Minnesota – Minnesota’s healthcare and civic communities are grieving the loss of Minda Garcia, a respected health-system leader and beloved family figure whose influence reached far beyond her professional achievements. Garcia, who lived in Minneapolis and was originally from Saint Paul, spent more than 30 years shaping patient-centered care across the region.
Garcia served as Vice President of the Customer Experience Center at Allina Health since 2006, overseeing a team of more than 500 and championing improvements in patient access and compassionate service. Her extensive career also included leadership roles at Aspen Medical Group, University Affiliated Family Physicians, West Side Community Health Services, and Bailey Nurseries—positions that strengthened her expertise in operations management, revenue cycle strategy, and performance improvement.
Colleagues often described Garcia as a leader who “brought humanity into every logistical decision,” reflecting a broader trend in healthcare toward patient-first systems—an area in which Allina Health has been a regional leader.
But to those closest to her, Garcia was far more than a seasoned executive. She was, as many said online, the emotional center of countless family gatherings, community events, and neighborhood activities.
Her niece and goddaughter, Sarah Garcia Verdeja, shared an especially moving tribute, recalling a lifetime of encouragement, tradition, and unwavering presence:
“Every event, graduation, softball game, bingo night, or fundraiser—you were there. You loved us like your own. You gave me my love for dogs, taught me so many things, and made sure we never went without… Thank you for embracing my sassiness. I’ll miss you forever.”
Community members echoed that sentiment. Milin Dutta, a friend from Minneapolis’ Powderhorn neighborhood, expressed shock at Garcia’s passing following her recent disclosure of a brain tumor diagnosis.
“I thought the surgery would be successful. I was waiting for your next update. You will be missed deeply—especially by the Zumba community and everyone at Out in the Backyard.”
Garcia’s impact stretched across healthcare, LGBTQ+ community circles, neighborhood wellness initiatives, and family traditions that shaped multiple generations. Her death leaves what friends describe as “a visible absence” in spaces she helped nurture.
As Minnesota reflects on her life, Garcia’s legacy endures in the systems she improved, the communities she strengthened, and the countless lives she uplifted through mentorship, leadership, and steadfast love.
