Trish Gergich, Chair
I joined the Board in May of 2019. I have 17 years of experience as a professional fundraiser, raising funds for education, mental health, community healthcare and hospice. I have a degree in International Development and a passion to help those living in developing countries, especially in South and Central America. I volunteered in Peru many years ago, helping children who were orphaned, neglected or abused. The experience left an imprint on my heart. I feel fortunate that my volunteer role with Heart-Links gives me the chance to connect again with the people of Peru right here in London, Ontario.
Rebecca Cuthbert, Vice-Chair
I joined the Heart-Links board in 2020 after completing my MA in Peace and Conflict Studies. I was drawn to Heart-Links’ mission of building cross-cultural relationships, which is why I chose to sit on Heart-Links’ Solidarity Trip Committee. I bring to this role on-the-ground experience with peace-work organizations in Bosnia and Guatemala. I currently reside in Kelowna, BC, where I am completing a PhD.
Michael Loebach, Treasurer
Michael joined the board of Heart-Links in June 2024, and has now become treasurer. He is a semi retired immigration and refugee lawyer from London Ontario. He and his office handled many refugee claims from Latin American countries among others. Michael is functional in Spanish, and has long been active in community work, more so after going into semi retirementin 2022. Among others he has board experience with Canadian Crossroads International, World University Service (WUSC) and London Cross Cultural Learner Centre.
Michael went on a Heart-Links solidarity trip in 2003 and has extensive travel experience with
Latin American countries, including Colombia, Mexico, El Salvador and Guatemala and others,
usually on experiential programs. He has kept involved with Heart-links for many years. He has
been and still is a member of the Finance committee and Fundraising committee, and as an
organizer of Share The Love and Annual General Meeting events.
Owen Qu, Secretary
Adriana Aranguren
Laura Barrington
As a past participant of a solidarity trip to Peru in 2006, I am absolutely thrilled to reconnect with Heart-Links and join the Board! I have spent the bulk of my career working in leadership in the private sector, across multiple industries, shaping strategy, culture and revenue. I am eager to transfer my skillset to the NGO space to support Heart-Links’ mission. I am a Brescia University College graduate with a double major in Sociology and International Development Studies. I am drawn back to Heart-Links because of the grass roots origins of the organization and their goal of empowerment for marginalized communities in Peru. I have a passion for travel and languages and have traveled the globe extensively, often in an experiential or volunteer capacity.
Jaime Brenes Reyes
I was born in Nicaragua and have been living in Canada for half my life. I am committed to raising awareness about social justice issues in the Global North and South, bridging partnerships, connecting people, and exercising the power of listening to others. I have been active in the London community as former president of the Teaching Assistant and Postdoctoral Fellows at Western University, co-founder of the London chapter of Rhythms of Resistance, member of No One is Illegal, and have been invited to public speaking for events and campaigns such as Refugees are Welcome. Always eager to learn, I get excited by the lure of a cup of coffee to talk with people!
Cecilia Inguanse
I have three decades of experience working with vulnerable communities in urban and rural areas in both Peru and Canada. As a case worker at My Sister’s Place, I have dedicated 17 years to community mental health, in particular among women facing abuse and trauma. One of the passions I share with Heart-Links is the desire to help Peruvian communities along the road to an improved quality of life by supporting their empowerment through education and training, starting with the recognition of their own strengths and potential. I have served on the Heart-Links board since 2016.
Ruth Taylor
After eight years as Heart-Links’ staff person, I am honoured to join the board of directors and contribute to Heart-Links’ mission from a different angle. In addition to my extensive knowledge of the organization, I bring several decades of experience working in international solidarity and communications, including ten years as a journalist in Guatemala. To me, Heart-Links is about bringing people of different experiences and realities together–people in Canada with people in Peru–to learn from each other, to build community and to create a more just world. For such a small organization, its impact is huge. Of course I want to be part of it.
Daniella Quinones (staff)
I am the incoming Executive Director, and I am excited to continue our collective mission at Heart-Links. Previously, I served as Executive Director of a nonprofit supporting the Latin community in London, Ontario, where I organized major events and established a community center. I am a Brescia University Graduate from Leadership Studies, where I honed my core competencies that I bring to all the work that I do. I am inspired by the work of the dedicated volunteers and board of Heart Links, and I am eager to support Peruvian communities alongside them. Joining Heart Links and being entrusted with this role is a thrilling opportunity to continue supporting community and global solidarity.