Friend of the Community | Inducted 2024
Sol Flores is a distinguished community leader and social activist with a rich history of public service and mission-driven work. She is the visionary founding executive director of La Casa Norte, an organization dedicated to helping thousands of young people and families escape homelessness. Under Sol’s leadership, a significant proportion of those served at La Casa Norte identified as LGBTQ+, reflecting her commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities. She also ensured that the staff of the organization reflected the diversity of the Chicago community inclusive of LGBTQ+ persons.
Sol Flores is also former deputy governor in the administration of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. In that capacity, she oversaw the Health and Human Services portfolio, championing equitable healthcare access and leading successful COVID-19 response efforts. Her strategic leadership and focus on equity intentionally benefited LGBTQ+ populations across the state.
Flores’ exemplary leadership and dedication to marginalized communities extend beyond her professional roles, as evidenced by her service on nonprofit boards and public commissions, providing strategic advice and policy recommendations. Raised in a family deeply rooted in public service, she embodies the values of service, family, love, and justice instilled in her from an early age. As an Afro Latina cisgender woman, she has experienced firsthand the challenges of racism and discrimination, fueling her passion for activism and community engagement.