Mark Andrews and Sig Brunnacker

Jose Cardenas and Steve Aguirre

Tori Correll, CFRE

Victor Cuciniello

Ryan Donner

Ricky Durham

Wayne Franklin

Dan Groeninger

Branden James and James Clark

Jovian

Alex Miller-Cole

Bruce Nielsen

Michael O’Connor

Joshua Rappaport

Roman Ventura

Carol Wood

Danny Bergeron

Sid Goodman

Chris Genry

Carmen Griggs and Jonny Griggs

Julie Guerrero

Randy Lee and Gabriel Romero

Pedro Lopez and Álvaro Gerardo

Gerardo Lugo and Bob Bruneau

Andrew Maldonado

Barbara Sypult

Loren Watkins

Jeff Wilkie

Eric Rude is a retired public health professional who has lived full-time in Puerto Vallarta since May 2025. His more than 30-year career spans public health agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector health programs.

Eric earned his MSW in nonprofit management and community organization from the University of Denver and previously served as Director of Health Programs at the Denver LGBT Community Center. He later worked in HIV prevention and infectious disease control in New York City, including nearly 25 years with the NYC Department of Health, where he led viral hepatitis prevention, quality-improvement initiatives, and community health partnerships.

Poncho Davalos has over 12 years of experience in real estate and has resided in Puerto Vallarta since 2009. He was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico. “Our community has grown so much since I arrived in 2009 and so many newcomers have brought energy and interest in establishing a community center,” Poncho said. “I see big opportunities to harness this energy to improve our community’s physical and mental health, as well as to empower and help those in need.

Puerto Vallarta has given a lot to me and it’s my time to give back to the community.” Poncho is the first of two new Adjunct Board members to broaden community representation.

Jet De La Isla is a pivotal leader and communicator within Puerto Vallarta’s LGBTQ+ community. As the Board of Director & Communications Chair at the Vallarta Gay + Community Center, Jet actively enhances health service accessibility and champions inclusivity.

His entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his management of a private boat tour company and a gay youth hostel, reflecting his dedication to adventure and community welfare. Jet’s passions extend to nature exploration and caring for his beloved cats, illustrating his multifaceted commitment to community and personal well-being.

Matt Karimi and his husband settled in Puerto Vallarta in 2019, seeking new experiences after vibrant careers in Los Angeles, Rhode Island, and Las Vegas.

Matt brings a rich background in event production and fundraising, having collaborated with high-profile organizations like The Walt Disney Company, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Brown University.

His work spans entertainment, fashion, and sports. A fitness and pilates enthusiast who is exploring tennis, Matt is eager to foster meaningful community connections and positively influence every aspect of his new surroundings.

Mike Owens, from Wilmington, NC, has transitioned his leadership skills from Allstate Insurance to meaningful community service in Puerto Vallarta. Since moving four years ago, Mike has immersed himself in local initiatives, teaching English, supporting feeding programs, and fostering entrepreneurial skills among residents.

A fervent advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, he focuses on HIV/AIDS education and treatment. Mike’s deep commitment to social betterment is reflected in his foundational role at the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center, embodying his belief in contributing positively to society.

Yesenia earned her philosophy degree from the Michoacana University of San Nicolás de Hidalgo. She is a cultural event planner, activist, member of the Vallarta ballroom community, and a strong advocate for community formation. With six years of experience in HIV and STI prevention, detection, and support, she provides compassionate guidance to those receiving treatment.

Choosing activism over academia, she applies her philosophical knowledge to social justice causes, particularly in sexual health and politics. Her work is rooted in radical tenderness and the belief that community is a transformative force for creating safe, inclusive, and lasting social change.

Fatima, originating from Tuxpan, Jalisco, boasts over 15 years of robust nursing experience across various Guadalajara hospitals.

Her expertise covers emergency room and intensive care, major surgical procedures including organ transplants, and the management of sexually transmitted infections.

Fatima is passionately committed to eradicating discrimination and stigma associated with HIV and sexual health, aligning her efforts with her organization’s mission to promote public health and increase disease awareness, thereby enhancing the overall community’s health literacy.

Ashley Hernández is a dedicated medical professional from Puerto Vallarta, educated at the University of Guadalajara with a specialization in sexual health and sexually transmitted infections.

With more than a year and a half of specialized experience, Ashley is actively involved in a civil association aiming to reshape societal views on sexual health, advocating for an approach free of stereotypes and taboos. Committed to fostering an inclusive society, she contributes significantly towards educating and enhancing understanding of sexual health issues.