Commissioner Lola Flores is featured at her place of employment- Ecology
It's National Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 – Oct. 15.
During Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re celebrating our team's achievements and contributions to protecting and preserving the environment. This month is an opportunity to embrace this year’s theme of Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.
Our team members with Latinx and Hispanic heritage are sharing stories about their culture and how they serve communities in Washington. It’s a celebration of multiculturalism and weaving diverse cultures and traditions into our national fabric for the betterment of all.
Lola Flores
¡Hola a todos! I am Lola Flores and I was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico. I have lived in the Pacific Northwest for more than 10 years but travel often to Mexico to visit my family and friends. I have three beautiful daughters whom I enjoy traveling with and sharing my roots by telling them stories about my ancestors and cultural heritage!
Dia de los Muertos altar at Lola's home honoring her late ancestors and family members.
Pollution prevention and safer products for all
At Ecology, I am the supervisor for the Reducing Toxic Threats Unit in the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program. I have been in my position for more than two years. During this time our unit has worked on so many exciting projects which help protect Washington consumers through either finding safer alternatives to harmful chemicals or through regulations.
Currently, we are working on Chemicals in Cosmetics and Beauty Products, a directive from our state legislature. I wanted to highlight this project because of the environmental justice considerations this work has. In a number of research studies, Latinx participants reported wearing makeup products more than other individuals. This is in part a cultural expectation for Latina women as well as a personal preference. This project tests a variety of products such as blush, lipstick, hairspray, nail polish, and more.
We are testing for a number of chemicals such as phthalates, formaldehyde, asbestos and heavy metals.
Cosmetics chemical testing process.
Our agency hopes this project is just the beginning of a longer and more complete effort that enables us to test a wider variety of products and chemicals in cosmetics commonly used by People of Color communities.
Career advancement
Growing up in Mexico, having a Mexican father and an American mother, plus attending an international American School, all gave me the opportunity to grow up in a bicultural and bilingual home. Being fluent in both languages has advanced my professional career in many ways and I hope to continue to lend my voice to communities that are often underrepresented. This is why I am happy to form part of the Spanish Translation and Interpretation Team at Ecology. I get to learn about different efforts going on in the agency and help advance our environmental justice work by reaching more communities.