Congratulations to Melanie Garcia on being named the 2026 Leadership Wooster Distinguished Alumni Award recipient!

Melanie Garcia is being recognized for her professional leadership, community involvement, and contributions to improving quality of life in Wayne County.

Garcia serves with the Wayne County Community Foundation (WCCF), where she connects donors, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to create meaningful local impact. Prior to joining WCCF, she spent 15 years in corporate leadership roles in both Chicago and Wayne County and later served with The Ohio State University’s Business Training and Educational Services Department. Garcia holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Miami University and an MBA from Ashland University.

A graduate of the Chamber’s 2011 Leadership Wooster program, Garcia has remained actively involved as both a participant and a presenter on Nonprofit Day. She has also engaged through Business After Hours events, the Chamber’s Educational Series, and the Annual Dinner. Through her role at WCCF, Garcia is honored to present the Worthy Works Award each year, recognizing nonprofit organizations doing exceptional work in the community.

Garcia describes the Wooster community as a place where people are eager to connect, contribute, and support one another. She values welcoming newcomers and helping connect individuals to the people or resources they need to solve problems and build toward the future.

Her community involvement includes board service with Wayne Center for the Arts and the Schantz Organ Company, along with volunteer roles at Junior Achievement, the YMCA of Wayne County, and The College of Wooster Friends of International Students. She is especially proud of the WCCF’s current project to revitalize a neglected downtown building into its new headquarters, contributing to the ongoing renewal of East Liberty Street.

Receiving this recognition is a humbling honor for Garcia, who credits her family, friends, and colleagues for their support. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue bringing donors and nonprofit leaders together to address challenges and opportunities across the community. “Together, I am confident we can positively impact the quality of life in Wayne County,” Garcia shared.

The Leadership Wooster Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually to a graduate of the Leadership Wooster program who exemplifies the essence of leadership. Selection criteria include leadership roles the nominee has held, organizations participated in, and significant contributions that have been made to enhance the quality of life in the Wooster area.

2026 Leadership Wooster Distinguished Alumni Award - Melanie Garcia