At Achieve Brown County, our impact is rooted in the voices of those who live, work, and lead within our community. That’s why we asked members of our Board of Directors to share why they believe our work matters—not just in theory, but in real life. Today, we’re proud to spotlight Amanda Garcia, Executive Director of Casa ALBA Melanie and a dedicated member of our board.
“Hi, I’m Amanda Garcia, and I AM Achieve Brown County.”
Amanda joined our board of directors in 2022 because she believes in a Brown County where every young person has the opportunity to thrive—especially those who have historically lacked access to the resources, relationships, and systems that support success.
“As the eldest daughter from an immigrant family, I benefited from community resources, mentors, and educators who believed in me. I want today’s children and youth to have that same network of support.”
That deep personal connection to community is why Achieve Brown County is the only board Amanda serves on outside her executive role at Casa ALBA Melanie. Through our collective impact model and cross-sector partnerships, she sees firsthand how we bring people together to tackle complex challenges—especially those facing our most underserved youth.
“What makes Achieve Brown County unique is the cross-sector collaboration and collective impact model, which requires us all to ask hard questions about why systems aren’t working—and to do the hard work of redesigning them.”
One area Amanda is particularly proud of is our work in early literacy. Research shows that reading proficiency by third grade is a critical milestone in a child’s educational journey, yet Latino children are disproportionately impacted by low proficiency rates. Amanda highlights how Achieve Brown County’s partnerships have elevated community programs like Casa ALBA’s Escuelita—a bilingual early childhood program that builds literacy and honors students’ heritage languages while preparing them for success in school.
“Programs like Escuelita help kids get excited about reading as early as age three. And Achieve Brown County plays a key role in helping programs like ours succeed by connecting us to a collaborative network of support.”
Amanda is especially energized by what’s ahead for our partnership—like the formation of a Community Council that will uplift the voices of youth and parents in Brown County, and our continued advocacy on policies that influence early childhood education, school funding, and literacy.
“Those closest to the problem are the ones best equipped to help solve it. That’s why Achieve Brown County’s approach matters.”
When asked what it would mean if Achieve Brown County no longer existed, Amanda was candid:
“We would lose the collaborative support that makes programs like Escuelita possible. And as a community, I fear we’d lose momentum in improving youth outcomes—like getting more kids reading proficiently by third grade.”
Amanda’s story is one of many that shows how collective impact is more than a strategy—it’s a commitment to change systems, align efforts, and make sure every child has a real shot at success. We’re grateful for Amanda’s leadership and vision. Her voice reminds us that the work we do—bringing people together to change systems—is both necessary and powerful.
