Santa Fe Mayor Pro Tem Lee Garcia
SFCC News:
SANTA FE — Santa Fe Community College announces Santa Fe Mayor Pro Tem Lee Garcia will give the keynote address to the 51 students who successfully completed their High School Equivalency (HSE) in the Adult Education Academic Career Education (ACE) program at SFCC. The ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 in the William C. Witter Fitness Education Center (FEC), 6401 Richards Avenue.
The HSE graduation ceremony is a celebration of the students’ hard work and dedication in achieving their High School Equivalency Certificate. It’s a formal event where graduates are recognized for their accomplishments and receive their diplomas. This ceremony marks a significant step forward, enabling them to pursue further education, advance in their careers, and achieve their personal goals.
SFCC’s HSE graduates include 51 students, ranging in age from 24 to 44 years old. Most of the students identify as Hispanic, and most are female. Forty graduates are from Santa Fe County. Other graduates come from Los Alamos County, Rio Arriba County, San Miguel County, Sierra County and outside of New Mexico.
The SFCC ACE program helps students prepare for their HSE credential, as well as for college and career opportunities after earning their HSE. Students study for the GED or HiSET exams to meet the HSE requirements set by the state of New Mexico.
ACE Program Manager Monica Martin said, “These graduates worked through real-life challenges and still found the strength to achieve this life-changing accomplishment. Their hard work and dedication deserve to be celebrated.”
Keynote Speaker Lee Garcia’s Bio
Lee Garcia serves as Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilor for the City of Santa Fe. A lifelong Northern New Mexico resident and successful business owner, Garcia has represented District 3 on the Santa Fe Governing Body since his election in 2021. In 2026, he was appointed Mayor Pro Tem by Mayor Michael J. Garcia.
Garcia is the owner and operator of Garcia Tire LLC, a family business he has managed since 1999, expanding operations to multiple locations throughout Northern New Mexico. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from New Mexico Highlands University and later completed a Master of Business Administration from University of Phoenix. As a student-athlete, he competed in collegiate cross-country at New Mexico Highlands University.
Before joining the Governing Body, Garcia served on the Santa Fe Planning Commission, where he chaired the Summary Subcommittee and advocated for thoughtful growth and infrastructure planning. He is widely recognized for his commitment to community engagement, neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and improving quality of life for Santa Fe residents.
Deeply involved in civic and faith-based organizations, Garcia has been active with the Knights of Columbus for more than two decades, serving in leadership roles including Grand Knight and District Deputy. He is also a member of Los Hermanos Penitentes and remains active in youth mentorship, coaching, and local school and parish activities.
As Mayor Pro Tem, Garcia continues to focus on collaborative leadership, responsible economic growth, public infrastructure improvements, and strengthening connections between local government and the community he serves.
Two student speakers will share their personal stories at the ceremony.
“My name is Javier Ignacio Gonzales. I was born in Las Cruces to Abrile and Javier Gonzales. I believe I got my hard work ethic from them being the hardest workers I know. Being raised here in Santa Fe, I’ve learned you can always try again, learn something new, and become better. I’m the kind of person that doesn’t let opportunity pass me by: I’ll give it my everything and push for a better me and community.” – Student speaker Javier Ignacio Gonzales, 31
“I am originally from Santa Fe, but I had moved to Arizona before moving back to Santa Fe in 2013. I left high school following the death of my mother in 2014 and some difficult personal circumstances that led to poor decisions at the time. However, I was able to turn my life around and earn my HSE certificate.” – Isaac Martin Tafoya, 27
For more information about SFCC’s HSE commencement ceremony or the ACE program, contact ACE Program Manager Monica Martin by email at monica.martin@sfcc.edu or call 505.428.1070.