Michael Flores, Engaging with the Community and Policymakers for UNR
Story by Cameron Perkins
Ever since being in the back of his grandma’s truck, giving burritos to the homeless of Las Vegas, Michael Flores has always been a community leader and strong supporter for resolving issues Nevadans face on both a state and nationwide level.
Born in Santa Cruz, California, Flores and his family moved to Las Vegas, where he grew up and says he learned how to become a leader from watching his mother and grandma operate their family-owned restaurant.
“I saw them lead, and I saw how they did what had to be done. I feel like that’s the approach I’ve taken, whether it’s folding up chairs or giving a big speech or you name it, not [being] above anything, doing just what needs to be done,” said Flores.
Flores, the founder of the non-profit Nevada Youth Network, is now also the Vice President of Government and Community Engagement at UNR. Previously, he was also a Press Secretary and Senior Community Liaison for Nevada U.S. Congressman Steven Horsford.
With his leadership approach, Flores has organized community engagement in Nevada and has fought for key issues within the state to be resolved, from immigration reform to improvements for Nevada’s education system.
“I started doing town halls and events like that to bring people together around these issues, but quickly realized that I would need to work with elected officials to make some real change happen,” he said.
Flores also worked with the late Harry Reid, the former Nevada Senator, who was also the Democratic Senate Majority Leader, on the proposed 2010 Dream Act, which would have helped protect certain immigrants who came to the United States as children. Ultimately, the act passed the House of Representatives, but fell short in the Senate by five votes.
On top of his nationwide activism, Flores has also been a big advocate for education reform within Nevada, particularly as the founder of his non-profit the Nevada Youth Network, which prioritizes helping struggling kids in low-income areas of Las Vegas.
“And so we really focused on being consistent and having a safe space for kids to come do their homework and to play and do recreational activities. We’ve sent five kids to college, which we’re super proud of,” said Flores.
Flores, who is based in Las Vegas while performing his duties for UNR, is currently preparing for the next legislative session in February to push forward different priorities for the university.
“I’m a father, and I have a four year old, and that’s what I want to be remembered for, is being a good dad. Being Luna’s dad is really important to me. But, you know, I think about Nevada, I just hope that people think of me as somebody who left it better than I found it,” said Flores of the legacy he hopes to leave.
