248 E. Foothill Blvd., Suite 200, Monrovia, CA, 91016

KATARINA GARCIA

Katarina Garcia

Treasurer, Division 4

Representing all or parts of:
Azusa, Covina, Glendora, West Covina

Term: 2024-2028

Dr. Katarina “Katie” Garcia was first elected to the Board of Directors for the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (Upper District) in November 2020 and represents Division 4, which includes the cities of Covina, Irwindale, West Covina, and portions of Azusa, Baldwin Park, and Glendora. She is the first Latina and Asian-Pacific Islander elected to the Upper District Board.

Katarina graduated from Arizona State University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education and earned a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from California State University, Fullerton in 2015. In 2024, she earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

As an undergraduate, Katarina worked for the Global Institute of Sustainability (School of Sustainability), where her interest in water science began and ultimately led to her focus on science education. Her doctoral research centered on inquiry-based science teaching, with a focus on fostering environmental awareness and critical thinking in students.

Katarina has served as a high school science teacher for 13 years and an assistant principal for the last three years. She began her teaching career at her alma mater, Bishop Amat High School, and later joined the staff at West Covina High School, where she taught Biology and AP Environmental Science. She is passionate about supporting students in achieving their academic and personal goals. Her mentorship of West Covina High School’s student team in the Metropolitan Water District’s Solar Cup program demonstrated her dedication to advancing sustainability education through hands-on learning.

A strong advocate for environmental stewardship, Katarina’s water-focused curriculum has earned her multiple education grants and accolades, including being named Teacher of the Year in 2018. Her role as a community leader extends beyond the classroom as a founding member of the Covina Valley Optimist Club, where she supports local youth through scholarships and community initiatives.

Katarina lives in Covina, in the same home she grew up in, with her husband, Cesar, their daughter, Astrid, and their energetic Border Collie puppy. She is an active member of her community, participating in local service projects and mentoring young women through her sorority, Kappa Delta Chi.