The Valdosta Latino Association is a Georgia non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.
Our Board has adopted a formal Activities Plan, which includes two annual Festival events and projects in ESL (English as a Second Language) education and job training.
Our Board of Directors includes a variety of accomplished South Georgia residents who are active in education, business, and social services:
In Memory of - Founding President
ARTHUR MORIN, JD, MBA
Founder of BrandSouth Marketing
Arthur Morin was the Founding President of the Valdosta Latino Association and owned BrandSouth Marketing in Valdosta. Arthur was born in France and raised in the USA. He had attained degrees in History and Law from Columbia University in New York, and an MBA from INSEAD in France. His firm provided general marketing and advertising to regional and national clients. His passion for the Spanish language began living in New York, and living in Madrid, Spain for 15 years. He was well known in Lowndes, Brooks, and the surrounding counties as an outgoing, energetic, and compassionate entrepreneur who loved to connect people. We are immensely grateful to have known and worked with Arthur. In memory, you may view his obituary at: Arthur Morin, JD, MBA Obituary | Jul 10, 2023 | Quitman, GA
President
MIGUEL VICENTE
Library Director of South Georgia Regional Libraries
Miguel Vicente is the Library Director of the South Georgia Regional Library System. Miguel was born and raised in Cuba, and has lived in the United States since 1998. He has lived in Miami, New England, Athens, GA, and now South Georgia. Miguel has worked in the field of Library Science for 16 years, having previously worked as Spanish language teacher. He is the proud father of an active teenager. He is a leader in the community, having served as the President of the Valdosta Rotary Club. He also proudly represents home buyers and sellers as a Real Estate Agent with Georgia Florida Real Estate Services.
Secretary
MARIBEL TREJO
Manager at Trejo Management
Maribel Trejo was born into a family of migrant farm workers and has lived in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. She has a BA in Sociology from VSU and has a passion for education and families. Maribel worked as a Field Project Coordinator with Florida State University, specializing in community outreach to the migrant farm worker community in our area. Now, she serves as a manager at Trejo Management in Lake Park, Georgia. Maribel is married to Cody and is the mother of two active little girls.
Treasurer
LUKE VOIGT
Financial Advisor at The Investment Centre
Luke Voigt is a Financial Advisor with the Investment Centre at CBC Bank. He has a Bachelor of Business in Finance degree from VSU and an MBA from Mercer University. After taking 8 semesters of Spanish at Lowndes High and Valdosta State University, he's developed a love and fascination with Spanish language and culture. He seeks to contribute to the local business community through the VLA. He is married to Amber, and they have 3 children.
Additional Board Members
PASTOR JOSEPH MARTINEZ
Senior Pastor at Iglesia Ebenezer Church
Joseph Martinez “Pastor Joe” is an Ordained Minister at Universal Life Ministries and a graduate of Southern Theology Bible Institute. He is the Senior Pastor at Iglesia Ebenezer Church in Morven and has served the local community through various roles and organizations. His passion is ministering to people. He owned Sazon Event Catering of Valdosta, and in many cases he and his church either provide food at our events, or he works closely with local businesses to bring a taste of the Latino culture to the VLA. He is the proud father of three wonderful adult children, and grandfather of two.
MARY KING
Bilingual Career Specialist at Goodwill of the Southern Rivers, Inc.
Mary King is a Bilingual Career Specialist with Goodwill of the Southern Rivers, Inc. She has more than 20 years of experience and studied Marketing at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and Valdosta State University. Her passion is to help people with the resources they need for families, education, and career growth.
IVELISSE "IVY" TORRES HOWELL
Career Advisor at Southeast Non-Profit Housing
Ivelisse Torres Howell is a Career Advisor at Southeast Non-Profit Housing, a community service organization. Ivelisse has a BA in Psychology from Capella University, and an Associates’ Degree in Early Childhood Education. Ivelisse is a Certified Interpreter and Translator and her passion is helping people to progress and achieve their goals. Ivelisse is the mother of two accomplished young daughters.
FELIPE PACHECO
State Monitor Advocate at the Technical College System of Georgia
Felipe Pacheco monitors, reviews, and evaluates statewide delivery of employment services to migrant and seasonal farmworkers. He serves as a liaison to workforce partners and other interested external parties in matters related to federal regulations on the delivery of employment services to migrant and seasonal farmworkers. He networks with farmers, UGA extension offices, and NFJP Partner Agencies. He is also a board member of the Georgia Farmworker Health Program. Felipe has studied Banking and Finance at Wiregrass Technical College. He is the proud father of two daughters.
DORA HARDING
Physical Therapist & Realtor with REMAX Town & Country
Dora Harding is from Lima, Peru and grew up in Miami Florida. After making several inter-state moves, she, her husband and kids settled in Valdosta in 2015. She has served as a physical therapist for over 20 years and recently ventured into real estate. Whether you are moving from a different state or town, or upgrading or downsizing, she would love to help you find the right home. She is bilingual, fluent in English and Spanish, and has many years of community service volunteering for different causes. Most recently, she has served the Down Syndrome Association of South Georgia on its fundraising committee and organized the annual Buddy Walk® which is a national walk to raise awareness and promote inclusion for people with Down syndrome.