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PEACE Punta de Mita students holding their artwork

Unlocking Potential,
One Child at a Time

Who we are

 

Helping since

PEACE Punta de Mita students smiling
PEACE Punta de Mita team in matching polos

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

Continuously enhance and improve educational quality, opportunities, and access for the communities of the greater Punta de Mita area.

Children's hands together symbolizing unity
Child exploring new perspectives through technology

Vision

A future where all students in the greater Punta de Mita area have access to and opportunities for high-quality educational programs, fostering self-reliance and self-sufficiency, and empowering them to reach their full potential.

Board of Directors

Frank Hutto

Chairman

Frank brings over 30 years of family foundation experience to his role as Chairman. With a background in management and engineering, he provides strategic leadership and governance oversight to ensure PEACE fulfills its educational mission in the Punta de Mita community.

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Staff

José Antonio Salgado Soto

Executive Director

Lawyer (UNAM) with a Master's in Education and Leadership from Florida Atlantic University. Over 30 years as a school principal and educator, including nonprofit coordination with Save the Children. Guides PEACE's daily operations and long-term strategic vision.

Paloma Bartz

Prepanet Coordinator, Prepanet del TEC de Monterrey & PEACE Alliance

Holds a degree in Educational Sciences. Coordinates the Prepanet alliance with TEC de Monterrey — managing academics, tutors, and student support to empower rural youth toward higher education. Focuses on innovative, student-centered initiatives for social change.

Elizabeth Villamil

Campeones Coordinator

Philosopher and educator from UNAM, leading the Campeones program since 2024. Experienced coordinating community, educational, and cultural projects across Mexico. Certified in human rights, cognitive-behavioral therapy, Reggio Emilia methodology, and community organizing. Also a writer and illustrator with exhibited artwork.

Rosalía de Jesús López

Computer Science & Information Technology

Engineer in Information and Communication Technologies (Hidalgo), specialized in Networks and Telecommunications. Holds master's degrees in Business Administration (Finance) and Education (Special Education). Joined PEACE in August 2025 as teacher and IT lead, certified in cybersecurity, cloud, and project management.

Karina Emilen Arizpe Sánchez

Operational Coordinator

From Hermosillo, Sonora, with over twenty years of administrative experience. Oversees daily operations, coordinates teams, and optimizes resources. Makes strategic decisions and strengthens administrative processes, contributing to organizational efficiency and sustained institutional growth.

Enrique Espino Soria

Psychologist & Socioemotional Tutor, Prepanet Alliance

Psychologist (UAEMex) specializing in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and Addiction Counseling. Supports the mental health of young people in Punta de Mita, Corral del Risco, and Higuera Blanca through Prepanet tutoring and psychoeducational workshops for Campeones and Campeones Jr.

Magdalena Arcadia

Spanish & Social Studies Tutor, Prepanet Alliance

Bachelor's in Educational Sciences and Master's in Educational Information Technology. Tutors Spanish Language and Social Studies in Prepanet, fostering self-directed learning, critical thinking, historical awareness, and communication skills so students recognize their potential and build confidence.

Óscar Galván

STEM Tutor, Prepanet Alliance

Chemical Engineer with a Master's in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and over 20 years of teaching experience across middle school, high school, and university. Supports Prepanet students in developing scientific, technological, and critical-thinking skills through curiosity-driven learning.

Juan Carlos Cárdenas González

Physical Education Tutor, Prepanet Alliance

From Tala, Jalisco. Bachelor's in Physical Culture and Sports, former national-level volleyball player. Five years teaching leadership, physical education, and volleyball. Leads the PEACE Volleyball Club and promotes movement among Prepanet students, aligned with PEACE's mission of community strengthening.

Riana Juliette O'konor

English Tutor, Prepanet Alliance

English teacher with a Ph.D. and Master's in International Relations and Diplomacy, plus a Bachelor's in Bilingual Letters. Dedicated and goal-driven, she creates inspiring lessons for Prepanet students. Her global travel cultivates deep appreciation for diversity and cross-cultural learning.

Melisa Rukiye Köprülü Hernández

English Tutor, Campeones & Keep Going!

Born in Canada with Mexican and Turkish heritage. English Teaching degree from UAA, where she served as student representative and joined Model United Nations. Teaches in Campeones and Keep Going!, emphasizing practical communication, critical thinking, and collaborative learning.

Mercedes Rubio

English Tutor, Campeones Jr.

Mercedes Rubio is a CENNI-certified English teacher with over 10 years of experience. Originally from Mexico City, she teaches in the Campeones Jr. program at PEACE Punta de Mita, creating engaging learning experiences. She believes English builds confidence, opens opportunities, and empowers students to achieve their full potential.

Armando Reyes Gutiérrez

English Tutor, Campeones Jr. & Keep Going!

Educator with ten years of international experience. Integrates a global perspective and innovative methodologies to foster critical thinking. Combines personalized teaching with social transformation, driving academic growth, empathy, and inclusion in the classroom.

Omar Covarrubias

Administrator

Accountant specialized in finance. Ensures PEACE's financial operations run smoothly and transparently, managing budgets, reporting, and administrative processes with precision.

Joel Pelayo Aldana

Cleaning & Maintenance Lead

From Corral del Risco, Joel completed secondary school through a PEACE program. Raised with the values of hard work and mutual support, he now ensures spotless, well-maintained spaces for the community as our Cleaning and Maintenance Lead.

Ma. Leticia Aguilar Calderón

Kitchen, Cleaning & Maintenance Assistant

Originally from Durango, she has lived in Punta de Mita for 48 years. Joined PEACE in early 2026, contributing across kitchen, maintenance, and cleaning. A valued team member who helps keep the facilities impeccable and fully functional daily.

Elia De La Cruz

Kitchen, Cleaning & Maintenance Assistant

Originally from Punta de Mita, Nayarit, she joined PEACE in early May 2026, where she assists in the kitchen, maintenance, and cleaning. She is a valuable member of the team who helps keep the facilities spotless and in perfect working order every day.

Join Our Mission

Together, we can empower more individuals and families through education. Your support makes a lasting difference.