Mr. Garcia was a role model to thousands of students who came across his path. He had a gift for seeing greatness in others, even when they couldn’t see it themselves. His encouragement and support changed the trajectory of countless futures.

“My students—whether it was Camp Fordham, LEAP, HOP, Clinton, Carpe Diem, or NUF—thank you for transforming me and helping me to demand more and be better.”

  • Miguel was like a father to me. He was the first person to tell me that I mattered, that I had something to offer. He was someone I could emulate: a Puerto Rican in a leadership role serving the community. He proved it was possible.

    Peter Orozco

  • Thank you for always believing in me and helping me to aspire in my educational pursuits even after I was no longer your student. And thank you for being a father figure to many of us who didn't have one. You always kept it real and you genuinely cared about us making something of ourselves in this life.

    Natalie Mena

  • Miguel was more than just a mentor to me; he was an inspiration and motivator. I will never forget when he said, "Ibrahima, you are a leader," which further awakened my confidence to pursue leadership roles along with his usual saying of "trust the process." These words have stayed with me, shaping my journey and the decisions l've made in my personal and professional journey.

    Ibrahima S. Souare

  • There was always this doubt in the back of my mind about not being "good enough." One day, I was expressing my doubt during a conversation with you and you said to me "Alisa, stop doubting yourself. I have no doubts whatsoever. You are like a seed. Wherever you are planted, you will bloom." I’m so thankful to have met and known you. For me personally, you changed the entire trajectory of my life.

    Alisa Padilla

  • You were more than just my high school mentor; Principal, you were like a father who guided me from the streets of the Bronx to the doors of college. Your belief in me when I couldn't believe in myself transformed my life.

    Junita Azore

  • Miguel was one of the most influential people in my life. He took me under his wing, was no nonsense, and I modeled much of my leadership approach after him. Watching him taught me a lot about holding your own, reading the room, and not giving a f***.

    Antonio Cardona

  • In 2012, I became a mom and thought that grad school was out of reach. Miguel called me every year and encouraged me to just think about. Just try. In 2019, I finally did it and now I teach college courses and have expanded in my career. I'm so thankful for the encouragement, for caring, and for seeing the potential in all of us.

    Kari Fulton

  • A mentor, advocate, champion for minority students and a father figure to many of us National Urban Fellows alums. He sent me to DC to have some of the most magical moments at Girls Inc. I ended up extending my stay in DC to experience incredible professional experiences including a grad fellowship with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute at HUD and on the Hill. He knew what he was doing.

    Mayra Vazquez

  • I met Mr. Garcia when I was in junior high school, and I became part of a program called Leadership Action Employment Program. As the years passed, I continued to mature and I always admired Mr. Garcia. He led by example and taught me the importance of manhood, leadership and being a family man. Garcia took me under his wing and entrusted me to work in the very first school he helped open, Health Opportunities (HOP). I have been employed at HOP for 25+ years, which has allowed me to give back to the South Bronx community.

    James E. Teal

  • Mr. Garcia was and will always be the most wonderful human being in my life. I was raised in a single family home by an immigrant mother and an absent father. Mr. Garcia filled that void by being present, his teachings, and holding me accountable. I have always said if it wasn’t for Mr. Garcia, I wouldn’t be the woman nor the mother I am today. I have adopted his teachings into my life and have implemented them into my children as well.

    Frances Luna

  • Mentor, role model, father figure, friend. Mr. Garcia was all of those to me and always at the specific time that it was needed. He saw that I was so much more than all the challenges that surrounded me. That’s just who he was. Mr. Garcia saw potential in you and worked tirelessly to help you realize it. He took a genuine interest in those of us facing challenges and guided us to succeed despite our difficulties. Mr. Garcia taught me that my circumstances should never define who I am or what I can become. I am deeply grateful for the day that I met that amazing man because on that day, my life was forever changed!

    Annie Martins

  • Mr. Garcia was far more than a principal; to countless students and colleagues, he was a mentor, a role model, and even a father figure. I remember my own experience as a nervous freshman at Health Opportunities—Mr. Garcia was there each morning, welcoming students with warmth, addressing challenges, and offering support to anyone in need. He exemplified what it means to lead with compassion and integrity, and his genuine care for students left a permanent legacy. Mr. Garcia’s impact will be felt for generations to come.

    Natasha Rodriguez

  • Miguel touched the lives of hundreds if not thousands of students, not only as an educator, but as a father figure. You believed in us and gave us all a chance. I am forever grateful the Lord placed you in my path.

    Lissette Garcia Arrogante

  • Miguel really loved and gave his all to NUF. We will all remember the sound of the ring on the podium and the thick Bronx accent telling us to, "Listen up, fellows!" You changed my life. Thank you forever for all of the support and the encouragement.

    Yuh-Line Niou

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