Maria Elena Garcia is a wife, mother of five sons, and proud grandmother of four—two boys and two girls. For the past 25 years, she and her family have been proud to call San Luis Obispo County’s North County home. Today, they live on a 13-acre ranch in Shandon, where family, community, and a love for the land are at the heart of their lives. Their ranch is home to a variety of animals, from beloved indoor pets to livestock. Maria has been a Nationally Certified Pharmacy Technician for 35 years. Throughout her career, she has found great fulfillment in helping others and building meaningful connections within her community. Her entrepreneurial spirit has also led her to operate two home-based businesses, Mary Kay Cosmetics and Plexus Organic Supplements. Giving back has always been an important part of Maria’s life. She is actively involved with the Hispanic Business Association and Supporters of the Shandon Valley Community, two nonprofit organizations through which she works to support local families, businesses, and the broader community. Maria currently serves on the boards of: 

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• Adventist Health Community Board

• SLO Noor Foundation

• San Luis Obispo County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls

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For Maria, community service is about more than holding a position—it is about being present, listening to others, and finding ways to make a positive difference. She believes that strong communities are built when people come together, support one another, and invest in the future. She is honored to have the opportunity to serve and looks forward to continuing to make a difference for the families and communities she calls home. 
 

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