Welcome to the profiles of people and personalities in Puerto Vallarta, who through business, charity, health, and cultural talents, have made Puerto Vallarta an even more special place to visit and live. If you know of anyone that you believe has made a difference or in some way adds to the charm and diversity of this area, please email us and let us know.
Painting with Scissors: Collage artist Maxie Sutton Perez recalls being interested in art and painting since she learned how to hold a pencil in her hand.
Sculpting with Sand: Every day, José Luis González goes to the beach by the Malecon to work on his sand sculptures, as he has done every year since the winter of 2005, when he first visited Puerto Vallarta during a trip with a friend.
It’s All About People: Alper Oztok: One could easily imagine that being an extrovert would be one of the requirements to be the general manager at the region’s most important luxury resort.
Youth Who Governs: Salvador González Reséndiz: Puerto Vallarta’s Mayor-Elect Salvador González Reséndiz is just 28 years old, born in Puerto Vallarta on March 26, 1981.
Passionate About (and by) Nature: Keith May: When Keith May visited Puerto Vallarta for the first time eight years ago, he had already been involved with gray whales for 14 years as a volunteer at San Diego’s aquarium.
Serving Tourism 365 Days a Year: Enrique Tovar: No matter whether it’s a weekend or holiday, Puerto Vallarta’s Tourism Department, headed by Enrique Tovar, is always open.
Committed to the Future of Vallarta’s Youth: Art Fumerton: Originally from Canada, Art Fumerton was enchanted with our city during his first visit in 1970, and when Vallarta called him again in 1994, he said goodbye to a 15-year career in “corporate America,” loaded up the Bronco and headed south with his wife, Mayra.
Debbi Egan: For the Love of Children: A one-day stop in Vallarta while cruising with her family 22 years ago touched Debbi Egan’s soul.
Most Enduring Art Instructor at the Cuale Cultural Center: Ireri Topete: Ireri Topete began teaching at the Cuale Cultural Center in 1992, fulfilling the social service requirement for her education.
Kerri Rivera: Finding Light at the End of the Tunnel: Like a kite, Kerri Rivera rose against the wind rather than with it when, after a frustrating slew of hits and misses, her youngest son, Patrick, was diagnosed with autism six years ago.
Sylvie Laitre: This native of Quebec, Canada, planned to learn Spanish to complement her French and English before beginning post-graduate studies. Laitre is currently the director of the extremely successful
Mexico Boutique Hotels. Over the past seven years, she has increased this collection of premium properties from 28 to the current 47.
Carlos & Mariel Fregoso: Natives of Mexico City, Carlos and Mariel Fregoso moved to Puerto Vallarta in 1992, charmed by the warmth of its people and the beauty of that small town of long ago.
Sidney Lecther and Enrique Cremaschi: Sidney Lecther and Enrique Cremaschi were born in different countries and had diverse professional backgrounds, but fate and the shared passion for excellent pizza brought them together in a Buenos Aires pizzeria in 1995.
Tracie Willis: Sometimes adversity brings out the best in people. Take Tracie Willis, for example. Some 18 years ago, she found herself at a crossroads with only $1,000 USD in her pocket, wondering whether to leave nearby Sayulita and return to her homeland, or purchase a freezer.
Jorge Acosta: Every day, singer Jorge Acosta goes table to table, flashing his marvelous smile as he offers his services: singing from the heart and showing his pride in Mexican music.
