Board of directors
Our Board of Directors is elected by the membership every year during our Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Members.
Each director serves the Board for one year according to our Constitution and Bylaws.
For the current Fiscal Year (Jan-Dec of this year) and until the following AGM, our Board of Directors is composed of the following volunteers.
President | Burnaby, BC
Ivan Contramaestre
Ivan is a Software Developer that has resided in Metro Vancouver for more than 30 years. When he is not playing Lego, or watching “Brooklyn 99” in the company of his two children, you can see him performing with Los Parranderos De Vancouver, walking his dog or volunteering at the North East Burnaby Community Association (another non-profit). He likes baseball, the beach, and jogging 3 times a week.
Ivan currently works as a Senior Software Developer at The University of British Columbia and has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2017.
Vice-President | Surrey, BC
Meriely Arias
Born in Puerto Cabello, Meriely is a coriana at heart, raised in Coro, Falcon. She has called the Lower Mainland home for over 15 years, where she lives with her husband and their children.
Originally a Graphic Designer, she followed her knack for problem-solving into a Production Planner/CRM role, where she now keeps signage projects and customers on track at one of the area’s largest print and exhibit companies.
Treasurer | Victoria, BC
Antonio Oquendo
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Antonio is a Lawyer with a Masters Degree in Business Administration and an entrepreneur with a passion for international business development, knowledge transfer and empowerment; a passion that he brings into practice as a partner associate at We Speak BC Inc.
Antonio is married with Carolina, has two daughters – Mariana and Sara – and they have been living in Victoria, BC for more than 11 years.
Secretary | Richmond, BC
Marianella Ramos
Marianella moved to Canada about 14 years ago and brings a multidisciplinary background that bridges science and the arts. She is a biologist who graduated from Simón Bolívar University, where she completed a Master’s degree in Food Science, and later pursued a second Master’s degree at the University of British Columbia.
Alongside her scientific career, she has built a strong path in music as a pianist, holding a Piano Pedagogy Diploma from the BC Conservatory of Music. For the past 10 years, she has conducted the Latin American choir Viene Sonando and is deeply passionate about fostering community through music, cultural connection, and volunteer work.
Director of Communications | Vancouver, BC
Pachi Ochoa
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Pachi is a Vancouver-based new media designer and passionate community leader specializing in digital marketing and branding. She supports Latin American cultural initiatives through outreach and creative promotion, volunteering with Latincouver and serving on the boards of Buses of Hope Spirit Society and the Latin American Film Festival.
She manages @pachiochoa.info, an Instagram platform highlighting local entrepreneurs, artists, and community events. Her work has been recognized with the Successful Women Canada Awards and a nomination for Latincouver’s Inspirational Latin Awards, reflecting her commitment to community leadership.
Director of Operations | Burnaby, BC
Maria Luces
Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, Maria moved to Vancouver in 1990, fulfilling her dream of living in Canada, she misses only her family in Venezuela and the opportunity to go to the beach all year round. Since then, she has dedicated herself to supporting Venezuelan newcomers, offering guidance on housing, job searches, and adapting to their new environment as a means to repay her good fortunes.
Besides being a collaborating member of VCSBC since its inception, Maria also created Los Parranderos de Vancouver in 1996, bringing the joy of Venezuelan Christmas traditions to Canadian latitudes. As a Director, Maria’s passion for community and culture will continue to inspire and strengthen the Venezuelan-Canadian community.
Director at Large | Vancouver, BC
Marialejandra Reyes
Marialejandra is a facilitator and coach with an engineering background, originally from Maturin, Venezuela. She is actively engaged in Canada’s nonprofit sector as a consultant, supporting organizations in strengthening organizational effectiveness, leadership development, and equity-centred capacity building. Her work focuses on initiatives supporting women and immigrant communities.
As a board member of the Venezuelan Canadian Society of BC, Marialejandra is committed to community building and creating inclusive spaces for cross-cultural dialogue that foster belonging. Outside of work, she enjoys visiting farmers’ markets, dancing, and baking Venezuelan treats, a passion she is known for in the community.