Miguel’s story began in the vibrant streets of New York City in January 1952. The son of Puerto Rican migrants Miguel A. Garcia, Sr. and Yolanda Cotto Rodriguez, his journey started in the South Bronx, a neighborhood teeming with challenges and hope. His parents’ relentless pursuit of education on the island instilled in him a determination to rise above circumstances and chart his own course.

Miguel was a man of vision, propelled by the belief that education was the key to unlocking potential. He earned his bachelor's degree in history and political science from Fordham University, a testament to his passion for learning. As a National Urban Fellow in public administration at Baruch College, Miguel honed the skills that would define a lifetime of leadership and service.

His career was a tapestry woven with threads of purpose, each strand reflecting his unwavering commitment to empowering others. As president and CEO of National Urban Fellows, Inc. (NUF), Miguel carried forward the organization’s mission to cultivate diverse leaders for public and nonprofit service. Under his stewardship, the Master of Public Administration Fellowship Program flourished, offering a beacon of opportunity for aspiring leaders from all walks of life.

Miguel’s heart beat strongest for the communities he called home. He founded New Directions in Community Revitalization, Inc. (NDI), a transformative initiative that provided affordable housing for families in need, served individuals experiencing homelessness, and supported youth through Project L.E.A.P.

In 1994, Miguel planted yet another seed of progress when he founded Health Opportunities High School in the Bronx. As its first director, he championed education as a pathway to health and opportunity. From his roles as program director at the Primerica Foundation to his time as dean of crisis intervention and academic coordinator at DeWitt Clinton High School, Miguel left an indelible mark on every life he touched.

Beyond his professional achievements, Miguel's service was deeply rooted in his community. He served on several boards, councils, and committees in New York City and New York State, never shying away from the chance to amplify voices and drive change. He was honored as a fellow of the Institute for Educational Leadership, but perhaps his greatest accolade came from the lives he enriched with his compassion and wisdom.

At the heart of Miguel's life was his family. He was a devoted father to Miguel III and Bianca Elysse, and a loving partner to Sue Marie for over three decades. His legacy lives on not just in the initiatives he built or the communities he uplifted but in the love he poured into those closest to him.

Miguel was more than a man of accomplishments; he was a man of conviction, a builder of dreams, and a champion of the untapped potential. His story reminds us that from humble beginnings can spring boundless possibility—and that the measure of a life well-lived lies in the difference it makes for others.

Support the inaugural fund in his honor ⟶