Miriam Garcia is a first-generation Mexican-American, born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. Over the past four years, she has dedicated her early career to supporting K-12 education, community engagement, and empowerment throughout Los Angeles County. Her commitment to education and youth program development stems from her experiences growing up in a low-income community where public spaces were often inaccessible and unsafe. Witnessing firsthand how infrastructure inequities can perpetuate systemic barriers, she became dedicated to advancing equity, sustainability, and grassroots initiatives.

Miriam earned her Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Public Policy from the University of California, Berkeley. During her undergraduate studies, she discovered her passion for working with community-based organizations while collaborating with the East Bay Sanctuary Covenant to support migrant rights and resources in the Greater Bay Area. This experience inspired her to continue advocating for migrant rights and community engagement, leading her to work with Los Angeles City Hall’s Office of Migrant Affairs. There, she contributed to projects focused on COVID-19 resources, municipal broadband networks, and immigration initiatives, further strengthening her commitment to equitable policy and community-driven solutions.

Prior to joining California Walks, Miriam worked as an Education Associate, supporting Los Angeles schools in learning about energy conservation, climate impact, and green careers. In this role, she helped develop and implement sustainability-focused education programs, equipping students and educators with the knowledge and resources to drive climate action in their communities.

In her new role as Community Programs Coordinator, Miriam works at the intersection of transportation equity, public health, and community engagement. She will collaborate with local stakeholders to advance pedestrian and bicycle safety initiatives, advocate for infrastructure improvements, and ensure historically underserved communities have a voice in urban planning and mobility policies. She is committed to fostering safer, more sustainable, and accessible transportation options that promote community well-being.