Meet Jasmin Huila Flores, one of our teammates shaping mission-based healthcare at Adventist Health

Jasmin Huila Flores, Program Manager for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Adventist Health Columbia Gorge, 2 years with Adventist Health

Jasmin Huila Flores is part of a team helping patients know how to access and use healthcare resources. Her team also works with community partners to implement strategies for addressing community health needs and identify opportunities for access to healthcare for people who haven’t traditionally had options.

What is your best habit?
Listening and remembering what people tell me. The small details matter, like a childhood memory or what someone did over the weekend. People are sometimes surprised that I remember, but when you’re a good listener and care about the person, it’s really easy to do.

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
My dad. He has been a farmworker for more than 30 years in the Columbia Gorge region. When I think about him getting up for work every morning, it makes me feel very dedicated to my job. I want to put quality into what I do.

What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t sell yourself short. When you have an opportunity, take it and create opportunities for yourself by networking and asking questions. I was the first one in my family who went to college, to a four-year university, and I didn’t even think I would make it. Sometimes I sold myself short. I don’t want people to feel like they’re not enough to do something or try something new or have them be their own barrier to doing what they want to do.

What brought you to Adventist Health?
I was born and raised in The Dalles. I could see the fear in my community of going to the hospital or emergency department. I wanted to influence change and make care more accessible and equitable and help my community navigate our healthcare system.

How do you unplug after a hard day?
I talk to my family, my parents, and just be around people and talk about random stuff. That helps me not think about a hard day.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast?
Lately I’ve been learning about financial literacy. I recommend the book Cultura and Cash by Giovanna Gonzalez.

What do you do when you’re creatively stuck?
I’m learning to take time off, even if it’s just a day to do whatever I want. It helps because it makes me do something I wouldn’t normally do, and it refreshes me.

Why do you choose to work in healthcare?
There is so much that goes into health care, and sometimes specific populations get missed. I don’t want those populations to get missed. Who will ask the questions that people don’t think about?

For example, in our area we have a lot of people who come from Mexico or South America to work in agriculture. Would they qualify for financial assistance? If not, why not? I get to ask those questions and influence change.

What gives you hope?
When I see that my work is fruitful, that gives me hope. When somebody tells me, “I’m really happy I found you. You’re helping me,” that gives me hope things will be better.

What one word describes your experience at Adventist Health?
Growth.

Explore opportunities to join the Adventist Health team at AdventistHealth.org/careers.

Read more inspiring stories about the Adventist Health team:
Meet Adam Lee
Meet Chris Hagen
Meet Haley Pacholec