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.

Martha Lucia Jara

Is a Colombian born individual nationalized in Canada; a seasoned professional with Business and Project Management acumen. Her formal education in Engineering has given her the ability to face workplace challenges with an analytical mind which in conjunction with her MBA makes a powerful combination to understand and overcome difficulties and take advantage of opportunities with attention, accuracy and heart. Ms. Jara has worked in the public, private and non to profit sectors in different parts of the world and that has given her a neat perspective on how diverse businesses in different environments are run, and also the joy of working with different cultures, backgrounds, senioritis and languages.

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.

Natalia Parga

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.

Felipe Gajardo

Felipe was part of the BOD of Latincouver for three years before starting to work in the organization in 2022. He has a bachelor’s degree in social anthropology and postgraduate studies in political science and international business. Felipe worked for the government of Chile as a trade commissioner in Canada, Poland, and the USA for 18 years.

Eleanore Sayo

Eleanore started with Latincouver in January 2021 as a practicum student for her Post-Degree Canadian Business Management program with Vancouver Community College. She has an Accounting degree from the Philippines. She worked in the healthcare field for more than 20 years in various customer service and IT positions prior to coming to Canada.

Juanita Lopez

Juanita joined Latincouver as a volunteer in 2021 and now is leading the Marketing team. She graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Universidad de Los Andes and completed a post-graduate diploma in Global Management at BCIT. She started her career in entrepreneurship, transitioned into marketing, then moving into digital marketing and sales. Juanita also worked as a Project Coordinator at Latincouver, helping to deliver events such as Carnaval del Sol. Juanita’s personal interests include psychology, entrepreneurship, learning Portuguese, rollerblading, and meditation.

Alexandra Bazeliuk

Alexandra is an experienced Human Resource coordinator with a background of more than 10 years in the field. She is passionate about her job and has experience in recruitment, onboarding, training for managers, creating motivational programs, assessment, team building and working on cooperative culture. Also holding Master Degree Diploma in Psychology and having a ground in organizing events.

Administrative & Operations Team

Menilson Filho

Menilson began his journey at Latincouver as a Projects Coordinator and now works as an Executive Assistant. 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!

Projects team

Nathalia Arcila

Nathalia is a Colombian Marketing professional, joining Latincover as a volunteer in 2022, she embarked on a journey to infuse the Canadian atmosphere with the pulsating rhythm and vibrant celebrations of Latin culture, eventually assuming the role of Event Marketing Specialist supporting Projects Team and the Social impact program for youth.  Beyond her professional life, Nathalia enjoys board games, dancing, and nature walks.

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.

Marketing team

Erika Oliveira

Erika Oliveira is not just a digital journalism specialist from the São Paulo School of Marketing (ESPM). She’s the magic behind content production and community management for public and private initiatives! Currently working as Community and Partnership Manager at Latincouver, Erika’s got multitasking skills that would make a superhero jealous – though she stays humble about it. When she’s not slaying the digital world, she’s whipping up culinary delights and showering affection on her feline friends (and also the humans friends, of course). Erika’s on a mission to make the world a better (and funnier) place – one witty word at a time! She herself wrote this biography.

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.

Sergio Camarena

Creating connections and communicating is his mission in everything he does. With more than 10 years of experience in TV, radio and in the entertainment business Cesar is here to connect with more Latin American enthusiasts and show the wonders of our culture and roots.

Cesar Romero

Creating connections and communicating is his mission in everything he does. With more than 10 years of experience in TV, radio and in the entertainment business Cesar is here to connect with more Latin American enthusiasts and show the wonders of our culture and roots.

Alex Trujillo

“Hello there! I’m Alex Trujillo, a multifaceted business owner and professional navigating the dynamic worlds of marketing consulting, content creation, media production, technology, event production, publicity, advertising and more.

Grants team

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Education and Business Programs team

Diana Lee

Born and raised in the vibrant city of Panama City, Panama, Diana is currently an MBA candidate at Simon Fraser University, graduating in 2024. Her journey at Latincouver started in 2022 as an Events and Media Coordinator for Carnaval del Sol. Driven by a passion for fostering connections and creating memorable experiences, she swiftly transitioned into her current role as a Project Assistant, contributing to various programs under the Government of Canada. That is why Diana chose Latincouver, to explore the realm of non-profit organizations and contribute to community development, with a specific desire to help the Latin American community.

Milena Sliz

Milena is a Colombian/Canadian entrepreneur who embarked on a transformative journey to Canada a few years ago. She has a multifaceted education in Marketing, Business, and Human Resources, as well as expertise as an Emotional Intelligence life coach. Milena is an inspiration for those seeking to blend professional prowess with genuine human connection. She is passionate about connecting with people and creating bridges that transcend boundaries.

Monica Martinez

My name is Monica, and I’m Amigo Program Coordinator, a membership that welcomes, embraces, and celebrates the richness of Latin American culture. Mexican, entrepreneur and always seeking to make a positive impact, are things that Latincouver embraces and empowers me. 

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.

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