Carmen Garcia-Morales — Director of Programs

Carmen Garcia brings more than three decades of combined lived and professional experience in child welfare, grounded in compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to service. Having grown up in the foster care system and aged out at 18, Carmen’s journey has come full circle — from receiving support to helping others build brighter futures.

At just 16 years old, Carmen joined the Department of Children and Families’ Youth Leadership Academy, where she met two mentors who continue to inspire her today. She began her professional career with DCF at 19 as a Child Protective Intern, later serving for four years in the food assistance office. There, she helped families navigate complex challenges, access critical resources, and meet their most basic needs — an experience she describes as one of the most rewarding of her life.

As her career progressed, Carmen’s leadership and collaborative nature led her to broader statewide initiatives. Her work spanned from integrating behavioral health support within child welfare operations to providing individual and group coaching for child investigators and agency leadership. She also led efforts to modernize food assistance systems, including launching paperless operations that supported thousands of Floridians during statewide Food Disaster Relief recoveries.

Carmen joined the Foundation for Foster Children in 2018 after first serving as a volunteer. Guided by her heart for service and her ability to inspire and motivate others, she now serves as Director of Programs, overseeing three core programs that empower youth through education, advocacy, and enrichment. Her leadership focuses on collaboration, accountability, and ensuring every program reflects the organization’s mission and values.

Outside of work, Carmen and her husband operate a transitional home for young girls experiencing foster care. She also serves as a mentor with the same Youth Leadership Academy that shaped her own path. When she’s not working, you can find Carmen traveling with her husband or spending time with their beloved dog. Her life and work continue to reflect one truth — that service, done with heart, has the power to transform lives.