As part of the celebration of Latino Heritage Month, the Chargers organization is highlighting the impact of game changers across the Southern California community. Ruby Flores, a Deputy Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, is up first.
When Ruby Flores attended Long Beach State University, a negative experience with the police pushed her toward the force rather than away from it.
More than 30 years later, Flores currently serves as a Deputy Chiefs in the Los Angeles Police Department.
"[The incident] really changed my perspective on what my purpose should be," Flores said. "I decided that I wanted to be a part of making something different and making a difference in my community and serve my community well."
At the time of the incident, Flores was a Division I athlete at the school.
"I'd always been interested in the concept of community and team building and wanting to do something to make a change," Flores added. "I felt like it was only proper to change one uniform for another, so to speak."
Flores was named a Deputy Chief in the LAPD this past spring, marking another achievement in a long line of career accomplishments.
She is the first Latina to hold that title in the 150-plus year history of the department.
Flores deflected praise for breaking the barrier, instead noting that she wants to be known by the work ethic and attitude she brings to work each day.
"It's something I don't think of every day. It's just who I am. I'm Mexican American, which I'm very, very proud of," Flores said. "But I just continue to do my job. I want people to first recognize that I'm a qualified, hard-working experienced leader who leads with integrity, but also one who has care and empathy and is very proud of my heritage.
"That extra burden that I carry is that my Latino sisters and brothers expect more from me," Flores added. "I intend to do that for them and serve them well."
While Flores downplayed her accolades, Liliana Perez said Flores' career is a shining example for others to follow.
"She is a trailblazer to break down barriers and will pave the way for future generations of Latinas in law enforcement," said Perez, Chargers Senior Director of Cultural Affairs. "Her achievement serves as a powerful symbol of representation to all women and Latinas: if you can see it, you can be it.
"Throughout her rise up the ranks, she has been a role model of hard work and dedication to herself and community," Perez continued. "She was also among the first to serve as an LAPD's DEI Leader.
"Deputy Chief Flores is an inspiring leader who symbolizes progress, representation and empowerment, making a positive impact on L.A. and the nation," Perez added.
When Flores, who celebrated her 30-year anniversary with LAPD in July, isn't protecting and serving her community, she can be found at SoFi Stadium during football season cheering on the Bolts.
Her husband has been a season ticket holder since 1989. Once Flores joined the Bolt Fam, she never looked back.
"I'd say over the past 10 years, I've really immersed myself in being part of the Bolt [Fam] and I love it," Flores said. "I'm so excited for this season. We really have big expectations for this season with our new coach.
"I love the Chargers, they've always been really good to our community as well," Flores said.
Flores was in attendance in Week 1 when the Chargers picked up a 22-10 win over the Raiders. And she'll be there Sunday when the Bolts host the Chiefs in Week 4.
She noted she can sense a different aura around the team with Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh now at the helm.
"It was a different vibe, it was exciting. A lot of hope in the stands," Flores said of the season-opening win. "By the end of the game, I think a lot of us as fans, we left feeling a good sense of encouragement that we have a really good bright future with this season.
"I think things are looking really good and the coach is really going to push the Chargers into the right direction for a winning season," Flores added.
Flores favorite Chargers memory?
The chance to meet LaDainian Tomlinson at training camp a year ago.
"A Hall of Famer, he's bigger than life. I know that he played with such passion and love for the game and you could still see that," Flores said. "He's such a great ambassador for the team, but truly a really down to earth guy and it was such an honor to meet him."
As the Bolts celebrate Latino Heritage Month, they are proud to honor Flores and her remarkable career achievements.
"Celebrating Latino Heritage Month is extremely important and extremely critical," Flores said. "I think that given that the Chargers are here in Los Angeles and the vast majority of our community are Latinos, it's a great way for the Chargers to engage in the community, create other opportunities to engage within the community.
"But it also shows that they value diversity and inclusion not only within their organization but with the community," Flores added. "We're their biggest fan base so I love it and I appreciate that they are recognizing and shining a light on the good things of our Latino community."
Put Flores at the top of the list as a shining example of someone who continues to lead the way in Southern California.
"Being a Latina and deputy chief of the Los Angeles Police Department is extremely important to me," Flores said. "I often think about breaking barriers, but I also know that those who break barriers, it doesn't happen by chance.
"Those that have first broken through barriers have often had to work hard and continue to break through that ground through resilience and opportunity that has been afforded to them by others," Flores continued.
"I have many people to think who have created these opportunities and have paved the way for me before," Flores added. "Now it's my turn to give back and my turn to continue to widen that groundbreaking path for many others to follow behind me."
