CELEBRATING LATINA LEADERS INTERVIEWS – March 2025
Alma Flores, Latino Economic Development Center
To celebrate Latina leaders this month, we reached out to Latina business owners and nonprofit leaders to ask about challenges, inspirations, and their perspective on what is ahead.
Before moving to Minnesota, Alma built a successful track record in economic development in leadership roles in Oregon and Massachusetts. Alma’s passion for improving lives grew into a steadfast commitment to economic development and social justice, which is evident throughout her career. We are so excited to have her leadership here at LEDC!
What has been your biggest challenge in being an ED? How have you overcome this?
I think one of the biggest challenges in being an Executive Director is understanding the decisions and actions that have brought us to where we are today. Succession planning is probably the most critical issue that organizations face, and it is hard to plan for if it isn’t a retirement. These transitions shine a light on the importance of looking internally to make sure that the systems are in place to stay resilient through leadership changes. I am overcoming these barriers by setting the table for future leaders who will benefit from those systems.
Who/what inspires you?
So many people inspire me, but most importantly – my daughter. They are growing into such an awesome human being, and I am so proud to have had the honor of helping raise this genuine, passionate, intelligent, and funny person who loves our family’s background and cherishes the richness of humanity and all that it has to offer.
What excites you most about the work your organization is doing?
LEDC is a wonderful mission-based organization that works with all people but particularly with communities and individuals that have been told they are “un-bankable” or “lack the character” of a business owner or entrepreneur. LEDC is at the forefront of working with these communities and individuals that do have the ability to start their own business or expand an existing one and do have the character to see their business grow in order to build wealth for them and their employees and families.
Also, I am so proud of the LEDC team and feel honored to be their leader. They inspire me every day!
