Board of Directors 2026-2027
Mex Y Can is governed by a volunteer-driven Board of Directors
elected every two years by voting members of the Association.
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The Board of Directors is empowered, through the bylaws of Mex Y Can,
to act on behalf of members to carry out the goals of the Association.
Aline Tezcucano
President
Aline Tezcucano, is a Biochemical Engineer, graduated from the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (Mexico). She holds postgraduate degrees from the University of Birmingham (UK) and McGill University (Canada).
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Since 2009, Aline has been a Board member and one of the co-leads for the Mexican Pavilion at Folklorama.
With over 19 years of experience in food safety and food processing, she works at Manitoba Agriculture. She is also a licensed Insurance Agent and Segregated Funds Representative.
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Aline is inducted into the Personalities Wall at the Manitoba Museum and has been recognized as one of the 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians by TLN (Univision Canada). She is a co-author of the book Women Without Limits.
Adriana Zagrodnik
Past President
Adriana Zagrodnik, born in Guadalajara, Mexico. An accountant who graduated from the University of Guadalajara, she made Manitoba her home in 1997.
One of the founders of Mex Y Can, Adriana has extensive experience coordinating the Mexican Pavilion at Folklorama and has held various positions on the Mex Y Can Board of Directors.
Volunteering is her passion, as she finds joy in helping others.
Daniel Ortiz
Treasurer
Daniel Ortiz is originally from the city of Mérida, Mexico, and is a dedicated professional with a strong academic background in law. He is known for his commitment, adaptability, and passion for personal and professional growth.
Since arriving in Winnipeg, has become actively involved in the local community through volunteer work. He has supported different organizations and community activities, contributing his time and skills to help others. His involvement reflects his strong sense of responsibility and community spirit.
Has found in Canada an exceptional place to grow, contribute, and build a better future. Winnipeg has given him the opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. He is proud to be part of a community that values cooperation, respect, and opportunity.
Karen Isiordia
Member-At-Large
Residing in Canada for 6 years, Karen holds a degree in Economics. Her passion for immigration issues is deeply rooted, evident from her previous role in Immigration in Mexico.
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Karen has valuable insights into how different cultures adapt to new models of life.
She has actively volunteered to help immigrants, contributing to the development of recreation programs.
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Returning as a Board Member! Her leadership in our cultural programming is outstanding.
Manuel Palacios
Public Relations Officer
Born in Xalapa, México, and having lived in Monterrey for a decade before calling Winnipeg home, Manuel Palacios works as an Employment Counsellor at the North End Community Renewal Corporation in Winnipeg, where he supports individuals with career development, and access to community resources.
He is pursuing a Master's degree in Business Administration at Tecnológico de Monterrey, a certification in Global Business Maximization through a joint program between Audencia Business School (France) and Boston University (USA), and holds an International Certification in Executive and Team Coaching.
His work combines human resources, community engagement, and international business strategy, all centered on helping people grow personally and professionally.​
Luis Angel Castro
Member-At-Large
Dr. Luis Angel Castro is a Canadian board-certified Family Medicine physician with enhanced training in obstetrics.
His practice includes general family medicine, emergency medicine, and obstetrical care, providing services across Manitoba.
Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, he is committed to bridging cultural and systemic gaps to support newcomers navigating the Canadian healthcare system, with a holistic and preventative approach to care.
Laura Gómez
Member-At-Large
Laura Gomez, originally from southern Mexico, she has a strong background in law and public service at the Mexican Justice System, dedicating years to equality and community-focused initiatives.
Drawn by new opportunities and inspired by Canada’s quality of life, she relocated to Manitoba, where she is expanding her expertise through business management studies.
Eager to connect with her new community, she actively volunteers and participates in cultural programs, embracing the diversity around her while proudly celebrating and sharing her Mexican heritage.
Ryan Punton
Member-At-Large
Ryan Punton, born in rural Manitoba and raised in Winnipeg. At 19, a trip to Mexico inspired him to move to Zihuatanejo, where he worked in hospitality and education, managing a nightclub and a Japanese restaurant.
He fell in love with the culture and his future wife. In the early 2000s, Ryan returned to Winnipeg to raise their two children. His family has been involved with the Mexican Pavilion since its first year.
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A Civil Engineering Technology graduate from Red River College, Ryan now runs the family construction company. Fluent in Spanish and passionate about Mexico, he is a natural fit for Mex Y Can.
Ismael Vera
Member-At-Large
Originally from Mexico City with strong ties to Querétaro, he has lived in Manitoba since 2021. Ismael holds a B.Com and has over 15 years of experience specializing in strategic alliances between Mexico and Canada.
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He is currently a Purchasing and Logistics Manager in Agrobusiness, a member of the ANAC Supply Chain Committee, and founder of The North Supply.
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His goal is to leverage his professional networking skills to represent our culture and support the Mexican community's growth in Manitoba. Culinary enthusiast who enjoys wine and carne asada. Loves spending time outdoors with his family, camping, paddle boarding, and cycling year-round.