Víctor Espíndola is a human rights advocate and communications professional with more than 25 years of experience advancing LGBTQ+ visibility and equality. He is the founder of Anodis and Quimera Ediciones, and a co-founder of Escándala, one of Latin America’s most influential LGBT+ media outlets. Víctor has led national HIV prevention campaigns, including Hazte la Prueba, and was a key promoter of Mexico’s first marriage equality law. He currently serves as president of MOVii – Movement for Equality in Mexico, championing education, visibility, and the defense of sexual and gender diversity rights.

Ed Potocek has called Puerto Vallarta home full-time since 2020, following a long career in the technology industry. Originally from Chicago, he has maintained a deep connection to the city for more than 30 years. A longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ community spaces, Ed supported organizations such as The Center on Halsted and About Face Theatre.

Professionally, he brings expertise in program management, communications, and organizational strategy. He is also a passionate foodie and has collaborated closely with Ventura Chef Services on administration and marketing. Ed is deeply committed to giving back and supporting the continued growth of the Community Center.

Armando Sánchez is a Mexican entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience living and working in Puerto Vallarta. He holds a degree in Tourism with a specialty in Marketing and has owned businesses for over 15 years in the tourism, vacation services, and real estate sectors.

Fully bilingual in Spanish and English, with working proficiency in French, Armando is deeply committed to community service.

He is a founding member of ACT LGBT A.C. and Vallarta Pride, where he served for five years, including one as President. He is also a member of Puerto Vallarta’s Government Diversity Council, bringing strong values, global perspective, and a passion for inclusion.

Alfredo Soria is an industrial engineer and LGBTQ+ activist with extensive experience in public health and HIV prevention. He has worked with civil society organizations, universities, and public health institutions on initiatives serving marginalized populations, including sex workers and people who use substances.

Alfredo previously served as Operations Director of Vallarta Pride, helping guide a shift toward programming with greater social impact. He currently operates a private clinic and laboratory providing sexual health services and leads Círculo Rojo, an inter-institutional project focused on large-scale testing and early detection of HIV and other STIs.

Luis Villavicencio is a renowned Mexican entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ advocate, bringing both a visionary business mind and a generous heart to the VGCC. He is the CEO of Red Companies, a leading digital marketing and tech engagement DRM in Latin America, and the founder of PrideMx, a platform empowering Mexico’s LGBTQ+ community through visibility, education, and cultural celebration.

Luis has led a successful career in technology-driven platforms, and his innovative approach will help elevate the Center into a world-class community resource—not only physically, but also in the digital space, expanding our reach, accessibility, and impact.

Rob Devore

Jonathan Nichols-Shaw and Alan Shaw

Don Pickens

Fred Parham

Robert Stewart

Bill Vastardis

Deborah Cole

Thomas Gehlbach and Warren Stauffer

Brentton Lowery and Carl Lowery

Philip Manly (Escandalo 480 Inc.)

Mike Owens

Kurt Paradise

Mark Rome