Local nonprofit Corazón Healdsburg—which provides services to the Hispanic community and hosts events that “amplify the local Latin-American voice” and “celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion”—finally has someone permanent in the top position again.
It’s been almost two years since their first executive director, Glaydon de Freitas, left to fulfill a similar role at Miles4Migrants, an organization that accepts donations of airline miles to provide free travel to migrants.
Within a few months after that, Corazón announced that community activist and Geyserville resident Marcy Flores, who had already been overseeing programs and direct client services, would become interim executive director, supported and guided by Corazon’s founders and board members.
Now Flores is losing the “interim” adjective. Corazón communications director Holly Fox made the announcement on Friday.: “The board of directors of Healdsburg-based nonprofit Corazón Healdsburg proudly announced today that veteran advocate and community activist Marcy Flores would be stepping into the permanent executive director role for the organization.”
Flores is a prime example of the kinds of interests and level of engagement that Corazón Healdsburg brings to the community it serves. Before taking on her current leadership position, she connected families and fire victims with hotels and financial assistance during the Kincade Fire, steered the Family Resource Center, built out our academic development programs, guided our programs and services as the director of programs and assumed leadership as the interim executive director in 2022.
A Chicana woman from an immigrant family, Flores grew up in Geyserville. She is a devoted mother of two, teaches Ballet Folklórico, engages in community sports and serves as a board member with the Healdsburg Education Foundation. She has pursued studies in Chicano and Latino studies as well as early childhood education at Sonoma State University.
“This appointment is a powerful affirmation for women and BIPOC individuals of the incredible wealth we bring to our community in positions of leadership and underscores my deep personal commitment to the community that raised me,” said Flores in a release. “In my time at Corazón, I’ve seen the strength and spirit of our community. Together with the team and board, I am excited to lead Corazón Healdsburg into its next chapter.”
“We’re so thrilled to have a leader of Flores’ caliber at the helm of Corazón Healdsburg,” board chair Leigh Stokes said. “Under her guidance, Corazón Healdsburg has already been meeting the needs of so many in our community; we couldn’t have more confidence in her leadership.’”
Corazón Healdsburg is a bilingual family resource center which offers family-centered case management, as well as a cradle-to-career approach to education for all ages. It is located at the Healdsburg Community Center, Room 5, 1557 Healdsburg Ave.; (707) 615-4567.
Visit online at corazonhealdsburg.org.
