Today we’d like to introduce you to Jorge Sigler García
Hi Jorge, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in Cuba to a Mexican mother and have always been eager to explore the world. My journey has taken me to various places, including Barcelona, Mexico, Costa Rica, and more, enriching my understanding of the world’s diverse cultures. As an author, I have published literary works and contributed to peer-reviewed academic research in management, leadership, education, and finance. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, an MBA, and 16 FEMA certifications focused on Emergency Management, with particular expertise in supporting diverse communities, ADA compliance, and addressing children’s needs during natural disasters.
In my professional career, I have advanced supplier diversity for large public, nonprofit, and private organizations. At the School District of Palm Beach County, the 10th largest district in the nation, I was the first Latino and Spanish speaker in my role, leading significant increases in funding for small, minority, and women-owned businesses:
Small Businesses: 1132% increase
Woman-Owned Businesses: 728% increase
Black-Owned Businesses: 1015% increase
Black-Woman Owned Businesses: 499% increase
Latino-Owned Businesses: 4730% increase
Latino-Woman Owned Businesses: 6346% increase
A strong advocate for community service, I have volunteered as a Guardian Ad Litem (CASA) to support children in the legal system and have engaged in educational programs in nature reserves. My current focus is on assisting small local businesses, helping them navigate public procurement complexities. I believe that small businesses are the backbone of the economy, creating stability within communities and providing financial security for families.
Through my experiences, I understand that supporting small businesses directly impacts families’ financial well-being and allows children to concentrate on their education. I work with local and political organizations to equip small business owners with the tools and resources they need to succeed. My achievements include being a keynote speaker at the DRIVE Conference and receiving the American Contract Compliance Association Platinum Award in 2023. I have also presented at various conferences, including the Academy of International Business Conference in Washington, D.C., and HEAd’19 in Valencia, Spain, where I showcased my peer-reviewed research. In 2018, I was named Grand Champion at the Business Strategy Invitational Championship, outperforming top students from over 550 business schools worldwide.
Outside of work, I am the author of the historical novel Night-blooming and enjoy wakeboarding and skiing. Most importantly, I cherish spending time with my family and look forward to reuniting with my mother.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
At just 17, I left my home and country in search of better opportunities, embarking on a journey that took me to various countries and cultures. Each move meant starting over from scratch, often far from family and familiar comforts. These challenges not only built my resilience and adaptability but also gifted me with deep, lasting friendships that have stood the test of time. Through each new beginning, I learned the value of flexibility, perseverance, and the strength found in forging meaningful connections, which I now hold as some of my most valuable possessions.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in Supplier Diversity strategy, focusing on maximizing the participation of small and diverse businesses in public contracting. My experience spans a wide range of public agencies, from some of the largest departments of transportation in the country to smaller entities like cities, zoos, and utilities providers.
What sets me apart in this field is my hands-on experience in compliance, where I achieved a 1132% increase in dollars paid to small businesses during my tenure—an unprecedented growth compared to the same period before. Additionally, I actively engage with the small business community, continually listening to their unique needs and challenges. I recognize that each community’s diversity shapes the types of businesses they foster and the obstacles they face.
Another key differentiator is my extensive experience working with hundreds of agencies across the nation, including airports, school districts, cities, counties, universities, utilities providers, general contractors, and more. This broad exposure allows me to tailor solutions that address the distinct needs of diverse communities and organizations.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
The road ahead may seem daunting and even insurmountable at times, but the key is to take it one step at a time. We each face unique challenges, and not everyone has the same opportunities or privileges. I grew up in a poor country, and one of my most vivid childhood memories is from when I was around six years old. I sat down to dinner with my younger brother, and our plates had nothing but white rice and a thin piece of meat. After we finished eating, my mother sat down with her own meal—just white rice and the juice that drips from slicing a tomato. There wasn’t even a tomato piece on her plate, as she had given that to my grandparents. I remember sitting on her lap and eating what little she had, and she didn’t stop me. This memory is etched into my mind, and the reason I bring it up is that, even in those difficult circumstances, I recognize now that I was still privileged. Despite the scarcity we faced, I know there were others in even worse situations.
That’s why we can’t make blanket statements about perseverance or overcoming adversity. I’ve been fortunate in my life and I can’t ignore that. It’s this awareness that drives my commitment to helping others. Success isn’t just about our individual achievements—it’s about the success of our community. If we don’t lift each other up, who will?
Starting out is hard, but so is continuing on the journey and maintaining success once it’s achieved. The road will always have bumps, and there will always be challenges. That’s why it’s so important to find a good support system. Our paths will never be the same, and neither will the obstacles we face. But we must offer empathy and extend a helping hand whenever we can. I didn’t make it here alone—I had incredible people who helped me along the way. And I truly believe that most people are good and willing to help if we let them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.siglerj.com
- Instagram: @sigler.gif
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sigler.Jorge
- Other: http://amazon.com/author/jorgesigler
Image Credits
Thiané Carter
Politician Julian Castro
Rolando Barrero Chang
Claudia Medonza
Amanda Gray
