BOARD MEMBER, ADMINISTRATOR AND VOLUNTEER
The Vallarta Gay + Community Center (VG+CC) was founded recently in February 2024 in response to a need to distribute free PREP medicine in the community. The Board of Directors has adopted a strategic plan to build the Center into a vibrant, inclusive world-class Community Center that harnesses the diverse strengths of our community to uplift and empower our diverse members.
ADJUNCT BOARD MEMBER
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.
ADMINISTRATOR
In Mexico, a Not-for-Profit’s Administrator is effectively a Business Manager, in charge of daily operations of theorganization. It’s a key position to help free up the Executive Director to pursue the strategic aspects of the organization’s growth.
Tina Kunkel has been a fixture in Puerto Vallarta’s LGBTQ+ and charitable communities. Tina hails from Germany where she graduated from a well renowned Hotel Management School with a degree in Tourism and Hotel Administration, Tina is fluent in Spanish, English and German. She previously administered the Puerto Vallarta SPCA for 3 years.
“I fell in love with Puerto Vallarta when I moved here almost 20 years ago and our large, vibrant gay community is one of the reasons. My two favorite work experiences were working at Casa Cupula where I met so many amazing people from the LGBTQ+ community, and the meaningful work at the nonprofit animal shelter, Puerto Vallarta SPCA. Getting this opportunity to work with the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center feels like a perfect match for me, and I am excited
to help grow this great project.”
PREVENTION SPECIALIST AND VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Abraham Castro has been hired to coordinate volunteers to help further the outreach and prevention programs offered by the Center.
Abraham Castro is a psychologist who graduated from the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos (UAEM), in the State of Morelos, and has 16 years of experience in Mexican Sign Language. Living in Vallarta since 2021, he has worked as a counselor in the LGBTQ+ community in the areas of HIV prevention and other sexually transmitted infections.
The VG+CC has been happily overwhelmed with community members who want to help. Everything from mental health services, to mentoring, to office staffing, outreach programs and event staffing requires finding the right volunteers for the right mission. The Board identified this as a critical position to successfully leverage volunteers’ talents.
POISED FOR GROWTH
This expansion has already allowed the VG+CC to expand our operating hours to include Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Monday to Friday the office is open 10:00AM – 8:00 PM and walk-in appointments are available. The office is located at Morelos #101 Local 3B, above the Santander Bank.
With these incredible individuals joining our team, we are poised to build out our services beyond free PrEP distribution and STI testing and treatment,” Don Pickens, Board President said. “The outpouring of support from the LGBT+ community in Vallarta has given us the resources we need to fuel our growth. We are looking forward to announcing more services this fall as we begin our first annual fundraising drive.”
ABOUT VG+CC
The Vallarta Gay+ Community Center was founded in February 2024 by a group of LGBTQ+ business leaders. Our vision is to build a vibrant, inclusive LGBTQ+ community center that serves as a dynamic regional hub, harnessing the diverse strengths of our community to uplift and support our diverse members.
Our mission is to foster empowerment, health and wellness within the LGBTQ+ community. We provide equitable access to healthcare, education and support services, with focused care, for prevention and treatment of HIV and STIs. We fiercely advocate for our community’s equity and inclusion as a vital component of our region’s diverse society, providing a safe and inclusive environment to drive positive change locally and beyond.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Jet de la Isla @vallartagaycc.com or Executive Director Pedro Lopez pedro@vallartagaycc.com or visit us at https://vallartagaycc.com.