2021 BS Home Economics graduate Jericho A. Garcia has built a career that connects industry, higher education, and community-focused problem-solving. 

Empowering the Next Generation

Since 2024, Jericho, more commonly known as Echo to his DHEEd family, has served as part of the Course Advisory Committee at Torrens University Australia, his master's alma mater, for its Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Global Project Management (MGPM), and Master of Engineering Management (MEM) programs. In this capacity, he collaborates with program directors, academic staff, student representatives, and industry partners to review curriculum design and drive continuous improvement in learning outcomes, academic quality, and graduate employability. 

In April 2025, Jericho returned to his postgraduate alma mater as a resource speaker for the Torrens University Project Management Student Club’s Project Management Unplugged: From Classroom to Career event.

"I shared some tips and insights on how to navigate student life and transition towards their intended careers, as well as some industry best practices to help them understand what's in store for students after they graduate."

Evaluating the Global Impact of Businesses

Jericho’s engagement extends to the University of Sydney (USyd) Business School, where he serves as an Industry Panel Member for the Make a Real Difference (MARD) initiative—a program launched in 2022 by the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre (SSEAC) to evaluate student proposals addressing critical challenges across Asia and Indigenous Australian communities.

Reflecting on the recent June 2026 competition, Jericho shared: "Ten (10) groups of Master's students presented innovative and creative business cases that focus on helping indigenous Australian and Asian communities across nations like Vietnam, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Singapore. We evaluated their work and gave them feedback on how to improve their proposals, making them more feasible in real market conditions." 

"I represented my industry as an ISO Consultant, focusing on providing management consultancy and audit services to companies and organizations, assisting them towards certification readiness across various ISO standards [ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 27001]. Because of my work, I have been invited as an expert industry panel member to provide insight to students across various international standards and business best practices."

Connecting ISO Standards with the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Jericho finds particular meaning in helping organizations meet ISO requirements while contributing to the broader objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He sees ISO standards as practical tools that can help organizations translate sustainability and development principles into systems and processes with real-world impact.

His work with standards including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, and ISO 42001 reflects the wide-ranging connections between organizational practices and goals such as decent work, responsible consumption and production, climate action, innovation, and strong institutions.

A Foundation for Lifelong Growth

Jericho credits the BSHE program with helping him grow as a compassionate, holistic leader. He says “The learning environment that the Home Economics program/department cultivated, empowered me to be a more compassionate and holistic leader across my personal and professional journey. Many of the industry “soft skills” and life skills (e.g., critical thinking, problem-solving, coping with stress and emotions, empathy, decision-making, effective communication, etc.) that I continuously use in professional and social settings have been honed through principles I learned within the program.” 

The department’s emphasis on research and academic rigor also helped prepare him for postgraduate studies overseas and a fulfilling professional career. His BSHE education continues to inform his work as an ISO consultant, where he serves clients in fields such as law, government, construction, engineering, manufacturing, and design. He says his studies gave him frameworks and practical experience that, together with his industry exposure, help him offer well-rounded advice and practical solutions.

Jericho’s journey shows how a Home Economics education can provide a strong foundation for professional growth—and for advancing quality, sustainability, and positive change across industries and communities.