Julio Flores is a mission-driven nonprofit leader with more than a decade of experience advancing equity for youth, families, and communities across Illinois. He currently serves as Program Director for the Alliance at the Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago, where he leads statewide initiatives to strengthen school climate, expand LGBTQ+ youth supports, and drive policy and systems change. A strategic thinker and collaborative partner, he specialized in building cross-sector coalitions, developing inclusive programs, and guiding teams through complex challenges with clarity and purpose.
His leadership has shaped large-scale youth initiatives, secured critical public and philanthropic funding, and supported educators, districts, and community organizations through curriculum development, capacity building, and technical assistance. In 2024, he was appointed to the Governor’s Youth Budget Commission, and advised on statewide youth investment strategies.
Throughout his career, from managing multimillion-dollar youth development portfolios to shaping policy guidance with statewide organizations, he has centered community voice, equity, and sustainability. Julio was selected as the 2025 Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year in Chicago by the Young Nonprofit Professional Network. He is a true believer that past mistakes cannot define who you are and what you can accomplish in life.