Meet Ginny Garcia-Alexander, Data Analyst

Your Journey So Far

What path led you here, and what first sparked your interest in this field?

I fell in love with demography in grad school. It just makes everything make sense! I think population studies ought to be part of the core curriculum. After earning my PhD in Sociology/Demography, I spent nearly 20 years studying population health as a faculty researcher. When I got the chance to start doing more applied work, I realized that was how I wanted to spend all my time. So, when the opportunity to work as an applied demographer came up at FLO, I jumped on it!

Life and Work Where You Live

Tell us a bit about living and working in Texas.

I was born in Texas, and except for an eight-year stint in Portland, Oregon, I’ve been here my whole life. Now that I have recently relocated to the Dallas area, this summer I’m really looking forward to exploring lakes and trails in the area.

The Why Behind the Work

What drives you in your role at FLO, and what makes it fulfilling?

I love that the work we do directly informs and assists school districts with their planning and decision-making. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be able to use my knowledge of population trends and dynamics to help provide guidance and context to changing enrollment patterns.

Making an Impact

Why does your work matter — for your team, your clients, or your community?

I love being part of such a cooperative FLO team that shares a commitment to engaging community partners in each district’s decision-making process. Across the nation, enrollment decline is an issue facing school districts, and it's so satisfying to help our clients plan for and understand those shifts.

Words That Stuck With You

What’s the best piece of advice a colleague has shared with you?

Do something you love, and it won’t feel like work.

Projects That Shaped You

What are a few memorable projects, whether for the joy, the challenge, or both?

I’ve just completed a couple of projects as a project manager. Hood River County School District will always stick with me because they were the first district to whom I officially presented findings and prepared forecast models. The team helped me along the way, but I’m proud to have led the project.

Who Inspires You

Is there someone who motivates or influences the way you work or live?

My mentor from grad school, Dudley Poston, is an incredible demographer and amazing person—the kind who gives meaning to the phrase “a life well lived.” I wouldn’t be where I am without his generosity, and his enthusiasm for the work is truly an inspiration.

If Not This, Then What?

If you weren’t in this career, what would you love doing instead?

I’ve always wanted to be an author in the fantasy genre.

Big Dreams and Bucket Lists

What’s something exciting you hope to cross off your list someday?

I desperately want to see sting rays breach in Baja, Mexico. I’d also love to travel across the country and visit a bunch of wildlife sanctuaries.

Hidden Talents and Hobbies

What’s a side of you most people don’t get to see?

I’m very good at knitting. I also weirdly love dog grooming. In fact, I have a couple of Goldendoodles, and I love cutting their hair! (And yes, doodles have hair, not fur.)