Angela Garcia
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ANGELA GARCIA, 37
Sales manager for The Daily Citizen of Dalton, Ga., for 5 years; sales manager for Noticias Libres of the Chattanooga Times Free Press for 1 year; managing editor of Noticias Libres for 7 years; key account manager of the Latino market for Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United for 2 years; current director of marketing and business development for La Paz Chattanooga; recipient of 2012 Latino Leadership Awards – Chattanooga's Choice; 2009 recipient of Chattanooga Times Free Press Right Track Award.
What's your anthem or theme song?
Because I am bilingual and bicultural, I would like to choose one of each that represents my background: "Brave," by Sara Bareilles, and, Spanish song: "Color Esperanza," by Diego Torres. Theme song: "True Colors," by Cyndi Lauper.
If you were a musician, what would your stage or band name be?
Impacto.
If you were starting a band, who from your life would you pick to be in it and why?
My husband, Carlos, because he is my biggest fan and supporter. Therefore my children are part of the fan club.
Which member of the band would you be?
Manager. I see myself working on strategic planning to help the band succeed. I kind of like being behind the scenes.
If you achieved rock star status, what would you hope it would be for?
Community impact.
Random green room demand?
A picture of my family, 4 bottles of SmartWater, assorted cheese and nuts plate with dried fruit, assorted crackers, chai tea and coffee, aromatherapy, a glass of red wine (Spanish or Argentinian), and melon-cucumber hand lotion.
Who are your top influencers (not necessarily musically)?
I have two great influencers in my life.
My personal influencer, as much as this sounds so repetitive to many, is my mom. As I get older, I value her more and more. I try to be like her and follow her always precious advice.
I [also] believe in looking around [to see] who is close to you that can influence and create impact in your life. There is one particular person who has been an amazing support to me. I consider him as my mentor: Rick Hansard, corporate sales and marketing execution manager for Coca-Cola United. Throughout my career I have learned so much from him and I admire many of his management and marketing skills.
Which musical style best describes your personality?
Pop Latin.
Who would write the soundtrack to your life and why?
My children. Being a mom defines and resumes my persona; you become the best version of yourself. What you learned at a young age is what is going to create an impact in your children and how you raise them. They know my good and bad. I am hopeful they see me as a role model being a working mom and giving them the best of me, quality time and family values. My family is bilingual and bi-cultural, and my best interest is for them to love and identify [with] both cultures.
First album you bought for yourself?
Shakira, "Pies descalzos."
If you could change one thing about Chattanooga, what would it be?
With the development of Chattanooga in the past few years, the population is expanding very fast. The city is experiencing a wave of newcomers. In some areas, streets are crowded or even jammed during the rush hours. I would develop an advanced public transportation system. In order to hold such an exploding population, the city has extended miles and miles without much planning. With that come parking opportunities in the downtown area.
If there is a chance to name a second one, I'd also create a more intentional education campaign about recycling, and for the city to offer more resources to facilitate recycling.
To what cause would you donate the proceeds from your first benefit concert?
La Paz Chattanooga, [the] leading and Hispanic/Latino organization in the Southeast region with a mission to empower and engage.