Meet the Founder: Francisca “Frances” Garcia

I’m the proud daughter of a single mother and an immigrant household, shaped by the strength of women, the power of language, and the beauty of perseverance. I was raised in the Rio Grande Valley, where I became my family’s translator from an early age. I wasn’t just translating words, I was translating systems, expectations, and opportunities. That experience gave me the heart of an advocate and the voice of a connector.

As a first-generation high school and college graduate, I earned my first degree in Business Administration, believing I’d follow a traditional corporate path. But education found me, and it changed everything.

For nearly two decades, I’ve walked alongside educators as a bilingual teacher, assistant principal, district leader, and now, a consultant and founder. After 17 years in Austin, I returned to the RGV in 2017 with a renewed mission to use my lived experiences and leadership skills to support schools, uplift educators, and ensure all students, especially multilingual learners, receive the opportunities they deserve.

My journey eventually led me into the world of EdTech, where I’ve been fortunate to work with school districts across the country. I help them align tools, data, and instructional practices with equity-centered goals. That work continues today through Aspire & Flourish EDU, a company born from both passion and purpose.

This work is personal. It’s about honoring where I come from and building what’s possible. It’s about helping educators and ecosystems to aspire and truly flourish.