Victor R. Garza

Victor R. Garza joined Southwest Key’s board of directors in 2004. He was born in Eagle Pass, Texas, and moved to California in 1960 where he began his lifelong career in public service in 1986.

As manager for the County of Santa Clara Veterans Services in San Jose, Victor was awarded numerous commendations and awards for his long history of political activism and community involvement in a myriad of issues affecting people in need, including proclamations from the U.S. Congress, State Legislature, County of Santa Clara, and the City of San Jose. He was awarded “Outstanding Young Man of America” by the U.S. Jaycees, recognized by the Santa Clara County Human Relations Commission for outstanding service and dedication to the community, and was an Olympic Cross Country Torch Relay Participant in 1996.

Victor was recognized for exemplary leadership by the American G.I. Forum and on KNTV Channel 11 “Portraits of Success.” In 1998, Victor was invited by the White House to participate in President Clinton’s Initiative on Race and Poverty.

Victor founded the La Raza Roundtable in 1988, Santa Clara County’s largest coalition of Latino and Mexican-American organizations, and spent the last 36 years fighting for his community. As chair of the Roundtable, Victor has been a strong voice for equitable education, social and health services, immigration issues, employment and promotional issues that impact the Latino workforce, and veteran’s affairs.

Victor also served on the Latino Community Advisory Council at San Jose State University as its president, Santa Clara Juvenile Justice Commission, State Commander and National Vice Commander for the American G.I. Forum, Chair of the Santa Clara Human Relations Commission, Advisor to the publisher of the Mercury News and Nuevo Mundo Publication, Advisor to several Chief of Police in San Jose, and Chair of the American Heart Association Bay Area Affiliate Latino Task Force. On May 5, 1998, the U.S. flag was flown over the United States Capitol in honor of his 25 years of community service.

Victor has a Master of Public Affairs and a BA in Political Science and Public Administration, both from San Jose State University.