MEET PATTY, MSW, ASW
Researcher, Speaker, Consultant, and Advocate for Youth Mental Health and Systems Change
I am a doctoral student at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU). My work focuses on youth mental health, lived experience, and the systems that shape young people’s lives, including foster care, the juvenile legal system, and education.
I bring over a decade of experience advocating for youth navigating complex systems. My perspective is informed by my intersecting identities as a former foster youth, immigrant, queer individual, and someone who has experienced homelessness and involvement in the juvenile justice system.
I have served as a leadership keynote speaker for organizations across Los Angeles County and internationally, presenting to judges, attorneys, probation officers (including the Chief of Probation), counselors, professors, social workers, and community leaders. As a researcher and consultant, I collaborate with leading scholars in child welfare on research, program design, and policy development.
CONSULTING
L. Patty Flores brings a powerful and informed voice, providing institutions with insight shaped by her lived experience, academic research, and professional work. With over a decade of advocacy within the foster care, education, and juvenile system, she brings extensive experience, offering a unique analytical lens for addressing social issues as a researcher, lived expert, and keynote speaker.
SPEAKING & WORKSHOPS
Patty’s presentations are a combination of determination and strength while demonstrating her dedication to a trauma-informed approach and social justice, having been an LGBTQ speaker for years. Patty’s affiliation with diverse communities allows her to connect with diverse audiences.
She has a strong commitment to serving disadvantaged communities. Patty is an activist in the U.S. and in Central America; she collaborates with several NGOs in Latin America that focus on issues of violence towards women and the LGBTQ+ community. Defying Labels has mobilized resources and fundraised for vulnerable women, children, and the trans community in Latin America.
TESTIMONIALS
“Patty resonates authenticity as she tells her story. She uses her tumultuous and powerful journey as a tool for encouraging others to persist despite the barriers they face. Patty speaks with incredible poise and clarity as she connects with the audience. Her voice is needed in all spaces. ”
Megan LevitanUnited Friends of the Children
“Patty was a fabulous moderator for our panel. She was thoughtful and thorough as she helped the students navigate questions. She had patience as the students shared their powerful story and she contributed to the dialogue by sharing her own powerful journey. Patty is passionate, driven, and determined, and it was wonderful to work with her.”
Jennifer Kottke, Ed.D.Division of Student Support Services
Los Angeles County of Education
“Liliana (Patty) has spoken at the Success is our Future event for foster youth who are part of the Los Angeles Probation Department. Her strong determination and desire to rise above her situation defined her presence as she spoke to an audience of 500. She is passionate and truly motivated by her ambition to achieve foster youth success and change the direction of people's lives.”
Monique Chanaiwaof Youth Development Services
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