ASU Local graduate transforms lived experience into advocacy for immigrant families
Martha Fabiola Garcia, accompanied by her daughter, graduates this spring with a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a minor in communication.
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2026 graduates.
By Maira Hernandez
For Martha Fabiola Garcia, education became more than a personal achievement — it became a way to create opportunities for others navigating systems that often feel inaccessible.
This spring, Garcia graduates from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a minor in communication through The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences after balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship and full-time studies. She completed her degree in under two years after beginning at ASU in August 2024.
A Mexican immigrant and mother of two, Garcia’s journey to graduation was shaped by resilience, persistence and a commitment to advocacy. Without what she describes as a traditional road map, she built her own path while preparing for a future career in international law.
“I wasn’t given a path — I built one,” Garcia said.
Before returning to school, Garcia worked as a translator and interpreter within the court system. Spending time translating legal proceedings exposed her to the complexities of the legal system and sparked a deeper interest in law and advocacy. As she studied court cases outside of work, her mother encouraged her to pursue becoming an attorney.
That encouragement eventually evolved into a long-term goal of attending law school and pursuing a career focused on international law and advocacy for underserved communities. Garcia is preparing to take the LSAT as she works toward the next phase of her academic journey.
Alongside her studies, Garcia founded FABIOLAW, an initiative designed to support attorneys and self-represented individuals navigating legal processes. Her work has focused on creating greater access for immigrant families, children with special needs and individuals who are often overlooked by existing systems.
She also works with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and First 5, helping create greater equity and support systems for families of children with special needs. In addition, Garcia previously served as a legal clerk intern with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, further strengthening her commitment to advocacy and public service.
Garcia attended ASU via ASU Local, a hybrid program pairing online coursework with in-person coaching and mentorship. Throughout her time in the program, Garcia balanced the responsibilities of parenting, entrepreneurship and academics, often staying up late to complete assignments while continuing to care for her family and grow her professional goals.
She credits much of her perseverance to the support system she found through ASU Local, including guidance from her success coach during difficult moments throughout her college journey.
“Throughout the two years there’s one thing that I learned,” Garcia said. “If you don’t speak up, if you don’t say what you want, how are people going to know you want it and how are you going to get it?”
Garcia said one of the aspects she valued most about ASU Local was the flexibility and accessibility of the program’s structure.
“What I liked about ASU was that I didn’t have to come in person like a traditional path,” Garcia said. “I also appreciated the international connections my college exposed me to and that it was a newer program that wasn’t overcrowded.”
Her academic achievements reflect that persistence. Garcia graduates magna cum laude, earned Dean’s List honors and was recognized as a Hispanic Scholarship Fund recipient.
Garcia’s story reflects the experiences of many ASU Local students — individuals balancing family responsibilities, careers and personal adversity while continuing to pursue higher education and long-term goals.
As she prepares for graduation, Garcia remains focused on using her education, lived experience and future legal career to advocate for communities too often left without representation or support.
Learn more about ASU Local at asulocal.asu.edu.
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