Embracing the Unknown: From KIPP Student to Entrepreneur
As an entrepreneur, I know the importance of believing in yourself and embracing continuous learning. My name is Iliana Flores, and as a kid growing up in San Lorenzo, California, my parents wanted my older brother and I to be educated in an environment that would teach us those very lessons from a young age — that’s why they decided to enroll us at KIPP Summit Academy.
Eighth grade at KIPP Summit is where I first began to find my voice and develop a passion for learning. English became my favorite subject, thanks to my amazing teacher Ms. Seleski. Her guidance not only sparked my love for reading but also instilled a sense of pride in my academic achievements. After middle school, I went to KIPP Summit’s sister high school KIPP King Collegiate right next door. I made friends, joined clubs, and felt inspired by a lot of my classes, but I also found myself faced with challenges tied to societal expectations to succeed and pressure to get into prestigious colleges. I struggled with perfectionism and feeling like there was only one right path to success.
Memories from my 2011 sophomore year and 2014 graduation at KIPP King Collegiate.
My senior year of high school, I got into my dream college. However, the initial excitement faded when I realized I wouldn’t be able to attend due to financial constraints. I decided to attend my local community college—Chabot College—and then transferred to UC Irvine, where I pursued my interest in business and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management. During college, my KIPP Forward counselor helped guide me to an internship at IDEO. Another mentor supported me in landing a consulting analyst role at Accenture after graduation.
Accenture provided me with valuable training and new professional experiences, and, after two and a half years, I was ready to explore other fields. In contemplating my next career move, I reflected on my desire to connect with people and provide value on a deeper, more personal level. I had always been interested in life coaching and had even worked with a coach in the past. That experience was transformative for me and I decided I wanted to take the leap and pursue coaching full-time. Three years ago, I launched Drawin Circles—a coaching business focused on empowering women in their twenties and thirties to build relationships and friendships that last. I offer one-on-one coaching, as well as design and lead events to support women in building community.
I see so much of myself in the women that I work with, which has made this job particularly rewarding. I know firsthand how scary it can feel to be unsure of your future path, so it’s really special when I am able to support my clients in finding clarity and confidence.
The logo from my coaching business and a sample of some of the coaching resources I use with clients.
My path right after high school ended up looking unique from what I originally envisioned when I was a KIPP student, but it was those twists and turns that taught me the most about myself. Ultimately, I learned a lesson in the importance of balancing my academic and career goals with my personal well-being through self-reflection, and my trajectory taught me that embracing uncertainty can lead to beautiful new experiences.
When I think about a message I share regularly with my clients and that I’d love to pass on to younger KIPP students and alumni, it’s this:
Embrace your emotions fully. Feel the highs and lows, and know that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. Work on your social skills, connect with new people, and understand that these connections can shape your life just as significantly as academic achievements.
Above all, I hope my journey inspires others to embrace their passion and purpose with authenticity and courage. You can check out my Instagram @drawincircles.co!
