As a child, Margarita Flores dreamt of becoming a priest, and though women are and were not allowed to be ordained as priests of the Catholic church, Flores has found another way to change lives through ministry.

Flores immigrated to the United States from Michoacán, Mexico when she was 14 years old. Since then, she has worked endlessly to uplift communities in need using her Catholic and Christian values. Flores is a facilitator, a chaplain, a businesswoman—a leader. Her diverse experience with restorative justice programs, and her work at the Archdiocese of Los Angeles guide her career as a life coach for Instituto Latino Life Coaching: An organization founded by Flores to help community members recognize their power through an intrinsic journey of self-discovery.

“I practice non-directive coaching. Non-directive coaching is about having the client bring in their needs, desires, and objectives, and what I do as a life coach is basically help my client understand who she or he is,” said Flores. “Life coaching is about you reaching your goals and reaching the potential God has given you in your life.”

Most of the people that participate in Flores’ coaching are Latinos, and as an immigrant herself, she knows how to identify the experiences and emotions that weigh heavy in their heart. Life coaching allows her to uplift the Latino community and help them discover what God has given them.

Flores’ faith and pastoral calling led her to Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, where she first heard about Hispanic Access Foundation in 2019. The Hispanic Leadership Network cohort she was a part of started in 2020, but Flores found a strong support group that helped her navigate a global pandemic using the strength and resilience of her community.

“It was difficult, but we had a cohort that held us together.”

The sense of unity and growth she experienced with Hispanic Access encouraged her to transmit the same message of kindness and service to communities in need. The discipline and practices that Hispanic Access provided, are reflected in her life coaching, and her intention to heal and edify the Latino community.

“My goal is not to be a mirror, but to be a voice that he or she hasn’t heard in their own selves,” said Flores. “I believe Latinos need restoration. They need healing, and they need to be reminded that they are the beauty of God’s creation.”

Hispanic Access is inspiring, training, and supporting local leaders like Margarita Flores, who have a stake in their community and have the drive for positive change. To help support and continue this work, please consider making a Charitable Donation