Lucine Flores shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Lucine, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I believe I’ve always known I was called to do something meaningful, but fear sometimes held me back from fully stepping into it. Now I feel called to walk boldly in my purpose by the grace of God, to lead, to serve, and to create impact without hesitation.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Lucine (Lu) Flores, a graduating senior at Dillard University majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Social Work. I currently serve as the 90th Student Government Association President at Dillard, where I have the privilege of representing and advocating for the student body. Beyond campus, I am the proud founder of The LouLu Foundation, a nonprofit organization serving youth and families in New Orleans.
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to meet people where they are and respond directly to their needs. Whether that looks like providing school supplies, offering mental health support, or creating family-centered events that uplift and strengthen our community. We strive to be a bridge, connecting people with resources in ways that feel both purposeful and personal.
Interestingly, this is not my first time being featured here, I was previously highlighted in 2023 for my first venture, The LouLu Collection, which laid the foundation for the work I am doing today. My journey continues to be about service, leadership, and building spaces that inspire and empower others.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world was in August 2024 at my very first Back 2 School Giveaway. Seeing the smiles and excitement on the children’s faces in my city was life-changing for me. It was in that moment that I realized I didn’t have to be rich or have it all figured out to make a real difference. What mattered most was showing up for my community. I also knew that by being present in those spaces, coming from where I come from, I was showing another little girl that she could do it too. That day affirmed my purpose and made me certain I wanted to launch my nonprofit.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me something that success never could: that without struggle, there is no progress. I’ve learned resilience in the moments when I felt stretched the most, balancing the early stages of building my nonprofit, being a full-time student, serving as SGA President, and still showing up as a daughter, sister, and friend. Those challenges taught me to lean on faith, to trust God, and to keep going even when it feels overwhelming. Success is beautiful, but it’s the suffering that sharpened my character, deepened my purpose, and reminded me who I’m doing it for.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
A belief I used to hold tightly was inspired by Brandy’s song “Almost Doesn’t Count.” For a long time, I thought that was true, that if something wasn’t perfect or complete, it didn’t matter. But I’ve come to realize the opposite: almost does count. After hosting my second annual Back to School Giveaway, I understood that even if I’m not checking off every personal goal on my list, the fact that I’m showing up and making a difference in someone else’s life matters just as much, if not more. Progress, impact, and presence all count and they add up in powerful ways.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I lived a life of service, faith, and purpose. That I showed up for my community with love, whether through student leadership, my nonprofit, or simply being present as a daughter, sister, and friend. I want the story to be that I didn’t wait until I “had it all” to make a difference and that I gave what I could, when I could, and trusted God to do the rest. And most of all, I hope people remember me as someone who showed the next generation, especially young girls from where I come from, that they can lead, they can create, and they can change the world too.
Image Credits
Emmanuel (Manny) Taveras | MannyFilmedIt
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