Kayla Garcia, a nonprofit leader who was educated at Colorado State University, grew up in Pueblo, and holds deep ties to the state of Colorado, was named to the Colorado State University System Board of Governors, following confirmation by the Colorado General Assembly on April 27.
Garcia, an alumna of CSU, is president and CEO of Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, where she leads a youth-serving organization serving more than 3,000 girls annually. The organization’s mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. She brings more than 15 years of experience across the nonprofit, business, and philanthropic sectors.
“Ms. Garcia has dedicated her career to strengthening communities and creating pathways for others to succeed,” said John Fischer, chair of the Board of Governors. “That commitment aligns closely with CSU’s land-grant mission, and we look forward to welcoming her to the board and to having her perspective as part of our work.”
Prior to joining Girls Inc., Garcia served as director of community affairs at Molson Coors Beverage Company, where she led community partnership and investment strategy across Colorado and supported social impact programs throughout North America. She has also held leadership roles at Mile High United Way and Denver Inner City Parish, with a consistent focus on expanding opportunity and strengthening communities across the Denver metro area.
In addition to her professional leadership, Garcia is actively engaged in civic and nonprofit governance. She currently serves as chair of the board of directors for the Denver Leadership Foundation and has held board positions at Downtown Denver Partnership, History Colorado, and is a member of the President’s Community Cabinet at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
“Kayla is a values-driven leader with a strong track record of community impact,” said Tony Frank, chancellor of the CSU System. “Her experience across sectors, commitment to service, and deep Colorado roots make her an outstanding addition to the Board of Governors.”
Garcia earned her undergraduate degree in communication studies from Colorado State University and holds a certificate in corporate social responsibility from the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business. She has been recognized by the Denver Business Journal as both a 40 Under 40 honoree and an Outstanding Woman in Business, and by ColoradoBiz Magazine as one of Colorado’s Top 25 Most Influential Young Professionals.
“As someone who grew up in Pueblo and found opportunity through CSU, being a member of the Board of Governors of the CSU System is deeply meaningful to me,” Garcia said. “I’m grateful for the chance to help advance a university that creates pathways for students and strengthens communities across our state.”