Whitney Flores

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT WHITNEY FLORES

Hi, I’m Whitney! I serve as the Executive Director of Minds Matter Bay Area, where I have the privilege of leading a growing staff team and collaborating closely with our Board of Directors and Associate Board. Alongside an incredible community of 300+ volunteers, we support driven and determined high school students from low-income families in San Francisco and San Jose.Minds Matter’s mission is to connect driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world. My work centers on bringing that mission to life through strong programs, thoughtful partnerships, and a volunteer-powered model rooted in belonging and opportunity.As Executive Director, I lead our organization’s fundraising strategy, relationship-building, and long-term capacity planning. This includes cultivating corporate and philanthropic partnerships, building sustainable systems, and ensuring we have the resources and infrastructure to grow while maintaining an exceptional experience for our students and volunteers. I care deeply about building systems that allow young people to rise and creating a community where volunteers feel supported and connected to the impact they make.Throughout my career, I have been drawn to roles centered on mentorship, opportunity creation, and community building. Before joining Minds Matter Bay Area, I worked in college access, workforce development, and youth programming. Whether serving as a crisis counselor, college and career advisor, program director, or nonprofit executive, the throughline has always been a belief in people and their potential.I’m a proud UC Berkeley graduate (Go Bears!) and earned my Master’s in Leadership from Saint Mary’s College of California. Outside of work, you can find me baking sourdough, tending to my backyard fruit trees, or spending time adventuring with my family and friends.I’m passionate about educational equity, volunteer-powered leadership, and building communities where young people have every opportunity to succeed in college and lead the futures they imagine. If you’re interested in this work too, I’d love to connect!