Gladys D. Garcia

Gladys D. Garcia, Paralegal and ESL Outreach Coordinator

Gladys commenced her role as a paralegal and ESL Outreach Coordinator at The Community Tax Law Project in November 2018, contributing to the support of our attorneys and clients. A key area of her focus involves collaborating with the Legal Aid Justice Center, the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society, and the Central Virginia Farmworkers Initiative to assist H2A and H2B visa workers. Gladys also works with victims of domestic violence through CTLP's partnership with Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Gladys relocated to Virginia in 1999 subsequent to completing her college education. She holds a Master's Degree in Operations Research from the Florida Institute of Technology, a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies from the Virginia Commonwealth University.

In 2022, Gladys received recognition at the Annual Statewide Legal Aid Conference for her contributions to our English as a Second Language program and farmworkers initiative. Additionally, in 2023, she was honored as a "Persona de Poder" (Person of Will and Power) by Radio Poder, a Spanish radio station in Richmond. This award acknowledges individuals who have significantly impacted the advancement and development of Virginia's immigrant and Latino communities through their conduct, words, and actions.

Before assuming her current role, Gladys served as a paralegal at the Virginia Poverty Law Center's Eviction Legal Helpline. She also held positions as a Public Benefits paralegal, healthcare navigator, and community educator and organizer at the Legal Aid Justice Center in Richmond, as part of the Economic Justice and Immigrant Advocacy Programs. Furthermore, Gladys served in the U.S. Army Reserves as an Aviation Operations Specialist and has worked as a civilian employee at the Department of Defense, focusing on logistics studies.

In her leisure time, Gladys enjoys cooking, reading, cross-stitching, calligraphy, and spending time with her mother and her dog, Baileys.