At the heart of our organization’s operations is Hilen Flores, an accomplished Executive Assistant with over 20 years of experience. Hilen serves as the Executive Assistant to our President and CEO, bringing her strategic leadership and dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to every project she touches. Her career includes impressive roles such as Executive Assistant to the Vice Provost of Continuing and Lifelong Education at North Carolina State University and Director of Operations at Polite Properties. She’s also held key positions at organizations like Damovo Group, KPMG, AIG, and Heidrick & Struggles. Hilen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business-Economics with a minor in French and International Affairs from Skidmore College.
In this Q&A, we get to know her a little better:
- How long have you been with the Alliance? Five months.
- What is your educational background? BA in Business-Economics and Minor in French-International Affairs from Skidmore College.
- If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go? Greece. Two of my favorite colors are Blue and White, both symbol serenity and peace for me. When I see pictures of Mykonos, Greece that is what I envision, total bliss, peace and serenity surrounded by the calming sounds of the ocean.
- What’s one surprising skill or hobby you have that most people don’t know about? I discovered that I could sing when I was about 11 years old. In my earlier elementary school years, I remember we had to sign “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson, and I would think to myself, why do I sound better than my friends? I never put much thought to it. Then I was introduced to Mariah Carey at 11 years old. Surprisingly, I was able to “imitate her” until I went to the Dominican Republic and one night my aunt said, I heard you can imitate a singer, let me hear you. She was blown away! That day I discovered that I did not imitate but I actually had a gift of singing.
- What’s your favorite part of working with this team? Everyone is so positive, kind and helpful.
We’re grateful to have Hilen as part of our team, where her skills, energy, and warmth shine through every day!
