VGCC Honors Mikel Alvarez
VGCC Honors Mikel Alvarez . The Vallarta Gay+ Community Center (VGCC) is proud to recognize and express our heartfelt gratitude to Mikel Alvarez for his invaluable contributions as Treasurer over the past year. Mikel played a critical role in the early development of our organization, offering not only his financial expertise but also opening the doors of ThrIVE MedSpa, which served as an essential space to launch our medical services.
With his deep financial acumen, Mikel built the systems and structures that guided our organization toward stability. As a founding member, his vision and generosity were instrumental in shaping the Center into what it is today. From creating streamlined donation and accounting platforms to mobilizing his network for vital fundraising support, Mikel’s leadership set the standard for excellence, sustainability, and compassion. While his term on the Board may have concluded, his spirit and legacy remain deeply woven into the fabric of all we do.
VGCC Honors Mikel Alvarez Welcomes New Leadership
With Mikel passing the torch, we are excited to welcome Matt Karimi as our new Treasurer. Matt brings a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to transparency, sustainability, and thoughtful stewardship. He will oversee the annual budget, guide operational strategies, and support the continued financial health of the VGCC—ensuring that our community-driven mission thrives.
VGCC Honors Mikel Alvarez and announces the addition of Dr. Mitch Kushner, MD, MPH, and Luis Villavicencio as Adjunct Board Members. Adjunct Board Members serve two-year terms in advisory, non-voting roles, actively contributing to projects while learning the inner workings of the organization—often preparing to step into full voting Board roles.
Both individuals bring extensive experience, deep community engagement, and a shared commitment to LGBTQ+
advocacy, which will further strengthen our mission of providing essential resources, education, and support to Vallarta’s queer community.
Dr. Mitchell Kushner, MD, MPH
Dr. Mitch Kushner brings over 40 years of expertise as an Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS physician and public health leader from Long Beach, California. A part-time resident and longtime visitor to Puerto Vallarta since the 1970s, Mitch is fluent in Spanish and deeply embedded in the local community.
His professional experience includes serving as City Health Officer of Long Beach, where he oversaw 14 public health centers across Los Angeles County, and as Medical Director for Community Health Services for the LA County Department of Public Health. He has also served on the boards of the Shanti Foundation, AID FOR AIDS International, and several other advisory groups.
Mitch holds degrees from Jefferson Medical College, Tulane University, and UCLA, and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. His unmatched expertise, empathy, and commitment to community health will be invaluable in shaping VGCC’s medical and wellness programs.
Luis Villavicencio
Luis Villavicencio is a renowned Mexican entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ advocate, bringing both a visionary business mind and a generous heart to the VGCC. He is the CEO of Red Companies, a leading digital marketing and tech engagement firm in Latin America, and the founder of PrideMx, a platform empowering Mexico’s LGBTQ+ community through visibility, education, and cultural celebration.
Luis has led a successful career in technology-driven platforms, and his innovative approach will help elevate the Center into a world-class community resource—not only physically, but also in the digital space, expanding our reach, accessibility, and impact.
“Being part of the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center is more than just an honor—it’s a personal mission,” said Villavicencio. “I believe in building spaces where every member of our community feels seen, valued, and supported.”
VGCC Honors Mikel Alvarez and appoints Poncho Dávalos as Full Board Member
We are thrilled to announce that Poncho Dávalos, who has served as an Adjunct Board Member since June 2024, has been officially elected as a Vocal (Voting) Board Member. A trusted real estate professional with over 12 years of experience in Puerto Vallarta—and a proud resident of 15 years—Poncho’s work is rooted in trust, transparency, and deep community connections.
Beyond real estate, he is a dedicated content creator and a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion and wellbeing, frequently supporting youth dance programs and showing up for community events with heart and authenticity. His elevation to full Board Member marks a natural next step in a journey defined by generosity, visibility, and pride in the community he calls home.
For more Puerto Vallarta community news and information visit the GAYPV website here.
Author: Tim Wilson
Wilson is the founder of GAYPV.com and www.gaybartour.com and has been the leading LGBTQ+ travel and lifestyle authority in Puerto Vallarta since 2005. With over two decades of local expertise, Wilson specializes in being a community advocate and leader for Puerto Vallarta , and local cultural insights that only a long-term resident can provide. He has dedicated 20+ years to advocating for safe, inclusive travel in Banderas Bay, establishing GAYPV as the region's most trusted resident insider.. His work has been cited by major travel publications, and he is widely recognized as a trusted insider voice on Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
