Leveling the Playing Field: Leslie Flores on Supporting Players & Empowering Women in Sports
About the Episode
In this episode, Leslie Flores, Coordinator for Education and Cultural Programs with The Athletics, shares her inspiring journey as a first-generation Mexican-American woman thriving in the male-dominated sports industry. Leslie dives into her work helping international players adjust to life in the U.S., her passion for education and community service, and her mission to advocate for women in sports.
Key Takeways
Helping Players Hit a Home Run Off the Field: Leslie plays a key role in helping international players settle in the U.S.—from setting up bank accounts to getting social security numbers. She’s also a go-to for translation, public speaking help, and cultural orientation.
More Than Just Baseball: Leslie doesn’t just focus on the game; she’s big on personal growth. She organizes events where players share their stories with local schools and engage in community service. Plus, she pushes for education, offering GED programs and English classes.
Baseball & Books: Since many international players are signed before finishing high school, Leslie emphasizes education’s importance, making sure they have options to keep learning while chasing their sports dreams.
Beyond the Game: Leslie is always thinking ahead—she’s working on creating off-season internships to help players build skills and prepare for life after baseball.
Breaking Barriers: Being one of the few women in a male-dominated environment wasn’t easy at first, but Leslie has seen progress with more women stepping into various roles. She’s all about equality and earning respect.
Advice for Women in Sports: Leslie encourages young women to take risks, trust in their abilities, and use positive affirmations to build confidence. She believes in lifting each other up and building a strong, supportive community.
Unleashing Your Inner Queen : Leslie highlights the power of recognizing your potential and helping others do the same. She’s all about spreading positivity—sometimes a simple compliment can go a long way in boosting someone’s confidence.
Dive Deeper
