Conversations with Stephanie Garnica

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Garnica.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am almost a Colorado native (moved to the state when I was 8) and from the time I was a child, I enjoyed exploring new places, crossing state borders, and experiencing other cultures. Fast forward to my university days when I pursued a degree in international business and upon graduation, joined the Peace Corps.

I lived in Nicaragua for 2.5 years and had the experience of a lifetime learning a new language, experiencing a different lifestyle, and being surrounded by the most humble, welcoming, and friendly community I had ever known.

Upon completion of my assignment, I traveled by land through Central America and Mexico, back to the US, and began a career in international economic development. I have been in this profession ever since and have leveraged the opportunity to foster global business relationships and provide the same, hospitable attention and service to incoming international visitors.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, with various geopolitical tensions, economic downturns, a global pandemic, and other disruptions that have created the need to pivot, reframe and reestablish areas of focus.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work for the City and County of Denver in the Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO) office as the Director of Global Business Development. My team is a new division of DEDO, created at the request of Mayor Hancock, to elevate awareness of Denver as a global hub of activity and attract more international connections.

My team and I promote Denver as a great destination in the US for foreign businesses to establish operations, hire from our skilled workforce, and plant roots in our vibrant community.

We specialize in providing a welcoming and inclusive environment that embraces people from around the globe and integrates them quickly into our ecosystem so that they feel a sense of belonging and can launch their businesses successfully in our city. I’m proud of helping develop a dynamic ecosystem of international business leaders that now call Denver home.

What are your plans for the future?
My exact plans are uncertain, but I know that I will continue to be involved in the international scene, helping people connect to resources that help them grow and thrive and to help our city continue to grow and diversify its global touchpoints around the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://denver.prelive.opencities.com/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Economic-Development-Opportunity/Choose-Denver/Global-Business-Development
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-garnica-05aa24/