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.
Don Pickens has significantly shaped the LGBT community in Puerto Vallarta since his arrival in 2002. He founded Casa Cupula, the first LGBT luxury boutique hotel in the city, and spearheaded initiatives like TaxiSafe to address police corruption.
His diverse career includes critical roles at Microsoft and active involvement in local business and neighborhood associations.
Through his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication, Don promotes inclusivity and body positivity, using his extensive experience to foster a sustainable community center that empowers local talents.
Tina Kunkel has been a pillar in Puerto Vallarta’s LGBTQ+ and charitable communities. Tina is originally from Germany, where she graduated from a renowned School of Hotel Management with a degree in Tourism and Hotel Management.
Tina is fluent in Spanish, English, and German. Previously, she managed the Puerto Vallarta SPCA for three years.
“I fell in love with Puerto Vallarta when I moved here almost 20 years ago, and our large and vibrant gay community is one of the reasons why. My two favorite work experiences were working at Casa CĂşpula, where I met so many amazing people from the LGBTQ+ community, and the meaningful work at the nonprofit animal shelter SPCA of Puerto Vallarta. Having this opportunity to work with the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center feels like a perfect match for me, and I’m excited to help grow this great project.”
Pedro LĂłpez’s life story unfolds from his early childhood migration from Jalisco to the United States, where he grew up in downtown Los Angeles amidst undocumented immigrant communities.
Learning English as a second language and overcoming numerous challenges, Pedro’s resilience propelled him through nursing school, sparking a lifelong commitment to aiding underserved populations. With over three decades in various nonprofits focusing on mental health and safety nets, and a recent role as Vice President at a Mental Health Agency. Pedro, fulfilled his dream of moving back to Puerto Vallarta to continue his impactful work.