Eduardo "Eddie" Garza
As the Executive Director of the Mexican American Council (MAC) since 2017, Eduardo "Eddie" Garza exemplifies the change he wishes to see in the South Florida Community. MAC is a South Florida non-profit organization empowering families "to ensure that every farmworker child be provided access to quality education, the arts, and technology for a brighter future." Garza was recognized in the fall of 2023 and invited to join leaders from across Florida in a special meeting with Biden-Harris administration officials to advocate for farmworker communities.
Under Garza's leadership, MAC has become a pillar in the South Dade community. MAC's comprehensive service-delivery approach empowers farmworker families to successfully guide their children to a brighter future and quality of life, working to break the cycle of poverty through education and access to the arts. Since its inception in 1990, over 11,550 children and their parents have participated in MAC programs & activities. Key programs focus on the Inspire Change pillars of Education and Economic Advancement. These programs include a college & career readiness program, an adult literacy program, and family empowerment services. The college and career readiness program supports youth education and provides mentorship to mostly first-generation students to gain access to higher education. Adult literacy and family empowerment services empower farmworker parents to achieve success by equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to overcome wealth disparities and actively engage in their teenagers' lives.
As a Miami Dolphins Football UNITES partner since 2018, Eddie has utilized the power of football to provide additional access for families associated with MAC. MAC families took part in the Miami Dolphins Delivering Hope event which provided new beds and bedding to deserving families, honored one family with a new air conditioning unit compliments of Air Pros US, the official air conditioner of the Miami Dolphins, and participated in the Football UNITES Cultural Tour to Virginia Key Beach. MAC annually attends a Football UNITES tailgate and participates in various holiday events.