Jacob Flores

The Cultural Bridge
​
Jacob Flores brings exceptional depth of experience in education, counseling psychology, and indigenous community advocacy to the Le Nu'u Legacy Foundation. Holding a Master's in Counseling Psychology and a Ph.D. in Higher Education, his academic and professional life has been dedicated to empowering indigenous and minority communities. He has consulted with over 75 indigenous communities across the United States and Canada, fostering understanding and building programs that honor cultural identity.

 

Dr. Flores's perspective is uniquely informed by his own journey. As a former Division I football player and a U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam, he understands the discipline of high-performance environments and the importance of a supportive community. He is deeply connected to his Mexican Yaqui-Mayo heritage and his Lakota adopted family, grounding his lifelong commitment to creating spaces where cultural identity is not just preserved, but celebrated as a source of strength.

 ​
 
A Legacy of Connection
​
Jacob's unique background is essential to the holistic and culturally-grounded approach of the foundation:​

​

• Advocacy: With his background in counseling psychology, he is instrumental in ensuring the foundation's support is not only strategic but also mentally and emotionally sound, helping athletes navigate the psychological pressures of their journey.

​

• Professional Development: He ensures that all programming is delivered in a culturally competent manner, helping athletes connect their personal heritage to their professional narrative and leadership style.

​

• Community Engagement: As the Indigenous Affairs Director, he is the architect of the foundation's groundbreaking cultural exchange programs, creating meaningful connections between Pacific Islander athletes and the Native American communities of Arizona, such as the Tohono O'odham, Hopi, and Navajo nations.