President – Luis E. Coronado, PH.D.
Luis E. Coronado Guel is the Director of SBS Mexico Initiatives. He holds a doctorate in Latin American History. He received a bachelor’s degree in law from the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí and a master’s degree in history from El Colegio de San Luis. His research interests include the cultural and intellectual history of nineteenth and twentieth century Mexico, specifically, its nation-state building processes by analyzing patriotic celebrations and public rituals. He is also interested in the history of mass media and technology’s development in Mexico as a result of 1910 Cultural Revolution. His first book, La Alameda Potosina ante la llegada del ferrocarril (2009, 2015) is an intellectual and cultural history on the impact the railway had in the region of San Luis Potosí. Coronado’s teaching experience includes a variety of survey, upper-level, and graduate courses in Mexico and the United States in the fields of history and law, both in English and Spanish.
Vice President – Kim Freidah, Ph.D
Kim Freidah retired from her work as a bilingual psychologist in the Sunnyside Unified School District in Summer 2022 and finds herself busier than ever with so many volunteer commitments and travel. In addition to serving as secretary of Tucson Mexico Sister Cities, Kim enjoys serving with Southside Presbyterian Church, Tucson Cyber Lions Club, Sonoran Spa HOA in Puerto Peñasco, and CEDO (Center for Study of the Desert and Ocean) in Puerto Peñasco.
A native of Sag Harbor, Long Island, she moved to Tucson in 1984 to begin her doctoral program at the University of Arizona School Psychology program. After four years as bilingual school psychologist with Sunnyside, she wanted more immersion in Latino cultures and took assignments in community development and higher education in Tamaulipas, Mexico and later Managua, Nicaragua. After 18 years abroad, Kim returned to Tucson and Sunnyside in 2010. She appreciates the strong connection with Mexico, where she has permanent residency, and travels to Puerto Peñasco or Ensenada whenever possible. Kim enjoys that her adult children and five grandchildren live in Tucson now. She loves to sing, play guitar, swim, kayak, laugh, and have fun.
Treasurer – Frank Valenzuela
Frank Valenzuela is a native Tucsonan, a graduate of the University of Phoenix. His career included 41 years in banking and 10 years as an executive director of a nonprofit. He has been involved with numerous boards throughout his career, including Pima County Industrial Development Authority, Southern Arizona Land Trust, El Rio Health Center and Patronato San Xavier.
Board Member – Donna Whitman
Donna Whitman is a native Tucsonan. She received her B.A. degree from the University of Arizona and her career consisted of 32 years as Director of Interpreter Services for the Arizona State Court System in Pima County and continues to work as her time permits as a freelance interpreter. Her Community and professional service were numerous as a member of the National Association of Judicial Interpreters and Translators and past president of the Arizona Court Interpreters Association, a board member of the Tucson Women’s Commission, and the Arizona Lung Association to name a few. She is also an advocate for shelter pets and enjoys her newly rescued pup Guapo. She has had the pleasure and honor of serving as past president and a current board member for 23 years of the Tucson Mexico Sister Cities Association. Donna is married to her husband Frank Valenzuela and has 2 sons Alejandro and Arturo Alcantara. Her hobbies include traveling, the beach, and giving back to her community.
Board Member – Jorge Valenzuela
Jorge Valenzuela graduated from Business Administration at the University of Sonora, Social Development at the University of Arizona, Leadership training at Harvard University, and a Masters in International Management at Thunderbird University. Jorge worked for 36 years in Save The Children and was forever close to his heart serving his community. .
Board Member – Patricia Benton
Board Member – Susan Casteloes
Board Member – Ricardo Castro-Salazar
Dr. Castro-Salazar is a distinguished international educator with award-winning contributions to academia. As the Program Manager for Faculty Professional Development at Pima Community College’s Teaching and Learning Center, he continues to inspire educators to reach new heights of excellence. Notably, he serves as the U.S. Fulbright Program Liaison for PCC’s District, solidifying his commitment to fostering global learning and promoting international cultural exchange. His journey of excellence spans several pivotal roles, including District-wide Vice President for International Development, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor, Division Dean, and Business Department Chair. As a passionate faculty member, he has imparted courses in the fields of International Business, Management, Political Science, International Relations, and History. Dr. Castro-Salazar holds advanced degrees from renowned institutions worldwide, including the University of Arizona, the University of Amsterdam, La Salle University (Mexico), and Durham University (England). His expertise extends across a diverse array of disciplines, such as Latin American Studies (MA), International Relations (MA), Educative Innovations (MA), and Intercultural Studies (Ed.D.). He is a fellow of Berkeley’s prestigious Executive Leadership Academy and a Certified Cultural Intelligence (CQ) Trainer from Chicago’s Cultural Intelligence Center. Outside of academia, Dr. Castro-Salazar is a dedicated advocate for community development, sitting on the boards of several organizations. Dr. Castro-Salazar impact on education, culture, and community inspires learners and educators to embrace the spirit of exploration, inclusivity, and global knowledge dissemination.
Board Member – Michelle Damon Panousopoulos
Michelle Damon Panousopoulos was raised in Nogales, Arizona, where she was immersed in the vibrant cultures and communities on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Her early involvement in cross-border cultural and community events shaped her passion for fostering connections between the two regions. Michelle earned a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from the University of Arizona, focusing on Greek and Roman history, art, literature, and architecture, with a minor in Modern Greek Language.
Michelle has a strong background in community service, having served on the board of Tucson Community School, a parent cooperative preschool. With seven years of active involvement, she contributed in various capacities, including as a fundraising member and ultimately as president. “I am deeply committed to promoting dialogue around the importance of diplomacy, economic exchanges, and philanthropy between Tucson and our sister cities in Mexico,” Michelle shares. “I look forward to meeting new people, learning about their cultures and professional experiences, and helping friends and family connect within my networks. I’m especially excited to share what I learn through TMSC with my children and nurture a deeper understanding and appreciation for their Mexican heritage