Llina Garcia

Llina Garcia is a proud Dominican woman living in the Bronx and working in Harlem. Serving as Program Director at NYC Mission Society and pursuing a degree in Social Work from Lehman College, Llina is following a path rooted in her personal values and commitment to serving others. Growing up with a close-knit family, she describes her mother as her strongest supporter. Llina is the mother of one daughter, who is the motivation behind everything she does; she is guided by a desire to create a better future for her child, and she endeavors to build the same support system around her students that her family has built around her.  

Llina started in education before realizing it would be her true passion. When hired to work with elementary students, Llina discovered how deeply she enjoyed working with children and supporting their growth. She was hired at the NYC Mission Society in 2013 as a group leader in youth programming. In the years since, Llina has served in many capacities at the NYC Mission Society, as an Activity Specialist leading dance programming for young people, as a Program Aide, and, since 2021, as a Program Director, organizing vital programming throughout public elementary schools across New York.  

During her time with NYC Mission Society, Llina has been an invaluable leader and supporter to her team. She created streamlined organizational systems and expanded resources for program staff, strengthened behavioral management and emotional responsiveness amongst students, fought barriers to access for technology and other academic resources, and encouraged parental engagement through inclusive family events. Llina builds close, long-term relationships with her students and their families, and her experiences in schools have inspired her to pursue a career in social work to more effectively advocate for her community, her students, and their families.  

Llina’s colleagues describe her as a ‘distinguished leader in after-school education’ who leads with empathy and consistency, demonstrating profound care for her students and their families in the classroom and beyond. She will continue to serve the well-being of students, parents, staff, and her broader community, always striving to make a meaningful and lasting difference.