Alma Flores

I've been in my field for a year already as Executive Director for the San Benito Chamber of Commerce. I'm 20 years old and started this position when I was 19. I've honestly always had a love for my community - ever since I was 14, I had a community awareness team and was hosting my own events at that age. I love the business community and getting to learn from them because there's just so much knowledge you learn in this field. I started here as an ambassador and never thought this would have been my career or my job - I just had the love for helping my community. I got noticed for it and got praise for it, and I did it without expecting anything in return. It was just about the love that I had for helping my community, and I've always had that ever since I was a child. Getting this job was probably my proudest achievement. This role has also helped me step out of my comfort zone - going on news stations and doing things that are really big for me. I wasn't always extroverted, so it helped me step out of my element. I'm very grateful that I had a board that took on a young person and really believed in me. I plan to hopefully one day open up a few businesses of my own, maybe a restaurant or food chain, because I love listening and working with these business owners and I get to learn from them. I also want to go to law school after my undergrad.