BOSS Interview: David Garcia of Affirmations
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Feb. 6, 2023)
Ferndale, MI – Even though he is the Executive Director of Affirmations, David Garcia says he is not really the boss. “The community is the boss,” he said. “This is the community’s building; the community’s space.” At the top of an organizational flow chart, he explained, the community is at the top, then the Board of Directors, then him, and various employees branching off from there.
Nonetheless he’s the face that many people see when they think of the LGBTQ+ community center and the organization whose services help those who visit, and who advocates for the queer community across Michigan and beyond.
Oakland County Times interviewed Garcia about his role in the organization for our BOSS series, inspiring readers to pursue entrepreneurship and leadership.
Garcia manages a staff of about twenty people, who are essential for the work Affirmations accomplishes. He also is responsible for raising money through donations, grants, partnerships and events.
He collaborates with other organizations across the state for LGBTQ+ advocacy and support. He oversees programs like support programs for youth all the way up to senior groups, and the building hosts activities like Ringwald Theatre performances, Metropolitan Community Church, a therapy program, an art gallery, facility rental for weddings, meetings, and other events, a food program, health services including vaccinations, providing space for other organizations like Human Rights Campaign, MIGEN, and Stand for Trans, and more.
“One day I might be talking about something as important as eliminating conversion therapy in Michigan and the next hour I’m up on the roof looking at an HVAC system that’s about to give out,” he said.
Garcia has spent his life in nonprofits, starting from his job as a YMCA camp counselor when he was 18. He was fired from a job in a school district because he wanted to start a support group for LGBTQ+ youth, and has been a leader in fighting for equality ever since. In his interview he shares more of that experience as well as the challenges of nonprofit leadership, what skills someone should have going into this work, and what some of the positives have been.
Affirmations is located at 290 W. 9 Mile. Learn more at https://goaffirmations.org/.
Stay tuned for more BOSS interviews and panel discussions with Oakland County Times advertisers to help inspire other entrepreneurs and local leaders.
