Meet Rachel Garcia | Executive Director, Mexican Cultural Center

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
As a parent, the most important thing I’ve done for my daughter, Annalisia, is to make sure she knows who she is, where she comes from, and that she belongs. I’ve made it a priority to surround her with culture, language, and traditions that connect her to her roots. Whether it’s building an ofrenda together for Día de los Muertos, dancing at community festivals, or sharing the stories of our family and history, I want her to feel the richness of where she comes from.

I’ve also fostered her civic engagement by bringing her along to community events, board meetings, and cultural celebrations—not just as a participant, but as someone who has a place in those spaces. I introduce her to community leaders who serve as role models, so she sees strong examples of leadership, service, and possibility reflected back at her.

Watching her light up when she recognizes herself in our traditions, or when she confidently engages with leaders in our community, reminds me why this matters. My hope is that by giving her deep roots in her heritage and pathways into civic life, I’m also giving her the confidence to spread her wings—to grow, to lead, and to thrive in spaces where she knows her voice matters.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career has been defined by resilience, vision, and a relentless commitment to building spaces of belonging. For over 20 years, I worked in the male-dominated design/build industry, where I was often underestimated, discriminated against, and told—directly or indirectly—to stay quiet. Many tried to silence me. But instead of breaking me, those experiences forged my strength. They taught me how to use my voice, how to navigate adversity, and how to keep moving forward when others wanted me to stop.

Those lessons became the foundation for the work I do today. I chose to leave that world and follow my true passion: Latino cultural arts and community leadership. Now, as Executive Director of the Mexican Cultural Center in Denver, I use art and culture as tools for transformation—not just celebration. Because when you create spaces where heritage is honored and voices are lifted, you’re not just putting on programs—you’re shaping lives, inspiring pride, and building stronger communities.

I am most proud of the programs that bring this vision to life such as—Día del Niño, Amor a la Mexicana, and Latin Beats: Sonidos de las Américas. Latin Beats has become more than a concert—it is a nationally recognized model for cultural diplomacy. By partnering with the Colorado Symphony and world-class composers, we’ve told stories too often erased from history, like that of Yanga and Afro-Latino resilience. These performances do more than entertain—they spark dialogue, awaken pride, and unite communities across divides.

Getting here was not easy. But every challenge became a stepping stone, every obstacle a chance to grow. I leaned on mentors, built strong networks, and held onto a simple truth: representation matters. Equity requires persistence. And our cultural heritage is not just something to preserve—it is a source of power.

What I want the world to know is this: My story—and the story of the Mexican Cultural Center—is about turning adversity into possibility, silence into voice, and invisibility into visibility. My work is about normalizing pride in our cultural heritage, creating spaces of representation and belonging, and leaving a legacy so that children—especially my daughter Annalisia—grow up knowing they are valued, important, and capable of shaping the future.

I once was part of an industry that built structures of steel and stone. Today, I build cultural spaces filled with pride, resilience, and hope. And that, to me, is the most meaningful work of all.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
It is really hard for me to narrow this down because I love Denver and showing it off to guests. But If my best friend was visiting Denver for a week, I’d want them to experience the city the way I see it—through culture, food, and community.

Day 1 – We’d start downtown with a stroll through Union Station and the 16th Street Mall, then head to Camelia Modern Mexican Cuisine for lunch—beautifully crafted dishes that bring a refined yet welcoming energy to the start of the trip. In the evening, we’d kick off the week with a chef’s counter dinner at Mezcalería Alma, where the experience is as artistic as it is delicious.

Day 2 – We’d start the morning with a cozy breakfast at Olive & Finch, one of my favorite spots for fresh, local flavors. Then we’d head to the Colorado State Capitol for a tour of its historic chambers, stained glass, and the stunning views from the dome. From there, we’d visit the Denver Art Museum, stopping to see their Latin American and Indigenous collections. For brunch (or a late rooftop lunch), we’d enjoy modern Mexican flavors at Tamayo. In the evening, we’d check out live music at Dazzle or a performance at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, a Broadway show, Colorado Ballet, the Colorado Symphony or a local production by DCPA.

Day 3 – We’d start the morning by grabbing breakfast burritos to go at Araujo’s, a local favorite, and head out to Red Rocks for a hike and amphitheater tour. After a morning outdoors, we’d make our way back into the city for a craft beer crawl—Denver is famous for its breweries, and Raíces Brewing is one of my favorites for its Latino community vibe. Dinner that night would be at La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal, where the flavors are bold, authentic, and unforgettable. To cap off the night, we’d head to a game—Rockies at Coors Field in the summer, Nuggets at Ball Arena during basketball season, or Avalanche if it’s hockey time. Nothing beats the energy of Denver sports.

Day 4 – We’d start the day with a visit to the Molly Brown House or the Byers-Evans House, two historic gems that offer a window into Denver’s past. For lunch, we’d grab a giant slice of pizza at Atomic Cowboy, a Denver favorite that never disappoints. In the evening, we’d wander through the Santa Fe Arts District, catching galleries, murals, and First Friday energy before closing the night with dinner at Xiquita, where the food feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition. After dinner, we’d head to Cheesman Park for a ghost tour, diving into Denver’s haunted history with stories that bring a little thrill to the night.

Day 5 – Before heading to the mountains, we’d stop at a local taquería for fresh breakfast tacos or head to Pete’s Kitchen on Colfax for the the perfect fuel for a day of adventure. From there, we’d drive up to the summit of Mount Blue Sky, soaking in panoramic views at over 14,000 feet. For lunch, we’d stop at Beau Jo’s Colorado Style Pizza, famous for its thick, honey-drizzled crust—a true Colorado staple. Afterward, we’d explore Estes Park or Breckenridge, wandering the shops and breathing in the mountain air. Dinner would be in the high country, with local flavors and a glass of wine to close out the day.

Day 6 – Back in Denver, We’d begin with a classic Denver experience: breakfast at the Brown Palace, a historic hotel known for its timeless elegance and old Denver charm. Later we would have lunch at the Buckhorn Exchange, the city’s oldest restaurant, known for its Western heritage, wild game, and historic atmosphere. I’d plan a cultural immersion day: visiting History Colorado, Mexican Cultural Center, Museo de las Américas and the Denver Public Library Central Branch to see exhibits that connect Colorado’s history with Latino heritage and contemporary voices. From there, we’d stop at Su Teatro, Denver’s historic Chicano theater, to catch a performance or simply take in the energy of a place that has long been a hub for Latino arts and activism. The night would finish with salsa dancing at La Rumba. For an after show bite, we’d head to Cabrón Carbón for tacos that are packed with flavor and Denver personality.

Day 7 – We’d start the morning at one of Denver’s lively farmers markets—either Cherry Creek or Pearl Street. At Cherry Creek, we might pick up fresh Palisade peaches, locally made Colorado honey, and artisan cheeses from regional creameries. At Pearl Street, we’d enjoy hot green chile breakfast burritos, sample small-batch salsas and jams, and browse hand-crafted jewelry and pottery from local makers. From there, we’d head to brunch at Carne, Work & Class, or Super Mega Bien, each showcasing Denver’s incredible creativity and diversity in Latin-inspired cuisine. After brunch, we’d take a mural tour of Five Points, exploring the vibrant street art that tells the story of Denver’s Black and Latino heritage. We’d end the day at City Park, watching the sun set over the mountains with the skyline glowing.

What I love most about Denver is the mix—it’s a city where you can hear world-class symphonies one night, eat at cutting-edge chef’s counters the next, hike a mountain trail in the morning, and dance under the stars that same evening. The people, the energy, and the culture make it a place that always feels alive.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely—without a doubt, my biggest shoutout goes to my daughter, Annalisia. She is the reason I do this work and the reason I push forward, even when the path feels challenging. She has accompanied me to countless community events, meetings, and cultural celebrations—often patiently sitting through long hours while I dedicate myself to building something meaningful for our community. She has encouraged me when I’ve been tired, reminded me of our purpose, and been a true trooper as I’ve worked hard to build toward our dreams.

Her resilience, pride, and unwavering love remind me every day why this work matters. Any success I’ve had is thanks to her, because Annalisia isn’t just an inspiration—she is the reason behind it all. More than anything, I hope the work I’m doing today becomes part of the legacy I leave for her: a legacy of culture, leadership, and community pride that she can carry forward in her own way. At its core, my work is about normalizing pride in our cultural heritage and creating spaces of representation and belonging so that children—especially children like Annalisia—grow up knowing they are valued, important, and seen.

Website: https://www.mccdenver.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msrachelgarcia/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelgarcia777624/

Facebook: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelgarcia777624/

Image Credits
Amanda Tipton, Marco Briones