Blogs

From the farm fields to Capitol Hill, Jean Garcia shares his journey from the Migrant Head Start program to advocating for his community in Washington, D.C., highlighting leadership, purpose, and the power of using your voice for change.

As a 2025 NMSHSA Intern, I’ve spent my first week in D.C. advocating for farmworker families, meeting with state reps on Capitol Hill, and exploring the city. From policy forums to metro mishaps, this experience is a dream come true for a girl from Wenatchee, Washington.

From a small town in Idaho to the heart of D.C., I am proud to represent my roots, reconnect with CCI, and grow as a voice for the immigrant and farmworker communities that shaped me.

National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association (NMSHSA) Executive Director Cleo Rodriguez, Jr. recounts tales of tragedy and triumph in the policy and advocacy work required to successfully expand Migrant Head Start eligibility for farmworker families.

Originally published in Progress Report, powered by UNIDOSUS.

This summer will be unforgettable. As I leave, I will cherish every memory I made with the NMSHSA, my cohort, my placement and DC overall. But most importantly I will make sure that I follow my inspirations and return to the nation's capital.