Vanessa Flores

Major: Master’s in Public Affairs

UT Dallas Achievements & Activities

Completed an internship in municipal government and volunteered in nonprofit advocacy; currently participating in a professional fellowship and I am a survivor advocate as well currently where I help women who have been abused
Participated in community engagement events within EPPS. I went to the Free Speech event to see guest speaker Chip on March 3, 2025
Honored with the William J. Pitstick Scholarship at the Urban Management Assistants of North Texas (UMANT) annual professional conference, held at the Arlington Expo Center on October 18, 2024. I am now on the UMANT Networking and Mentorship committee
Advocate for workplace rights and safety in early-career spaces
Developed multimedia content for outreach and awareness campaigns

How did you decide your major?

I was recommended to the MPA program after starting as a volunteer for the American Red Cross in 2023. I was a DAT which is a Disaster Action Team volunteer where I would be dispatched to fire calls within the Dallas community and I would help people who lost their homes due to a fire and conduct their intake while providing vulnerable people resources. That experience deeply shaped my passion for community resilience and service. I went to UTD to ask which program would best align with my goal of helping others, and the MPA program was the perfect fit to equip me with the skills to serve effectively and create meaningful change.

How has being part of EPPS helped you?

EPPS has given me both the academic foundation and the real-world opportunities to see how government, law, and policy intersect. The faculty and programs have encouraged me to connect my personal experiences to broader social change, and to approach challenges with both analytical and human-centered thinking.

Plans for the Future

My experiences have shown me how critical it is for young people to understand their rights, protect themselves, and speak up when something isn’t right. I believe early career students are vulnerable to exploitation and the young generation needs to continue to raise awareness so we can uplift each other. I plan to use my education and my voice to spread awareness, challenge toxic systems, and create resources that help the next generation navigate school, work, and life with confidence. I want to help build a culture where respect, safety, and accountability are not optional — they’re the standard.

Advice to Prospective EPPS Students

Your education is more than just classes — it’s a set of tools you can carry into any challenge life throws at you. Speak up for yourself and for others, even in spaces where it feels uncomfortable. Build a network of peers and mentors who respect you, and don’t be afraid to challenge environments that are unsafe and compromise your well-being. The skills you gain here can help you create safe, inclusive spaces wherever you go.

I am THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL to be a comet #WHOOSH