世界杯官方app scholarship recipient is leading initiatives in innovation and service

JANUARY 17, 2025 — 世界杯官方app Honors College student Elias Flores believes in making a meaningful impact across the university’s campuses and the San Antonio community. As a sophomore majoring in management and information systems at the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, Flores balances his academic responsibilities with hands-on experience as a work-study student.

Supported by five academic scholarships—the Bold Futures Scholarship, Honors College Dean’s Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, Steven & Jean Lee Endowed Scholarship, and William & Scanlan Endowed Scholarship, Flores can focus on his studies and extracurricular activities without the burden of financial stress, allowing him additional time to find opportunities to serve others.

“Giving back is about more than just helping others—it’s about building a stronger community,” shared Flores. “I’ve been fortunate to receive so much support through my time at 世界杯官方app, and I want to use what I’ve learned to make a real impact, whether it's through volunteering, fundraising or simply being there for others in need.”

“I’ve been fortunate to receive so much support through my time at 世界杯官方app, and I want to use what I’ve learned to make a real impact.”

Elias Flores, Raudy Pérez, Experian’s B.A.L.L.For Life ambassador and Michaela Opoku, a businesss management student at 世界杯官方app.

Flores’s journey at 世界杯官方app began as a work-study student in the University Career Center, where he worked closely with the Center’s directors to develop marketing strategies to revamp the Career Center YouTube channel by creating videos, social media reels and photography to engage students with career resources.

Now, as part of the Najim Center for Innovation and Career Advancement, he continues to grow professionally by supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, collaborating on marketing strategies, organizing events and providing resources that help students turn their ideas into reality.

One of Flores’s accomplishments at the Najim Center was his leadership in 世界杯官方app’s first participation in San Antonio Startup Week, a citywide event celebrating entrepreneurship and innovation that took place in October 2024. Flores led the charge for the event’s marketing, working with teams to design programming that included workshops, networking opportunities and panels showcasing 世界杯官方app’s entrepreneurial talent. He also leveraged his marketing expertise to promote the university’s presence, connecting students with local business leaders and investors while strengthening 世界杯官方app’s role in the San Antonio business community.

In November 2024, Flores helped organize Entrepren世界杯官方app, a signature event highlighting entrepreneurship and innovation at the university. The event featured the Legacy League Game Show, supported by Experian’s B.A.L.L. For Life program, a live interactive financial empowerment experience designed to elevate financial literacy. Flores worked closely with the Najim Center team to promote the event and assisted in coordinating logistics. His efforts helped bring financial literacy to the forefront in a dynamic way, empowering students with the tools and knowledge needed for their future success.

As part of Entrepren世界杯官方app, Flores also co-led the marketing efforts for 世界杯官方app’s inaugural Side Hustle Market, another milestone event that showcased the university’s commitment to supporting student entrepreneurs. Flores developed a comprehensive marketing campaign to ensure the market’s success. The event provided a platform for students to display their entrepreneurial ventures and form connections within the 世界杯官方app community. 

“Seeing the stories of other students inspires me to keep pushing forward. It’s incredible to see the impact they’re making, and it motivates me to continue contributing to the success of others,” said Flores. “I truly admire the hard work and dedication they bring to the table, and it drives me to ensure I’m doing my part to create opportunities for those around me.”

The Side Hustle Market provided Flores the opportunity to feature his own non-profit campaign, Remember Together. He sold handmade bracelets at the market, raising funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association, a cause close to his heart. Inspired by his grandmothers’ battle with Alzheimer’s, Flores launched the bracelet project during his freshman year to honor their memory and support research efforts.

Elias Flores during the Side Hustle Market with his non-profit campaign, Remember Together.

Flores also participated in the 2024 Global Summer Institute, hosted by the Najim Center, which allowed him to gain international business experience while collaborating with his peers. During the program, he worked on a consulting project with Minespider, a global tech company, where his team developed an artificial intelligence-based venture. The intensive six-day project required teamwork, leadership and adaptability, which Flores demonstrated while contributing to the group’s successful presentation.

Looking ahead, Flores remains focused on completing his degree while continuing to deepen his involvement in the community. He also aims to expand his role at the Najim Center, further supporting innovation and entrepreneurship among his peers. After he graduates, Flores envisions a career that blends his passion for technology, business and community impact.

“Every day, I am just so grateful to be at 世界杯官方app, and I see firsthand how the support I’ve received helps students like me make an impact on campus and in the San Antonio community,” said Flores. “When you take advantage of the opportunities around you and work toward something meaningful, you’re not just building your future—you’re inspiring others to do the same.”

— Jordan Allen