Ester Flores

Ester Flores is an Associate Professor of Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) in the School of Social Work, based in Worden School Building, Room 13, with contact information 210-431-3984 and eflores@ollusa.edu.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Leadership Studies, Our Lady of the Lake University
• Master of Social Work, Our Lady of the Lake University
• Bachelor of Social Work, Pan American University, Edinburg, Texas

With over 25 years as a generalist social work practitioner, Dr. Flores specializes in organizational leadership. She served as Child Protective Services Program Director for a six-county area managing 120+ personnel and secured over $2 million in state contracts as a private agency area supervisor serving Rio Grande Valley's underserved populations. Her nine years of teaching experience spans Baylor University, University of Texas-RGV, and OLLU, employing a "love of wisdom" pedagogy focused on professional readiness through real-world case studies and OLLU's core values of community, trust, and integrity.

Dr. Flores' research integrates organizational leadership with public health, particularly addressing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension risks in Latino communities through her auto-ethnography "A Sample of One" exploring micro-habits for optimal health. She actively develops culturally responsive health workshops based on her personal health journey.

Her grant acquisition expertise includes securing $2+ million in state funding for community services, while her teaching consistently receives positive student evaluations that inform her instructional improvements. Dr. Flores maintains active professional engagement through her Licensed Master Social Work certification and National Association of Social Workers membership.

Professional recognition includes a nomination for Outstanding Faculty, reflecting her commitment to student success and career readiness preparation.