Josephine C. Garcia

Josephine C. Garcia is a distinguished community and educational leader in the City of Newark, New Jersey. With a career spanning over two decades, she has dedicated her professional life to serving Newark’s residents, leveraging her expertise as an executive aide to numerous elected officials and as an advocate for public education and municipal governance.

Ms. Garcia began her career as a legal secretary before transitioning into public service in 1998, joining the administration of former Mayor Sharpe James. During her tenure, she held several key positions, including Bi-Lingual Assistant Supervisor of the Mayor’s Administrative Staff. Her ability to navigate complex administrative and community issues led her to become Chief of Staff for Newark Councilman-at-Large Carlos M. González in 2006. In this role, she provides critical research on municipal issues, serves as a trusted advisor, and represents the councilman at official conferences and events. Additionally, she serves as a Legislative Aide to Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, providing support on legislative initiatives and constituent services to advance the Assemblywoman’s priorities and better serve the community.

Ms. Garcia is also an elected member of the Essex County Democratic Committee, where she plays an active role in shaping policy and advancing the interests of her community at the county level. She further serves as the Vice Chair of the North Ward Democratic Committee, where she actively contributes to the leadership and political engagement of her local community.

Her passion for education has been a cornerstone of her public service. Ms. Garcia actively volunteered for parent-teacher associations at Science Park High School, Robert Treat Academy, and Technology High School, schools her three children attended. In 2017, she answered the call to serve in public office, successfully running for an elected position on the Newark Board of Education.

Upon her election, Ms. Garcia garnered the highest number of votes in a highly competitive field. She immediately assumed leadership as President of the Newark Board of Education, a position she held from 2018 to 2021. During her tenure, she served on several standing committees, including Governance, Legal, Parent Engagement & Student Life, Operations, Personnel, and Finance. Under her leadership, Ms. Garcia played a pivotal role in Newark’s historic return to local control after over 20 years of state oversight. She was instrumental in the successful search and appointment of a new Superintendent of Schools and made history as the first elected Latina President of the Newark Board of Education under local control.

Ms. Garcia’s dedication extends beyond Newark. Since May 2019, she has served as Vice President and President of the Essex County New Jersey School Board Association, advocating for educational advancement across the region. That same year, she became President of the Puerto Rican Day Parade of Newark, a nonprofit organization celebrating Puerto Rican culture and contributions to the city. Additionally, she serves as the President of the Essex Regional Educational Commission, furthering her commitment to educational excellence.

Ms. Garcia’s expertise in school governance is bolstered by her certifications from the New Jersey School Boards Association Board Member Academy, including New Board Member Boardsmanship Certification (NBM) and Certified Board Member (CBM). Her five years on the

Newark Board of Education have solidified her as an authority on governance, school law, labor relations, policy, and leadership.

A proud mother, Ms. Garcia takes immense pride in the accomplishments of her three sons. Donavin, a graduate of Technology High School, served in the U.S. Marines. Brandon, a Science Park High School graduate, earned a double major in Biology and Psychology from William Paterson University. Michael, a graduate of St. Peter’s Preparatory School, will be pursuing a degree in engineering.

Ms. Garcia is a lifelong resident of Newark's North Ward, where she currently. A graduate of Barringer High School and Essex County College, she remains deeply committed to her community, serving as a role model and champion for progress in Newark and beyond.