About Us

The Centro Latino was born from the shared vision of a stronger, more connected Latino community in Calgary. Our journey began in December 2022, and on January 6, 2024, we organized a landmark event that brought together over 200 Latinos. This gathering highlighted the urgent need to unite, amplify our voices, and create a space where Latino leaders could come together to address our community’s needs. Recognizing the imperative to work collectively, we spent a year planning and building a foundation for lasting impact. In 2025, Centro Latino was officially registered as an organization created by Latinos, for Latinos.

Today, Centro Latino thrives through the leadership of our dedicated board and the engagement of our growing membership. We operate from SpanicArts’ facilities, where culture, education, and advocacy come to life. Our partnerships with ethnocultural associations, immigrant-serving agencies, and social organizations help us bridge gaps and ensure Latinos in Calgary feel supported and empowered. With a strong focus on collaboration, inclusion, and resilience, we are committed to advancing the socio-economic integration of Latinos while celebrating our rich cultural heritage

We work together for a stronger community.

Our Mission

To facilitate the socio-economic inclusion and cultural engagement of the Latin American community in Calgary through collaboration, connection, and advocacy.

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Our Vision

Latinos feel connected, valued, welcomed , and empowered to shape a community that embrace diversity

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Team

Dedicated, Experienced, Visionary

The Centro Latino Board of Directors is composed of dedicated leaders with extensive experience in immigrant support, community development, and diverse professional fields. Each member brings valuable expertise and commitment to strengthening the Latino community in Calgary. United by a shared vision of inclusion and collaboration, they work tirelessly to create opportunities, promote civic engagement, and ensure that Latino voices are heard. Their leadership and multidisciplinary experience are essential to the growth and success of our organization, always guided by the values of teamwork, social justice, and resilience

Josue Ramirez

Venezuelan, graduated from the Universidad Central de Venezuela with a degree in International Studies; specialized courses in Public Management at the Universidad Metropolitana in Caracas and Immigration Consulting in Canada. He served as Head of the Political Analysis Department at the National Electoral Council; Alternate Representative to the OAS in Washington, D.C.; and Third Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Caracas. He was Director of Programs and Projects, later becoming President of the Agricultural Development Corporation of Miranda State during Governor Enrique Mendoza’s administration. In Canada since March 2005. He has been a founding director of several NGOs, including the Canada-Venezuela Democracy Forum, Fundación Tempus 2020 (Colombia-Canada), Canada y Nosotros Cultural Centre, Centro Latino Society of Alberta, and the Calgary Latin American Film Festival Society. He has published two biographies of prominent Venezuelan figures and frequently shares stories about his life and experiences on his blog

Omar Mendez

Omar Méndez is a strategic consultant and committed member of Calgary's Latin American community with extensive experience in business strategy, public administration and change management. With an MBA from Colombia and a strong consulting background, he has dedicated his career to driving organizational excellence, fostering inclusive workplaces and empowering communities through strategic planning and leadership development. As a board member of Centro Latino, Omar is committed to creating opportunities for Latin American newcomers and supporting their economic, social and professional integration in Canada. His passion for diversity, equity and inclusion drives his work in developing programs that promote leadership, education and workforce development for the community. With a deep belief in the power of collaboration and continuous learning, Omar strives to build bridges between cultures, advocate for equitable opportunities, and inspire the next generation of Latin American professionals in Canada.

Rebeca Andrada

Rebeca Andrada brings over 15 years of experience in community development and settlement services, with a strong focus on asset-based community development (ABCD). Originally from Argentina, Rebeca holds a BA in International Relations from the University of Calgary and is passionate about fostering inclusive, welcoming communities where newcomer strengths and leadership are recognized and celebrated. As Outreach Manager at Immigrant Services Calgary, she has built strong partnerships across sectors and co-created community initiatives that amplify immigrant voices and support meaningful community connections.

Susana Balzan

Susana Balzan is a dedicated and passionate professional committed to making a positive impact in the community, especially by supporting vulnerable individuals and fostering environments where everyone feels valued and heard. With a strong background in social and community work, Susana has held leadership and management roles in organizations dedicated to assisting families and individuals facing difficult situations, providing comprehensive support and promoting social inclusion. Currently, Susana combines her passion for helping others with her interest in social justice in her role as a Legal Assistant at Camino Law, where she continues to serve individuals who need guidance and support in critical moments. This new professional stage reflects her goal of deepening her expertise in the legal field, particularly in human rights, to continue advocating for and promoting equity and dignity for all. As an active member of the Board of Directors of Centro Latino, Susana actively contributes her skills in fostering collaboration and designing initiatives that address the needs of our community. Her goal is to strengthen and unite the Latino community in Calgary, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities needed to thrive. Susana firmly believes in the importance of empathy, kindness, and continuously challenging the status quo to drive real social change

Fabian Morales

Fabian Morales was born in Bogotá, Colombia. He is a systems engineer and web developer with experience in technical support. Beyond his professional background in technology, he has been a dedicated social activist in Colombia, advocating for human rights and environmental protection. For 10 years, he worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, and after arriving in Canada in 2017, he continued his work at the Consulate of Colombia in Calgary for four years. Like many migrants, he has taken on different jobs outside his profession, which has given him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities the community faces. In 2023, he started working as a Community Connector at Action Dignity, reinforcing his commitment to community work. That same year, in December, he called on Latino community leaders to unite and work together as one voice to advocate for and support Latinos in Canada. This is how Centro Latino was born—a project dedicated to strengthening the community and promoting inclusion, equity, and well-being for all. Fabian firmly believes that the fight for social justice, equity, and human rights is essential, and that the best way to create real change is by raising awareness and uniting voices.

Lina Lopez

Lina Lopez is a registered Social Worker with over 13 years of experience in the homeless sector, addictions, mental health, family support, settlement and integration, diversity and anti-racism, community development, and program development. Originally from Colombia, Lina immigrated to the United States as a teenager before moving to Canada, where she completed all her Social Work education, recently graduating with an MSW in International and Community Development at the University of Calgary. In addition to her extensive hands-on experience, Lina has contributed to research in the social work field, focusing on issues related to diverse racialized communities. She is interested in international sustainable development and human rights, which informs her work and advocacy. Currently, she works for the City of Calgary, where she is involved in developing and implementing neighborhood-based programs aimed at supporting vulnerable populations. Passionate about social justice, Lina has played a pivotal role in fostering integration for newcomers in Calgary, creating innovative programs and solutions to systemic issues in both individual and community settings.