Natalie Garcia

Natalie Garcia credits networking for getting her to her current role as technical division manager with the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), Silver Spring, Maryland—and it’s a skill she believes is crucial for other young professionals (YPs) in the industry.

After earning a degree in bioenvironmental science from Texas A&M University and completing an internship with the city of Garland, Texas, Garcia interviewed for a job as a health inspector for the Garland Health Department. Then, following a stint inspecting restaurants, a colleague recommended she interview with SWANA, where she was hired on in 2022 as technical division manager.

In her role, Garcia manages and supports the seven SWANA technical divisions, including collection and transfer; communication, education and marketing; landfill gas and biogas; landfill management; planning and management; sustainable materials management; and waste conversion and energy recovery. She also collaborates with industry experts on content development, legislative and regulatory practices, safety initiatives, event programming and awards programs.

"It has been the most rewarding experience meeting industry experts [and] hearing their creative ideas on how we can transform the solid waste industry.”

Waste Today (WT): What are some of your favorite parts of your role with SWANA?

Natalie Garcia (NG): Since starting at SWANA, I’ve had the opportunity to be heavily involved in planning our trade shows, SOAR and Wastecon. They focus on cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, regulatory impacts and innovative solutions that will shape the future of waste management. It has been the most rewarding experience meeting industry experts [and] hearing their creative ideas on how we can transform the solid waste industry.

We’re currently busy planning for Wastecon, which will be held in October not far from me in Grapevine, Texas. We have a great event planner who comes up with the most fun events. It doesn’t even feel like work, it just feels like a bunch of people who are so passionate about the environment getting together, sharing ideas, laughing, just getting to know one another. I’ve always had such a great time at these conferences, making friends and, honestly, lifelong relationships.

WT: Do you have advice for people who might be getting their start in the waste industry on how they can get their footing at a show?

NG: My advice for anyone looking to enter this industry is to be curious and ask questions. I really think my curiosity and interest in this field led me to the most amazing career. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. I’ve had the privilege to meet the most ambitious and enthusiastic people in this industry who really have love for their environment just like I do. Don’t be afraid of change and trying new things. I know it can be scary and may be difficult to step out of your comfort zone sometimes, but you’ll never know the opportunities waiting for you until you take that first step.

Everybody is so welcoming at these conferences, and I know it can be scary sometimes, especially as a YP going to your first conference, you don’t really know anybody. … But we have a program where we match up people who [are] there for the first time, and they get to meet. It calms their nerves a little bit. They go to different events together and get to know one another, and then by the end of it, you’re just like, “Oh my gosh, what was I so scared about?”

Everyone’s just so welcoming and so warm, and there’s just so many positive vibes in the air that you want to come back to the next one.