ES 
FR 
EN 
Welcome to the heart of our museum, where passion and purpose meet, and dedication fuels our mission. Our diverse team is united by a shared commitment to preserving and celebrating our rich cultural heritage through every exhibit, event, and initiative of the Canadian Hispanic-Latin American Virtual Museum. We invite you to learn the faces and stories behind our museum's endeavours as we bridge cultures, foster understanding, and illuminate the vibrant tapestry of Canada's Hispanic-Latin American experience. Join us on this journey as we shape the narrative of our collective history.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Elvira Sanchez De Malicki
President and chief executive officer
Elvira is the founder of CHLAVM and the Canadian Hispanic Congress. A recognized leader of the Hispanic-Latin American community in Canada. She is a pioneer in the creation of Spanish-language programs on Canadian television. With over 20 years of experience in award-winning television and cultural productions, she has made a significant impact on the media and cultural landscape.
Eldy Ampuero
General secretary
With over 20 years of experience in philanthropy and community organizing, Eldy is a trilingual leader committed to equity and gender parity. She has led major Hispanic-Latin American organizations in Canada and is an active participant on various boards of directors.
Dr. Rosario Gomez
Treasurer
Dra. Rosario Gómez is a linguist, author, and university professor with extensive experience in academic leadership. She actively promotes Hispanic-Latin American studies in Canada and serves on various educational and cultural boards.
Monique Forster
Director
Monique is an educator, activist, and leader with a solid background in education, governance, and social integration. She currently serves as president of the Hispanic Canadian Congress and sits on various community and faith-based boards.
TECHNICAL TEAM
Carlos Paz Soldan
Senior Technology Advisor
Carlos is a technology entrepreneur and advisor with decades of international experience in IT, innovation, and mentorship. He has supported Hispanic-Latin American professionals in Canada’s tech sector through leadership and community-building initiatives.
Keram Malicki Sanchez
Lead Immersive Experience Designer
Keram is a multidisciplinary creator and innovator in extended reality (XR), with over 30 years of experience in media, acting, and digital design. Through his company, Constant Change Media Group, he leads the development of CHLAVM’s immersive platform
Alexander Erazo
IT Manager, Web Developer
Alexander Erazo is an IT manager and full-stack web developer with 20 years of experience delivering secure, accessible digital solutions. He is leading the development and ongoing improvement of the CHLAVM’s 2D website.
Oswaldo Quiroz
Media Director
With a track record of over 1,000 hours of audiovisual production, Oswaldo “Ozzy” leads initiatives through LATINX NATION to support Hispanic-Latin American youth entering the creative industries.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT
Zulima Wesso
Project Manager
Zulima is an architect by training and an experienced project manager with a strong track record delivering cultural and creative initiatives. She successfully led CHLAVM’s “Ceremonial Heritage Costumes” project on time and on budget, exceeding expectations.
Raquel Victoria Benítez Rojas
Strategic Advisor – Academic Engagement & Student Collaboration
Dr. Raquel Benítez Rojas is an award-winning entertainment executive and academic leader with an international career spanning film, television, digital media, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and the metaverse. With over 20 years of experience developing media content and academic programs across Canada, the United States, Europe, and Latin America, her work bridges creativity, research, and innovation at the intersection of art and technology.
CURATORS
Dr. Jorge Filmus
Science
Dr. Filmus is an internationally renowned cancer researcher and professor, celebrated for groundbreaking discoveries in molecular biology. As CHLAVM’s Science Curator, his work connects science with the public and highlights the valuable contributions of Hispanic and Latin American scientists in Canada.
More Details→
Silvia Alfaro
Authors and Books
Silvia is an architect, cultural manager, and literary promoter with over two decades of experience amplifying Hispanic-Latin American voices in Canada. As CHLAVM’s Curator of Authors & Books, she promotes literary heritage through cultural programming, events, and accessible, inclusive digital curation.
Carlos Aranha
Visual Arts
Carlos is an internationally renowned Canadian-Ecuadorian contemporary artist. As Art Curator at CHLAVM, he brings a unique artistic vision, rooted in a decades-long career, that connects cultures and media through painting, organic sculpture, and environmental installations.
Marcela Aranda
Folklore
Marcela is a committed advocate for Latin American folklore and cultural representation in Canada. As CHLAVM’s Curator of Folklore, she promotes Hispanic-Latin American traditional expressions through digital storytelling, community engagement, and intergenerational connection.
Giovanni Ruiz
Musical Instruments
Giovanni is an internationally acclaimed flautist and expert on Latin American traditional instruments. At CHLAVM, he serves as Curator of Musical Instruments, leading efforts to preserve, interpret, and digitally present the region’s rich sonic heritage, connecting musical traditions to contemporary audiences.
Carla Cassanova
Music
Carla is a multidisciplinary artist, singer, and composer whose work merges cultural roots, artistic versatility, and community impact. With a profound connection to sound traditions and a unique ability to blend genres and styles, her work explores how music can bridge cultures.
STRATEGY, COMMUNICATIONS & ADVISORY
Francisco Berrio
Strategic planning advisor
Francisco is an architect and strategic planning expert with broad experience in public infrastructure and institutional development. He led the design of CHLAVM’s strategic plan, which provides a solid framework for the museum’s growth and sustainability.
Fatima Witt
Marketing and social media lead
Fátima is a multilingual marketing strategist and digital entrepreneur with a background in international business and communication. At CHLAVM, she leads the museum’s marketing and social media strategies across platforms, creating content aligned with institutional goals to grow its digital presence and connect with diverse audiences.
Gabriela Teran
Communications coordinator
With over 10 years of experience in institutional messaging, media relations, and outreach, Gabriela leads CHLAVM’s communication strategies. Her focus is on building strategic alliances across Canada to expand the museum’s national reach and impact.
Dr. Alfredo Tinajero
Research and development consultant
Dr. Alfredo Tinajero is a specialist in human development and social impact, with extensive experience in research, policy, and public engagement. He has collaborated with international organizations, universities, and major cultural initiatives.
Gilda Pontbriand
Arts advisor
Gilda Pontbriand is a Mexican-born visual artist based in Ottawa, internationally recognized for her artistic excellence and longstanding commitment to community service. Her work bridges visual arts, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy, making her a valuable advisor to CHLAVM’s artistic and outreach initiatives.
Marek Malicki
Legal Advisor
Mr. Malicki is a founding member of CHLAVM and a lawyer with over 50 years of experience. Renowned for his legal career and volunteer work, he is widely respected for his leadership and service in the Polish and Hispanic-Latin American communities.
Elias Morales
Senior Community & Historical Advisor – Migration, Settlement & Integration
Elias Morales is a long-standing community leader and minister with decades of experience supporting refugees and immigrants in Canada. His work has focused on migration, settlement, social integration, and civic participation, particularly within Hispanic-Latin American communities