After an exhaustive nationwide search, Katherine Flores, MD, has been named one of ten national recipients of the 2008 Maybelline New York Beauty of Education Awards, an award that recognizes women who motivate, mentor and make a difference in their communities through the power of education.
After earning her medical degree at UC Davis, Flores returned home to Fresno with a dream to help disadvantaged youth in her community. She started the Doctors Academy at Sunnyside High School, a rigorous academic program for students interested in the fields of health and medicine. Since the first class graduated in 2003, 100 percent of those enrolled have been accepted into four-year universities, and last year, the first Doctors Academy alumna entered medical school (sunnyside.fresno.k12.ca.us/da/home.htm).
Upon learning that she is one of this year’s award winners, Flores said, “I am most honored to have been selected for the Maybelline New York Beauty of Education Award on behalf of the Doctors Academy. This award recognizes the work that our community has collaborated on to assure that our young people who come from disadvantaged backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue a health profession.”
For her extraordinary work, Flores will receive a $10,000 grant earmarked to support her educational cause, along with the opportunity to have the Doctors Academy showcased in a national ad in People en Español Magazine.
Flores said, “The funds will be of great benefit to continue our work as we prepare disadvantaged students from 7th grade through college to enter health professions schools. Specifically, the dollars will aid in our efforts of providing study trips to universities and health professional schools, providing tutoring/mentoring opportunities with college students from their local community, offering parent workshops to aid their families in understanding the educational pathway necessary for their children to be competitive in their pursuit of a health profession.” \
To help in the nationwide search for the ten 2008 outstanding women who selflessly help elevate people’s lives every day by working to support educational causes on the ground in their communities, Maybelline New York enlisted the support of powerhouse publications PEOPLE, People en Español and Essence magazines.
“Maybelline New York knows that education opens eyes… and doors,” observes David Greenberg, President of Maybelline New York-Garnier. “I am impressed with our Beauty of Education award winner, Dr. Katherine Flores for her commitment to pushing more of those doors open through her work with Doctors Academy. As a company, we couldn't be more proud to honor Katherine and support her efforts.”
Katherine will be honored at a gala awards dinner in New York City on Thursday December 4, 2008, at the New York Public Library.
