Diana Flores is the captain and quarterback of Mexico’s World Champion National Flag Football team. Flores is also a game analyst and sports broadcaster for major networks like FOX Deportes and Univision, including coverage of Super Bowl LVIII. She works alongside the NFL and the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) as the sport’s global ambassador to advance Flag’s reach internationally.
A flag football superstar, Flores has competed in numerous national and international tournaments, representing Mexico on the world stage. She has won several awards and accolades throughout her career, including four National Titles since 2017, a Bronze World Cup Medal in 2016, a Silver Medal in 2021, Best Offensive Player at the World Flag Football Championship in Panama in 2018, and was named the Most Valuable Player at the 2022 World Games, where she led her team to a gold medal.
Flores was also recently recognized as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in 2024. She also served as the offensive coordinator for the AFC at the 2023 NFL Pro Bowl Games—alongside head coach, Peyton Manning—and was the featured star in the NFL’s Super Bowl LVII advertisement, “Run With It,” which won an Emmy in 2023.
For its annual list, LiS: Latinos in Sports spoke with Flores about how she’s advocating for more Latinos in sports leadership and how sports is a powerful vehicle for social change.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the sports industry, and how has your cultural background shaped your journey?
What inspired me to pursue a career in sports is, first and foremost, my father. He played football at the college level and at an early age, he introduced me and my siblings to flag football—a sport that I immediately fell in love with. My cultural background has absolutely played a role in my journey on (and off) the field. Because I started playing flag football at the young age of eight, I often had to compete against athletes who were older and bigger than I was. In addition, because there weren’t as many opportunities for female athletes, I often had to compete against the boys. Latinos are resilient; we’re strong, tenacious, we have grit and we’re hardworking, and thanks to all of those qualities I think I was able to overcome many of the challenges I faced both on and off the field.
“By participating in sports, we foster a sense of belonging and contribute to changing the narrative around what Latinos can achieve.”
Diana Flores
Which Latino athletes, executives, or leaders have inspired you the most, and why?
I find Paola Longoria—the number one racquetball player in the world—super inspiring. She is currently the singles AND doubles world champion and at the age of thirty-five, she’s considered the greatest of all-time in her sport.
I am also super inspired by Marissa Solís, the senior vice president of global brand and consumer marketing at the NFL. Marissa is an amazing woman who reminds us that we can achieve greatness and at the same time, lead with strength and grace. She’s a brilliant leader.
And I can’t forget the incredible Kathia Echazarreta, the first Mexican-born woman to go to space! Her story has meant so much to Latinas around the world and is testament to the fact that we can be anything we want in this world and that in fact, the sky is NOT the limit.
How are you using your platform to advocate for more representation of Latinos in leadership positions within sports?
We must do it at every level. First, it’s important for successful Latina athletes to use their platform to mentor younger Latinas; take time to answer their questions and show them it’s possible to make their dreams come true. As a global ambassador for Under Armour and the NFL, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as a coach and mentor at flag football training camps and I’ve been able to connect one-on-one with so many amazing young athletes.
I also speak at sports conferences, panels, and events all over the world. I love sharing my story because I think a lot of Latinas can relate to it, and I want to inspire them to chase their dreams no matter how challenging they may seem.
“Go after your dreams, stay true to who you are, and embrace your power. Never let the world make you doubt yourself.”
Diana Flores
What role do you believe sports play in uniting and empowering Latino communities, both in the US and globally?
Sports play a crucial role in uniting and empowering Latino communities, both in the US and globally. They serve as a universal language that transcends borders and cultural differences, bringing people together around shared passions. For Latinos, sports not only provide a sense of pride and community but also offer a platform to showcase talent and hard work on a global stage. Moreover, sports can be a powerful vehicle for social change, creating opportunities for empowerment, representation, and breaking down stereotypes. It allows Latino communities to see themselves in positions of influence, inspiring younger generations to believe in their potential both on and off the field. By participating in sports, we foster a sense of belonging and contribute to changing the narrative around what Latinos can achieve.
What advice do you have for the next generation of Latino leaders looking to break into and excel in the sports industry?
My advice to the next generation of Latino leaders looking to break into and excel in the sports industry is simple: Go after your dreams, stay true to who you are, and embrace your power. Never let the world make you doubt yourself. The journey won’t always be easy—there will be challenges, and at times you might feel out of place. But remember that your unique perspective is your power. Stay dedicated, and be prepared when an opportunity knocks, because if you are, life will surprise you and be brighter, bigger, and better than you ever imagined.
What is your walk-up song?
“The Champion” by Carrie Underwood.