JANUARY 17, 2025 — UTSA 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 UTSA, 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.”
Elias Flores, Raudy Pérez, Experian’s B.A.L.L.For Life ambassador and Michaela Opoku, a businesss management student at UTSA.
Flores’s journey at UTSA 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 UTSA’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 UTSA’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 UTSA’s role in the San Antonio business community.
In November 2024, Flores helped organize EntreprenUTSA, 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 EntreprenUTSA, Flores also co-led the marketing efforts for UTSA’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 UTSA 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 UTSA, 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
UTSA Today is produced by University Communications and Marketing, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio. Send your feedback to news@utsa.edu. Keep up-to-date on UTSA news by visiting UTSA Today. Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
All UTSA students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families are invited to march with the UTSA delegation in San Antonio’s 38th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. March. Free transportation will be provided from the Main and Downtown Campuses.
Join the UTSA Alumni Association for free coffee and breakfast to celebrate the start of the fall semester.
Warm up with a hot cup of coffee or a hot chocolate with Wellbeing Services to kick off the start of the Spring Semester! The Wellbeing team will be in the Window Lounge to welcome you to the first day of classes and highlight our events and programs for the semester.
Join us in the HCAP Student Success Center for refreshments and get to know your HCAP Ambassadors, Peer Mentors, and staff!
Klesse College is excited to welcome back our Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design students! Join us for a fun day full of community, food, and fun events. Food is free for all KCEID Students. Come get your T-shirts and connect with student organizations.
Stop by the Alvarez Student Success Center to learn about our services, meet our staff, and grab some goodies! Students can earn Career Compass spirit points by taking a photo with our frame and uploading it to the app.
Come meet student organizations and learn about different volunteering opportunities at the Spring 2025 Get Involved Fair.
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The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property – for Texas, the nation and the world.
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