Unlocking Potential,
One Child at a Time
Who we Are
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.
Roberto Santa CruzTreasure and Finance Committee
Mandy ShapanskyPEACE Punta de Mita Founding Donor
Juli BullochSecretary and Communications Committee
Alfredo Bonnin Erales
Juan Pablo StoneOUR TEAM
José Antonio Salgado
Omar Covarrubias
Paloma Bartz
Elizabeth Villamil
Rosalía de Jesús López
Enrique Espino Soria
Oscar Galván
Riana Juliette O’Konor
Juan Carlos Cárdenaz González
Mercedes Rubio
Melisa Rukiye Köprülü Hernández
Armando Gutierrez
Magdalena Arcadia
Emilen Arizpe
Lourdes “Lulú” López
Joel Pelayo
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!
