Staff: Lauren Garcia

Lauren Garcia is the Operations Director at Friends of the Children – Stockton, bringing over nine years of experience in nonprofit leadership, operational management, and program development. Having worked extensively in Stockton, she has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underserved communities, particularly children and low-income families.

Lauren has successfully implemented strategic frameworks that align with mission objectives, optimize organizational structures, and strengthen financial oversight to ensure efficiency and long-term sustainability. Her work in youth development has focused on designing programs that meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of at-risk populations.

Known for fostering collaboration, Lauren has built partnerships with funders, community leaders, and service organizations to expand program reach and secure resources. She leverages data-driven insights to enhance service delivery, improve outcomes, and inform decision-making. Passionate about advancing equity and fostering systemic change, Lauren is committed to creating a measurable, lasting impact in Stockton and beyond.