Meet Josie Flores-Clark

We were lucky to catch up with Josie Flores-Clark recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Josie, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from a combination of personal and family experiences that shaped my life. I grew up working in the fields alongside my family, which taught me the value of hard work and perseverance from a very young age. I also experienced periods of homelessness, which gave me a deep appreciation for overcoming adversity and the importance of community support.

Additionally, my parents’ struggles were a major influence on my resilience. They faced many hardships, and I made it my mission not to let their challenges become a burden for others. Instead, I chose to use those experiences as fuel to drive my commitment to uplifting others. These early experiences, paired with my professional journey, have shaped the foundation of my resilience. I believe that every challenge presents an opportunity to grow, and my passion lies in ensuring that the resources and opportunities I’ve gained are shared to help others grow and succeed.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Josie Flores-Clark, and I have the privilege of wearing many hats. I currently volunteer serving as the President of both the National Latina Business Women Association San Diego (NLBWA-SD) and the San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SDCHCC), where I focus on uplifting and empowering Latina entrepreneurs and business owners within our community. Through these organizations, I work to ensure that resources, opportunities, and support are available to help businesses grow, connect, and thrive.

What excites me the most about this work is seeing firsthand the impact that access to resources, mentorship, and a strong network can have on businesses, especially small and minority-owned businesses. Watching someone take their dream and turn it into a reality, or helping a business owner overcome challenges, is incredibly fulfilling. There’s something special about contributing to the success and resilience of our community.

In addition to my roles in the business community, I also serve as the Executive Assistant to the Mayor of National City, where I get to drive initiatives that make a difference in the lives of residents. My passion for community welfare, particularly for seniors, children, and families, is a huge motivator behind everything I do. I am proud of the financial literacy program I launched in partnership with the Mexican Consulate, which has garnered recognition from several local and state leaders.

As for what’s next, we have some exciting things coming up! We’re organizing new workshops and events that will help bring together more Latina entrepreneurs and create stronger connections within our local business community. We are also focused on expanding our outreach and support efforts for underrepresented business owners who could benefit from advocacy, mentorship, and resources.

I’m committed to ensuring that the lessons I’ve learned throughout my journey— working in the fields alongside my family, and overcoming adversity—are shared with others so they can build their own paths to success. I truly believe that when we lift each other up, we all rise.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are resilience, community-focused leadership, and continuous learning.

Resilience: My journey hasn’t been without challenges—Born in Calexico, working in the fields alongside my family, and overcoming periods of homelessness have all shaped my resilience. It’s this ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep pushing forward that has been a cornerstone of my success. My advice for anyone early in their journey is to build resilience by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Setbacks will happen, but how you respond to them is what truly defines your path.

Community-Focused Leadership: A commitment to serving my community has been a driving force throughout my career. Whether it’s through my work at NLBWA-SD, SDCHCC, or my role with the Mayor of National City, focusing on community welfare has always been at the heart of what I do. My advice here is to always listen to the needs of those around you and understand that leadership is not about being in charge, but about empowering others. Surround yourself with a supportive network and create spaces where everyone feels they have a voice.

Continuous Learning: I’ve always believed that no matter where you are in life or your career, there’s always more to learn. Whether it’s through formal education, mentorship, or personal experiences, constantly seeking knowledge and expanding your skills is crucial. For those starting out, my advice is to be curious. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn—ask questions, seek mentorship, and never stop growing. The more knowledge and diverse perspectives you gain, the more equipped you’ll be to navigate any challenges that come your way.

For anyone early in their journey, I recommend focusing on these three areas: cultivate resilience to persevere through challenges, lead with a mindset of service to others, and commit to lifelong learning. These qualities will not only help you succeed but will also empower you to make a meaningful impact in your community and career.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling the value of hard work, humility, and the importance of sharing what we have with others. They taught us that if we wanted something, we needed to work hard for it and never feel entitled to success. They always emphasized that once we achieved something, we had to work even harder to maintain it and keep improving. They also taught us to embrace our accomplishments, stay loyal to our values, and never take anything for granted.

Additionally, my parents made sure we understood that our struggles didn’t have to be someone else’s struggles. They taught us to share our resources, knowledge, and opportunities to help others overcome their challenges. This mindset has been a cornerstone of my journey, guiding how I approach both personal and professional challenges while remaining committed to lifting others as I rise.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nlbwasandiego.org and www.sdchcc.org

Image Credits

Blu Lapis
SDBJ