issues to bring about positive resolutions.
Garcia has also been very active in the Anglican Diocese of Toronto, as a cradle
Anglican, Garcia serves at her local parish as an advisory board member, synod representative Sunday
school teacher and a member of the Environmental Committee. She has been a member of the anti-poverty
group, subcommittee of the Social Justice & Advocacy Board, appointed youth delegate to General Synod
and has preached as a guest preacher throughout the diocese. Garcia was recently chosen as one of
ten 50 Leaders through the Primates World Relief & Development Fund. This 18 month program will
allow youth develop skills in advocating and supporting social justice efforts a local level.
Garcia is happy to now join the Downsview Youth Covenant. As the Youth Program
Director, Garcia is excited to bring her passions, interests and talents together to serve Christ
through serving the children and youth of the community. She looks forward to the wonderful things
God is doing in this place and is humbly privileged to be invited to join this blessed journey!
