Francisco Garcia was born in Michoacán, Mexico, and immigrated to the United States at the age of five, spending much of his life in the shadows as an undocumented youth until DACA was introduced in 2012. Raised in the Garfield Neighborhood in Downtown Phoenix, Francisco’s experiences instilled in him a deep commitment to advocating for marginalized communities and advancing social justice. Currently, as the Maricopa County Heat Relief Program Coordinator, Francisco works alongside local governments, public agencies, and community organizations to support efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable populations from the dangers of extreme heat. He helps provide access to life-saving resources like cooling centers, hydration stations, and heat respite centers. His work is driven by a dedication to health equity and creating climate resilience for those most at risk. Francisco has consistently worked to build a career that bridges community organizing, public health, and education. He has held key positions at organizations such as Mi Familia Vota, SEIU, the Phoenix Elementary School District, and Circle the City, always focusing on empowering communities and driving long-term solutions for equity and opportunity. His work is rooted in his personal experiences and his commitment to creating lasting, systemic change.