Barbara Garza, the dynamic founder of AESA Prep Academy in Austin, Texas, epitomizes leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to education. As a trailblazer in the educational sector, Garza’s path to success is paved with perseverance, guided by the lessons of her childhood, influenced by her family, and grounded in the principles she continues to impart to the next generation. In this article, we delve into the journey of Barbara Garza—her challenges, accomplishments, and her enduring legacy as a leader and role model for women in education.
The Foundations of Strength and Resilience
Garza’s childhood in Bar Harbor, Maine, was marked by a sense of freedom and exploration, which fueled her confidence and resilience. As she recounts, growing up in a small coastal town gave her a childhood full of adventure. “We built forts, rode our bikes all over town, and turned tide pools into our own private swimming areas,” Garza reflects, underscoring how these experiences shaped her early sense of independence.
Her upbringing was further enriched by the influence of her parents. Her father, a world-class scientist at Jackson Laboratory, played a crucial role in fostering her problem-solving skills. “Whenever I asked for help with homework, my dad would say, ‘I could do this for you, but how will you ever learn to figure it out yourself?’” This lesson of self-reliance stuck with Garza, becoming one of the core principles she would later instill in her students at AESA Prep Academy.
Similarly, her mother, always supportive and active in her life, helped build Garza’s leadership skills. Whether leading Girl Scouts troops or supporting her daughter’s countless activities, Garza’s mother demonstrated what it meant to be a strong, capable woman. These early influences shaped Garza’s confidence, helping her understand that she could achieve anything she set her mind to—a belief that would later define her career in education.
A Journey Through Education and Athletics
Garza’s journey to educational leadership was not a straight path. While attending the University of Texas at Austin, she changed her major six times before realizing that her passion lay in education. Her love for learning and her deep-seated desire to make a difference in the lives of others led her to pursue a career in teaching. “One of the reasons I ended up in education was because I loved the process of learning. An educational degree suited me best,” she recalls.
Athletics played a significant role in building her confidence, something she believes is essential for success in leadership. Competing in UT Austin’s intramural relay races at the Texas Relays and achieving top rankings in tennis as part of a husband-wife doubles team instilled a strong sense of self-belief. “Athletics does so much for a woman’s confidence,” says Garza. She notes that many educational leaders share an athletic background, which often fosters the resilience needed to navigate the challenges of leadership.
Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in Education
Entering the education field in the 1970s, Garza faced a male-dominated environment where opportunities for women were limited, especially in leadership and athletics. “Women were not treated equally to men, especially in coaching,” Garza recalls. As one of the few Texas female tennis coaches who coached both boys and girls at her school, she often faced discrimination and attempts at intimidation. However, Garza’s upbringing had prepared her to confront these challenges head-on. “I was raised to believe I could do anything boys could do, and that helped me stand my ground.”
Despite the roadblocks, Garza’s tenacity never wavered. She recounts incidents where male coaches would try to physically intimidate her, or athletic directors would belittle her by addressing her as “Sunshine” instead of “Coach” like her male counterparts. These challenges, while frustrating, only strengthened her resolve. Rather than letting them push her out of the profession, Garza channeled her energy into creating a school environment where equality and opportunity were paramount.
Founding AESA Prep Academy: A Vision Realized
In 2009, after years of experience in public and private education, Garza took a bold step and founded AESA Prep Academy, a school designed to offer a balanced, individualized education for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. “Starting AESA from scratch is the biggest initiative I’ve ever accomplished,” she reflects. It was no small feat—there was no manual on how to build a successful school from the ground up. But, with her background in education and leadership, Garza was well-equipped to tackle the challenges.
AESA Prep Academy has since grown into an internationally recognized institution, known for its small class sizes, flexible schedules, and commitment to nurturing the whole student—academically, emotionally, and physically. Garza’s mission is to provide students with a supportive, inspiring environment that prepares them for college and beyond, while also addressing their individual learning needs. AESA’s success speaks to the power of Garza’s vision and her relentless dedication to her students.
The Power of Women in Leadership
Garza firmly believes that women bring a unique perspective to educational leadership. “Women often look at situations from a different perspective than men,” she says. “The key is to give them the chance to take higher-level positions.” Garza emphasizes the importance of grit, hard work, and determination, traits she believes are essential for women aspiring to leadership roles.
In her own journey, Garza has learned the importance of saying yes to new opportunities, even when they seem daunting. “When someone more experienced offers you advice or an opportunity, say yes,” she advises. This mindset has allowed Garza to continually grow and evolve as a leader, and she encourages young women to embrace the same philosophy.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
For Garza, maintaining a healthy balance between her professional responsibilities and personal life is key to staying energized and positive. She advocates for daily exercise—whether it’s walking with her husband, colleagues, or their dog—as a way to relieve stress and maintain her energy. Family is also a central part of Garza’s life, and she cherishes the time she spends with them during vacations to Maine, where they enjoy outdoor activities and relaxation.
Her advice to other women striving to achieve balance in their lives is simple: prioritize family and “me time.” Garza believes that maintaining a positive and upbeat energy is not only beneficial for personal well-being but also essential for creating a positive school environment.
A Legacy of Empowerment
As Garza continues to lead AESA Prep Academy, she remains committed to empowering the next generation of students and educators. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep belief in the transformative power of education. For young women aspiring to careers in education, Garza offers a powerful message: “Go for it! Don’t let anyone take away your dream. If you have roadblocks, find a way around them, but never give up.”
Barbara Garza’s journey is a testament to the strength of women in leadership and their ability to drive meaningful change in the educational landscape. Through her work at AESA Prep Academy, she has created a legacy of empowerment that will continue to inspire students and educators for generations to come.