Erick Orocio is a registered nurse originally from Monterrey, Nuevo LeĂłn, and has been living in Puerto Vallarta for more than eight years. He has professional experience in both public and private healthcare institutions, with a primary focus on public health and primary care. He currently serves as the Coordinator of the Program “Gender Equity in Health” for Health Region VIII in Puerto Vallarta at the Jalisco Ministry of Health, where he promotes equitable access to healthcare services, inclusion, and non-discrimination.
His professional work has focused on health promotion, prevention of sexually transmitted infections, family planning, and healthcare delivery based on a human rights approach.
Erick is committed to providing comprehensive, high-quality, and inclusive healthcare, with a particular focus on meeting the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
Eduardo Salcedo, originally from Puerto Vallarta, earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Guadalajara. He currently serves as a receptionist at Vallarta Gay+ Community Center, where he also completed his social service. He has experience providing counseling, conducting rapid HIV testing, and supporting health promotion campaigns and initiatives for the LGBTQ+ community.
He is known for his commitment, empathy, and dedication to promoting people’s well-being through a professional and inclusive approach.
Alex Cosio is a communications and community engagement professional with a background in mass media, marketing, and public relations.
He serves as Community Engagement and Communications Coordinator at the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center, where he works to strengthen partnerships and expand the organization’s visibility within the community. Alex plays an active role in developing outreach strategies and supporting events both within and beyond the Center. Through his work, he is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and helping create a safe, welcoming, and supportive space for Puerto Vallarta’s LGBTQ+ community.
VĂctor EspĂndola 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. VĂctor 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 CĂrculo 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.
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.