Today we’d like to introduce you to LeAnn Flores.
Hi LeAnn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is LeAnn Flores, and I’m a proud Guate-Rican woman determined to make a meaningful impact! Tampa isn’t just my hometown; it’s where my journey of compassion and community service began. My parents, both were active youth pastors, deeply influenced me with their commitment to uplifting young lives, and their passion became the foundation of my own calling to care for people in profound ways.
Growing up, I found joy in making others feel seen, valued, and loved, which naturally led me to roles where I could serve my community—first as a teacher, then as a filmmaker serving as the Assistant Director and head of crew for Blink, a short community film and gun violence PSA created with Safe and Sound Hillsborough. Now, I am incredibly honored to be the founder of The Vecina Cafe Empowerment Center Inc, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting our community through resources, training, and opportunities. Our first program, Dadz in Motion, was launched to bring fathers and families together in a fun, empowering environment. With no prior experience and a very small team, I planned and executed the first annual event in 2024. This achievement underscored my commitment to bringing positive change to our community.
As a first-generation university student majoring in Public Relations and Advertising at USF, I am forging my own path to empower and inspire my community even more.
All glory goes to God—it’s been a humble but immensely fulfilling journey dedicated to serving others, and I look forward to growing this impact with every step.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been an easy road. Growing up with young parents who had limited educational opportunities meant that, from the moment I was born, they went straight into survival mode. They worked tirelessly, often relying on family, neighbors, and community resources to get by. Financial challenges were a constant, and they made pursuing an education difficult. But with support from my community and financial aid, I was able to start my journey and work toward building a brighter future for myself and, hopefully, for others too.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the founder of The Vecina Cafe Empowerment Center, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a supportive, connected community by offering resources, training, and opportunities. I’m driven by a genuine passion for making others feel seen and valued—a commitment rooted in my own experiences growing up as the oldest of four siblings, where I often played the role of protector and advocate. I grew up determined to be the person I needed when I was younger, and this commitment to serving others has become my life’s purpose.
I’m most proud of the support network I’ve built around me, from incredible mentors to accountability partners who inspire me to keep pushing forward. In this role, I wear many hats—founder, social media manager, planner, and everything in between—to help our organization grow. My specialty, and what sets me apart, is the ability to make others feel truly seen and heard.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice for anyone just starting out is, first and foremost, to believe in yourself. If you don’t have faith in your vision, it will be difficult to inspire others to believe in it too. Remember, your idea is uniquely yours—no one else is as qualified to bring it to life as you are. Surround yourself with people who share your drive and values, those who aren’t afraid to hold you accountable and challenge you to grow. Find people who can see the potential in you even when you might doubt it yourself—those are the voices that will keep you moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dadzinmotion.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadzinmotion/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554796589808
Image Credits
Isabella @saigedoulaservices on IG
