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Unlocking Potential,
One Child at a Time

Who we Are

80808080
Helping since

Who we are

Founded in April 2013, PEACE Punta de Mita is a non-profit organization located on the North Shore of Banderas Bay in Nayarit, created to serve the communities of Emiliano Zapata, Corral del Risco, and Higuera Blanca. Born from the passion and commitment of a small group of part-time residents, PEACE’s work continues to grow with the love and support of compassionate individuals, whose generous contributions make its initiatives possible.

MISSION

Empowering the communities of Punta de Mita by creating opportunities through high-quality educational programs that foster self-reliance, growth, and active participation.

Through innovative initiatives and a collaborative approach, PEACE aims to create lasting change, ensuring that individuals have the tools to succeed in today’s world. By promoting education as a cornerstone for social development, PEACE drives not only academic achievement but also strengthens community pride, resilience, and sustainability for future generations.

VISION

PEACE envisions a future where the communities of Punta de Mita thrive through accessible and transformative educational programs. By encouraging collaboration and strengthening individual potential, PEACE seeks to build a strong foundation for long-term growth, providing the tools and opportunities necessary for lifelong learning. With a focus on quality education, the organization aims to equip each member of the community with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a rapidly changing world, while fostering a shared sense of belonging and purpose.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Since joining PEACE in 2019, Frank has made invaluable contributions to the Campus Task Force and Financial Committee. A long-time visitor and resident with his wife, Holly, he brings 30 years of experience in family foundations and volunteer work in Ecuador. With a background in management and engineering in the oil and gas industry, Frank’s leadership extends to roles such as president of Las Marietas’ Vigilance Committee and active member of the Punta Mita Operations Committee, all aimed at improving educational opportunities for residents.

Roberto joined the PEACE Board in 2014, contributing to various committees. He has served on the Board of the American School in Guadalajara and is a founding member of the YPO/WPO Guadalajara Chapter. In the Punta de Mita area, he co-founded Fundación Punta de Mita and was president of the Vigilance Committee at Hacienda de Mita, Punta Mita Resort. Roberto’s leadership has played a key role in advancing local community initiatives.

Mandy, a Certified Public Accountant, is the former Chairperson and CEO of a major technology company in Canada, where she gained national recognition. With her husband and four children, Mandy has been deeply involved in international development for over 20 years, beginning with the construction of a school in Kenya. She later partnered with a microfinance charity to provide loans to underprivileged entrepreneurs, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to creating positive change.

Juli has a strong background in communications, both professionally and as a volunteer. She and her husband, Scott, are long-time visitors and part-time residents of Punta Mita Resort. Together, they founded and operated a non-profit in Denver providing meals and shelter to the homeless. Juli’s career includes media relations, legislative compliance, and co-founding eCollage.com. She has also volunteered extensively in her children’s schools and local charities. Scott is similarly active in the Punta Mita community.

Gordon is a seasoned finance executive and nonprofit leader with decades of board and governance experience in Canada and abroad. Committed to excellence and community impact, he brings strong financial stewardship and strategic vision to PEACE.

Alfredo has a distinguished career in luxury real estate, serving as the General Director of DINE Punta Mita. He is also a board member of the American School of Puerto Vallarta, which enables him to be a valuable asset to PEACE Punta de Mita, particularly in collaborating with local and state governments. With his extensive experience, Alfredo significantly contributes to one of PEACE’s core areas of service: education.

Juan Pablo (JP) Stone has been a lifelong resident of the Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit area and is the owner of Stone Contractors, a leading architectural and construction company known for building some of the most prestigious homes in Punta Mita Resort. Known for his honesty, integrity, and commitment to excellence, JP has long been a champion for charitable work in the region. He currently supports PEACE Punta de Mita by contributing his expertise, alongside his wife, Celeste, and their family, who reside in Nuevo Vallarta.

Born and raised in Guadalajara, Diego’s passion for the ocean stems from his extensive history in competitive water sports. A natural entrepreneur, he identified the growing need for professional property management in Punta Mita’s thriving market and founded Concierge@theBay in 2007. Together with his wife, he actively supports the community, creating quality jobs and fostering regional development while raising their beautiful family.

A respected and beloved member of Punta Mita community, Carl is a hospitality executive with global experience in luxury destinations, including Punta Mita, Mayakoba, and top brands such as St. Regis and Four Seasons. he is known for building strong teams, creating world–class events, and elevating brands through strategic leadership.

Frank HuttoFrank HuttoPEACE Punta de Mita Chairman of the Board of DirectorsRoberto Santa CruzRoberto Santa CruzTreasure and Finance CommitteeMandy ShapanskyMandy ShapanskyPEACE Punta de Mita Founding DonorJuli BullochJuli BullochSecretary and Communications CommitteeGordon RitchieGordon RitchieAlfredo Bonnin EralesAlfredo Bonnin EralesJuan Pablo StoneJuan Pablo StoneDiego Martínez NegreteDiego Martínez NegreteCarl EmbersonCarl Emberson

OUR TEAM

José Antonio Salgado

Executive Director

Omar Covarrubias

Finance Director

Paloma Bartz

Prepanet Coordinator

Elizabeth Villamil

Campeones & Campeones Jr. Coordinator

Rosalía de Jesús López

TI & Computer Teacher

Oscar Galván

STEM Tutor – Prepanet Program

Juan Carlos Cárdenaz González

Physical Education Tutor

Mercedes Rubio

English Teacher

Armando Gutierrez

English Teacher

Magdalena Arcadia

Academic Tutor – Prepanet Program

Emilen Arizpe

Operations Assistant

Lourdes “Lulú” López

Campeones Program – Kitchen

Joel Pelayo

Maintenance and Cleaning Supervisor

Rooted in community, growing together

Together, we make a difference. At PEACE Punta de Mita, we are united by a shared commitment to education, opportunity, and community growth. Every program, every class, and every story you have just read comes to life in a place where learning and belonging go hand in hand.

This is where our mission takes shape — in the heart of Punta de Mita — a space built to welcome, support, and inspire children, youth, and families. We invite you to find us, visit us, and become part of the community we build every day. Join us in making Punta de Mita thrive!



Creating Opportunities
Through Education

Address

Av. Soto y Gama #3,
Emiliano Zapata,
Punta de Mita, Nayarit, México.

Newsletter







CLICK ON! is a dynamic computer skills program designed for adults, equipping participants with essential digital knowledge to thrive in today’s world. Covering basic computer operations, Windows and Chrome OS, and practical tools like Google Workspace and office software, the program also includes lessons on web design without coding, online security, and using apps like WhatsApp. With flexible, hands-on classes, CLICK ON! empowers adults to enhance their personal and professional lives by building foundational tech skills and increasing digital literacy.

KEEP GOING is a transformative language program for adults (16 and older), emphasizing the role of English in unlocking new opportunities. Participants attend two 2-hour sessions per week, totaling four hours of instruction. Using the Cambridge teaching system, the program enhances communication skills, builds confidence, and empowers personal growth. More than just language learning, KEEP GOING fosters life skills and opens doors to new opportunities in both personal and professional areas.

SUPERA - INEA is a flexible educational initiative for individuals over 15, providing an opportunity to complete primary and secondary education. In collaboration with INEA, participants receive official SEP certificates. The program allows learners to progress at their own pace, offering four hours of classes weekly, with adaptable schedules to fit personal and professional commitments. By encouraging lifelong learning and development, SUPERA - INEA opens doors to personal growth and new opportunities for everyone.

CAMPEONES JR. is the next step in PEACE’s educational initiatives, designed for fifth- and sixth-grade students. Building on the success of CAMPEONES, this after-school program lays the foundation for English proficiency and academic growth. Through engaging, immersive classes, students gain practical language skills and cultural awareness. Our curriculum, aligned with Cambridge standards, fosters young learners' confidence and prepares them for future challenges. Classes are held twice a week, supported by healthy snacks, creating a vibrant, supportive environment for over 70 students across Punta de Mita and Higuera Blanca.

The CAMPEONES program is PEACE Punta de Mita’s flagship initiative and the most successful over the years. This transformative, high-performance program is designed for secondary school students, offering an enriching after-school experience that fosters personal and academic growth. With a focus on English, Computer Science, and Coaching, the program equips students with essential skills for their future, including bilingual proficiency, digital literacy, and leadership. Through educational, cultural, environmental, and community engagement activities, CAMPEONES inspires students to reach their full potential, become leaders, and positively impact their community.

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