Announcing Our 2026 Griffith Family Legacy Awardee
Honoring
2026 Griffith Family Legacy Awardee
Judge Bianca Garcia
AVANCE-Austin is proud to recognize Judge Bianca Garcia as the recipient of the 2026 Griffith Family Legacy Award, honoring her longstanding commitment to strengthening families, expanding opportunities, and uplifting the Latino community in Central Texas.
Throughout her career in public service, Judge Garcia has demonstrated a deep dedication to ensuring that individuals and families have access to fair, compassionate, and effective systems of support. From her work with children and families in the juvenile and child welfare systems to her leadership in expanding diversion and specialty court programs, she has consistently championed approaches that promote accountability, dignity, and opportunity.
As Presiding Judge of Travis County Court at Law #3, Judge Garcia continues to advance a vision of justice that recognizes the importance of rehabilitation, family stability, and community well-being. Her work reflects many of the values at the heart of AVANCE's mission: empowering families, creating pathways to success, and helping build stronger communities for future generations.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Judge Garcia has been a steadfast supporter of AVANCE-Austin. Over the years, she has generously invested in the organization as an advocate, donor, volunteer, and community champion, helping advance opportunities for Latino children and families. Most recently, Judge Garcia stood alongside AVANCE leadership at a public Austin ISD meeting regarding school closures, lending her voice and leadership to advocate for equitable access to early childhood education and to ensure families continue to have educational opportunities within their own neighborhoods. Her willingness to show up, speak out, and support the families AVANCE serves exemplifies her deep commitment to community and educational equity.
The Griffith Family Legacy Award celebrates individuals whose leadership creates lasting impact, and Judge Garcia's dedication to public service, community advocacy, and family empowerment make her a truly deserving honoree. Through both her professional work and her personal commitment to organizations like AVANCE, she continues to create meaningful change and strengthen the future for Latino families across our region.
AVANCE-Austin is honored to celebrate Judge Bianca Garcia and her enduring legacy of service, leadership, and advocacy. Join us for the 2026 Nuestro Legado, Nuestro Futuro: AVANCE-Austin Brunch Fundraiser on Saturday, October 24th from 10am-1pm to help us recognize Judge Garcia.
About The Griffith Family Legacy Award
This prestigious award is named after the beloved Balie Griffith and his family Beverly, Stephen, and Stefanie Griffith, who helped open the AVANCE chapter in Austin nearly 30 years ago. The Griffith family has since ensured that thousands of families gain access to education and support services, leading to overall success and economic prosperity. Since 2015, AVANCE-Austin has awarded the Griffith Family Legacy Award to individual leaders in Austin who have shown their commitment to serving our community through their time, talents, and financial investments. This award is more than just a symbol of our appreciation; it represents our profound gratitude and deep respect for the dedication offered to our mission.
Read more about Balie Griffith here: http://avanceaustin.org/balie-griffith
More About Judge Bianca Garcia
Judge Bianca Garcia is the Presiding Judge of Travis County Court at Law #3, where she has served since taking the bench in January 2023. A native Austinite, Judge Garcia has dedicated her legal career to public service and to building a justice system that is fair, accessible, and responsive to the community it serves.
Before taking the bench, Judge Garcia spent a decade as a prosecutor and public servant. She began her career as a prosecutor in the Rio Grande Valley before returning home to Austin, where she served at both the Travis County Attorney's Office and Travis County District Attorney's Office. Her work included the Child Abuse Unit, Child Welfare Docket, and Juvenile Division, where she worked closely with victims, children, and families navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Judge Garcia later served as Director of Behavioral Health, Diversion and Specialty Programs for the Travis County Attorney's Office, overseeing misdemeanor diversion and specialty court programs and working to make those programs more accessible and easier to navigate.
Today, Judge Garcia presides over a busy criminal docket and oversees Travis County's DWI Diversion Program. Her experience as a prosecutor, program administrator, and judge has shaped her belief that public safety, accountability, fairness, and meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation can and should work together.
Her commitment to service extends beyond the courtroom. Judge Garcia serves on the board of Texas Latinx Judges where she organized an annual Student Symposium. She mentors law students through The University of Texas School of Law where is she also a member of the Austin Alumni committee and regularly judges mock trial. She has also volunteers with the George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center and previously served on the boards of Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, and Pop-Up Birthday.
Judge Garcia earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from The George Washington University and her J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law. She has been recognized with the Young Hispanic Professional's Association of Austin Emerging Leader Award, the Con Mi MADRE Corazón Award, Travis County Women Lawyer’s Association, Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, and the 2025 Austin 40 Under 40 Legal Award.
She and her husband, Mike, live in Southeast Austin with their dog, Ziggy Stardust. Outside the courtroom, she enjoys cheering on the Longhorns and Austin FC, reading, and exploring Austin's food scene.