Latincouver Team

We have a talented and passionate team dedicated to the success and growth of Latincouver. These amazing people are the backbone of Latincouver and through them every event and program is made possible. Through the dedicated efforts of our team, Latincouver supports communities, empowers people, promotes culture, and connects business.

PAOLA MURILLO

Paola Murillo is a resourceful Marketing and International Business Development executive with over 17 years of global experience, supporting the delivery and planning of all kinds of marketing projects, including major events, facilitating community dialogues, product launches, internal communication, and stakeholder engagement.

LINDA PURCELL

Linda Purcell is a Chartered Professional Accountant with a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing from UBC. She has a wealth of experience that includes writing in numerous genres, working as an owner/manager at Top Producer Systems, working in public affairs, creating a book review blog, and finalizing the cookbook: Veggie Outlaws.

PILAR HANSEN-HOLM

Born in Lima Peru and raised in Ecuador, Pilar recognized her passion for hospitality and tourism in her early 20’s. She pursued her dream and learned from the best! She studied at the world renowned Steigenberger School in Munich, Germany.

Upon completion of her studies she was afforded the opportunity of working at the Five Star, Hilton Colon, Guayaquil. She quickly developed her talent for managing complex and unique banquets,conferences and events for distinguished guests. She hosted many prestigious and high-profile conferences for the Presidents and dignitaries with all of the South American countries.

With her experience and national reputation for excellence, she opened her own restaurant, catering and event business in 2002. Her restaurant was immediately successful. Amidst her success she married and moved to Canada. Pilar formed ‘Pili Hansen Events’ in Vancouver during the summer of 2010 and continues its success in Toronto since 2012.

Pilar has been part of Latincouver’s Carnaval del Sol since 2012, which has become one of the largest and most important Festivals for Vancouver and the province of British Columbia. Pilar has a natural gift for bringing people together for life’s important moments.

Her personal touch and passion for creating the best events are always evident to clients and guests alike.

MENILSON FILHO

Menilson began his journey at Latincouver as a Projects Coordinator and now works as an Executive Assistant and Program Coordinator. Armed with a degree in social communication, he takes pride in weaving connections across all departments. Additionally, he wears the hat of the host for the Latincouver podcast, ‘Brasileiros em Vancouver.’ ‘I love the dynamic energy of this organization and the idea of being an important supporter of the Latin American community in Vancouver, Canada!

PATRICIA SOUZA

Patricia is a finance professional from Araguaína, Tocantins, the newest state in the middle of Brazil, with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Accounting, and a Data Analytics diploma from Greystone. Specializing in internal audit with a focus on financial statement processes, Patricia’s career began with a volunteer role at Latincouver shortly after arriving in Canada. She has since built a successful career in finance, combining her expertise in accounting, economics, and data analysis.

MARIANA VARGAS

Mariana, from Mexico City, is an explorer in the territories of creativity, design, and marketing, boasting over a decade of experience in global advertising agencies. With a rich background working on diverse campaigns across TV, radio, print, and digital platforms for global brands, she chose Vancouver to learn about digital marketing. At Latincouver, she smoothly combines administrative skills with her creative and advertising expertise, turning each day into a canvas of joy and fun in this fusion of skills.

SOFÍA TREMINIO

Originally from El Salvador, Sofia holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of British Columbia. She has served as a Research & Policy Analyst for the World Future Council and a Researcher & Writer with the Morobe Development Foundation, both affiliated with the United Nations Volunteer Program. Now a Grant Writer and Researcher at Latincouver, she leverages her skills in analysis, policy evaluation, and writing to secure funding for initiatives supporting the Latin American community in Canada. In her free time, Sofia enjoys traveling, reading, and exploring new cuisines.

PALOMA MORALES

Paloma Morales is the LAHM project coordinator since 2021, which was a resounding success. Since 2018 she has collaborated in the art and culture area of the festival serving as curator of the festival’s art installations. Paloma has experience organizing events focused on culture and arts since 1997 in Mexico, UK, Australia and Canada promoting Mexico and Latin America in these countries. Her background in journalism, digital communication and marketing have helped her to have a better vision in the connection of different cultures. Paloma has also been a community manager for Latincouver and Carnaval del Sol, as well as a facilitator of workshops related to Pre-Hispanic culture.

CLAUDIA ARIZA

Claudia is a  passionate finance professional with an MBA and 22 years in financial and technology sectors, specializing in strategic business design. She has supported Latincouver’s project team in planning and executing impactful events, and now contributes to organizational growth through financial management. Driven by a love for numbers, adventure sports, and personal growth, Claudia aims to create high-value strategies and dynamic collaborations

CHRISTIAN BATALHA

I’m Christian, born in Sergipe, Brazil, and hold a Business Administration degree from Anhembi Morumbi University. My journey at Latincouver began in the fall of 2023 when I took on the role of Social Media Coordinator. My favorite hobby encompasses everything related to art, from painting canvases to making carpets and, soon, exploring clay.For me, being at Latincouver is more than just performing duties; it’s about contributing to every Latin American and future generation present in Canada, providing them with a sense of warmth, confidence, and recognition of their roots.

GILLY WONG

Small in size but big in creativity, Gilly is our content coordinator at Latincouver. She first joined as a volunteer in 2023, supporting the marketing area, and in 2024 became part of the team in her current role. Gilly is Chinese, born and raised in Lima, Peru, and graduated in audiovisual communication from the Instituto Peruano de Publicidad (IPP). She is very passionate about cinema and making movies, and she always has a smile on her face, ready to brighten her colleagues’ days and help whenever they need it.

SERGIO CAMARENA

Sergio comes from Mexico City and is a digital entrepreneur and musician. He’s CEO of XOLO, a Digital Marketing Agency in Mexico and has more than 10 years of experience in digital marketing. He’s been involved in many NGOs since he joined AIESEC in La Salle University. He works in digital strategy for Latincouver.

STEPHANIE SALMON

Originally from Ecuador, Stephanie is an event marketing specialist with certifications in Marketing and the event industry, she has experience in international events, brand strategy, promotion and media. She is an entrepreneur herself this is why she understands the needs of entrepreneurs and joined the LCBN team as a program strategist and business partnerships liaison.

EMILIANO SOBRINO

Emiliano is a creative and energetic sales pro who turns conversations into collaborations. He’s all about making connections, delivering smart solutions, and driving brand growth with fresh, bold ideas. Emiliano brings enthusiasm, results, and fun to every project, ensuring everyone enjoys the ride!

STEPHANYE NÓRO

Stephanye Nóro joined Latincouver in June 2024 as an Administrative Assistant, soon transitioning to a Project Assistant role in the Vaccination Program. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Stephanye holds a degree in Biomedical Science from Centro Universitário São Camilo. Before moving to Vancouver in April 2023, she worked in blood banking, bringing a wealth of healthcare experience and a dedication to community health to her role at Latincouve

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