Finding purpose and having impact

Finding our place in the world sometimes happens by chance. We may start with a detailed plan, then life happens. We pivot until we find that special place where we are able to grow, find purpose and have impact.

Christine Garcia studied English Literature at Florida State University. She expected to continue on to Graduate School or maybe pursue a law degree. Instead, she started her family and began working as an HR Generalist for a regional dry cleaning company. A quick learner and curious by nature, she enjoyed helping employees and being in the know.

She joined the County 16 years ago and has been helping employees and the public with her investigative talents and know-how at Human Resources’ Human Rights and Fair Employment Practices (HRFEP). As a Manager, she works with a team of nine staff members to investigate complaints from County employees or members of the public.

The HRFEP Division promotes fairness and equal opportunity in employment, housing, public accommodations, credit and financing practices, and family leave and domestic violence leave.

“I actually started doing investigative work with Publix and found the work interesting,” Garcia said. “Later, when I joined Humana, I worked on grievances and appeals. So when I started in the County, I had some good experience and welcomed the opportunity of growing my outreach to more of our community.”

“Sharing what I know and supporting the team here is one of my favorite aspects of the job," Garcia added. "Every member of the team is open to learning and dedicated to assuring every case in handled properly."

“For us, each case is unique and we look at every complaint carefully and with fresh eyes to ensure complaints get proper attention and result in the best outcomes. Each case also has the potential to help more people. When we are able to correct a situation, it will impacts others, not just the individual who filed the complaint.”

With more than 800 cases every year, HRFEP is working diligently to contribute and build a community where discrimination is not tolerated and groups understand the laws and policies that protect us all.

“My personal experience feeds my passion for this work," Garcia said. As someone who has been a victim of discrimination. I am also a parent of a rainbow family. Our blended family includes a beautiful array of human beings which each deserve to be treated fairly and to be welcome everywhere.”

“I love my family and thoroughly enjoy my work. I realize too that I bring my nurturing skills to build staff members and help them succeed.”

“As a County resident, I also want to develop a team that takes a call and helps the caller, whether or not they called the right number, Garcia continued. This is what our No Wrong Door Program emphasizes. This is where knowledge becomes even more important and resourcefulness is valued because you have to make those connections.”

“I come from a family dedicated to public service and I am so proud to carry on that legacy. I wanted to be different and stand apart. Even attending FSU when the rest of the family went to UF. But, once you help that first person with a problem they found unsurmountable, it lights a fire. It is such a strong calling.”

When not at work, Garcia enjoys traveling with as many members of her rainbow family as she can coral. Most are grown and have commitments of their own now. She has the three youngest at home. Their activities and all the parent groups keep her busy. When she is able to steal time for herself, it is probably for a good book and a little reading.