Meet one of Springfield’s hidden gems: Judith Martínez-García, a teacher, multicultural advocate, mentor, and business owner. She will be interviewed by Steve Pokin, the Springfield Daily Citizen’s columnist, on July 30 at the BarrelHouse at Mother’s Brewing Co.
Background
Martínez-García is a native of Mexico and has lived in Springfield for 23 years. She teaches language, culture, and literature courses as a tenured associate professor at Missouri State University. She has degrees in education, law, teaching, and comparative literature and cultural studies.
Martínez-García first came to the United States at age 13 when she attended a Christian boarding school in Corpus Christi, Texas. Later, she came to Springfield after meeting Robert L. Norton in Mexico, who recruited her to teach in an exchange program.
Personal Life
Martínez-García is married to chef Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, who opened Show Me Chuy, a Mexican-Italian restaurant, in April 2025. The couple has two sons, Giovanni and Angelo, and became United States citizens in 2025.
Martínez-García has a strong connection to her family and her Mexican heritage. She returns to Mexico every few years to help her mother with her political campaigns. Her family comes to visit her in Springfield at Christmas.
The event on July 30 is part of the “Pokin Around: Live!” series, which gives readers a chance to meet some of Springfield’s most interesting people. Tickets are on sale now, and space is limited.
Original reporting: Springfield Daily Citizen — read the source article.
