Our Mission

To empower youth and their families by promoting well-being through Culture, Support Groups and Sports in Vaughan and its surroundings.

 

Our Vision

A vibrant and inclusive community where Fuerza Latina is a leading provider of services for youth and their families in Vaughan. 

 

Fuerza Latina is governed by elected directors who set the strategic direction for the organization and a skilled, experienced leadership team that oversees Fuerza Latina operations. Activities and decisions of the Board of Directors are guided by the Fuerza Latina's By-laws, Guidelines and Terms of Reference.

Our Journey

The idea was born out of a desire to provide youth with constructive, alternative programs to direct them away from harmful behavior and encourage other youth to embrace a second chance.

Since 2003, the desire becomes a reality as youth from the community gather together as a group, regardless of ethnicity or culture, to learn the value of teamwork, interpersonal relationships and community.

What We Believe In

  • We believe our work makes a difference!
  • We provide a safe and supportive environment.
  • We believe in respect for the environment.
  • We recognize the potential in everyone.
  • We believe in respect for others, inclusion, anti-racism, equity, honouring the diversity of race/colour, religion/creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, or economic background.
  • We value, respect and treat everyone as we would like to be treated.
  • We care about each individual, and we want them to do well. 

Be a Sponsor

Partner with us!

We offer multiple sponsorship opportunities and are happy to brainstorm new ones.

Be a Volunteer

Join our planning or operation teams to make all our programs come to life.

There are Multiple opportunities  available! 

Our Founders and Board Members

Gina Balseca-Aguirre

Gina Balseca-Aguirre

Founder & CEO

Gina Balseca-Aguirre is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fuerza Latina Community Services since 2018. Gina has committed her life to this organization; tirelessly given her time and resources as the Founder and President of Fuerza Latina, volunteering since 2003. Gina has a Human Resources Management Honours Diploma, Accounting Diploma, Microcomputers Honours Certificate. A goal-driven leader with extensive experience in strategy and governance, Gina has focused her efforts on advocating for the Latino community, developing people-centric affordable and free programs and events that maximize a client’s experience. Gina is the Founder of the Vaughan Latin Festival since 2015, Founder of the Latin American-Hispanic Flag Ceremony & Parade since 2016, Founder and Producer of the Latin Excellence Awards, and Founder, Producer, Host of the GoLive TV Show: Adelante con Gina Balseca. Her goal is to continue serving our community with the highest level of integrity, dedication and respect. Gina has received distinguished recognitions; Federal Government Volunteer Appreciation Awards, Certificate of Recognition from the Consulate of Ecuador, Canadian Hispanic Congress Certificate of Recognition, City of Vaughan Volunteer of the Year Award

Jason Szymanski

Jason Szymanski

Co-Founder and President

Jason Szymanski is the Co-Founder and President of Fuerza Latina Community Services since 2018 and the Co-Founder and Vice President of Fuerza Latina Community Services since 2003. An active volunteer in his personal life, He strongly believes in engaging volunteers in meaningful opportunities that resonate for them and create lasting social impact in multiple areas. Jason has an Honours Diplomas as a Web Technologist Specialist and extensive experience in IT, Compliance, Policies and Procedures, Management. He has been leading the organization's performance and growth, and our achievements would not have been possible without his support at the helm. Jason is the Co-Founder of the Vaughan Latin Festival since 2015, Co-Founder of the Latin American-Hispanic Ceremony & Parade since 2016. He received the City of Vaughan Volunteer of the Year Award and Federal and Provincial Government Recognition and Volunteer Appreciation Awards.

Bruno Braga

Bruno Braga

Vice President

Bruno Braga became a Board Member of Fuerza Latina Community Services in 2006; as Treasurer for 11 years and Vice President since 2018. Bruno is a Chartered Professional Accountant with extensive experience in accounting in the corporate and not-for-profit sector. He has always been passionate about volunteering and understands the value of giving back to ones’ community. Bruno is diligent and committed, making him an invaluable contributor to the success of Fuerza Latina. He is undoubtedly setting an excellent example for the next generation. The City of Vaughan Volunteer of the Year Award and Federal and Provincial Government Recognition and Volunteer Appreciation Awards have recognised Bruno, for his outstanding work.

Sgt. Johnny Campuzano

Sgt. Johnny Campuzano

Treasurer

Sgt. Johnny Campuzano became a Board Member of Fuerza Latina Community Services in 2006 and served in the Police force for 19 years. He understands the challenges facing people from multiple perspectives and the importance of the non-profit sector in building strong and resilient communities. Our achievements would not have been possible without his support. Sgt. Campuzano received numerous recognitions, including the City of Vaughan Volunteer of the Year Award, Federal and Provincial Government Recognitions, along with Volunteer Appreciation Awards, plus Canada’s Ten Most Influential Hispanic Canadians Award in 2008.

Mario Ferri

Mario Ferri

Honorary Chair

Mario Ferri is the Honorary Chair of Fuerza Latina Community Services since 2008. He has a Master of Environmental Studies Degree and has served over 22 years as an elected official in the City of Vaughan. Before serving in public office, Mario assisted underprivileged children, youth, seniors and families through educational and recreational and social programs as the Executive Director of non-profit agencies. His support has been practical to lend credibility to our organization.

Rosaria Bondi

Rosaria Bondi

Secretary (Maternity Leave)

Rosaria Bondi became a Board Member of Fuerza Latina Community Services in 2013. She has a diploma in Office Administration, a CMAP Certificate, in addition to her substantial experience in Administration, Governance Policies, Programming, Arts and Culture. Her day-to-day support and creative ideas have been instrumental in the success of our organization. Rosaria has received the City of Vaughan Volunteer of the Year Award, Federal and Provincial Government Recognitions, and Volunteer Appreciation Awards.

Ileana Alvarado

Ileana Alvarado

Director

Ileana Alvarado became a Board Member of Fuerza Latina Community Services in 2019. She is a professional with substantial experience in Compliance, Board Policies and Procedures, and she brings her skills to benefit our community and the organization significantly. Ileana is glad to be part of its journey to provide and promote meaningful volunteer opportunities that translate into healthier communities for everyone.

Anamaria Bran

Anamaria Bran

Director

Anamaria Bran became a Board member of Fuerza Latina Community Services in 2020. She is an innovative, creative professional, has a passion for numbers, is a results-driven analyst, economist, and project consultant. She brings expertise and significant value to our organization. Anamaria has been an avid volunteer for the Romanian Red Cross and other organizations. She is very impressed with what Fuerza Latina is doing in Vaughan, and her goal is to serve our community with the highest level of integrity, dedication, creativity and respect.

 

 

Irma Poorrashidi

Irma Poorrashidi

Secretary

Irma Poorrashidi became a Board member of Fuerza Latina Community Services in 2023. Her journey towards community engagement began with extensive volunteer work in women's shelters. Irma also serves as a peer tutor, providing guidance and mentorship to students at the university, college, and high school levels. Currently, Irma is pursuing a J.D in law school, where she is expanding her understanding of justice and equity. Her specialization in compliance and anti-money laundering underscores her dedication to upholding ethical standards and preventing financial crime. Her diverse background and strong educational foundation make her a valuable asset to the board, promising impactful contributions for positive community change.

Previous Board Members

Meet The Team

Gina Balseca

Gina Balseca

Founder & CEO

Daniela Zepeda

Daniela Zepeda

Marketing Coordinator

Joselyn Palacios

Joselyn Palacios

Program Coordinator

What people say about us

Excellent non profit organization

Carla Dominguez

an amazing community centre dedicated to helping the Latin American population in Vaughan and the rest of the GTA. I love their unique programs such as the employment workshops, monthly breakfast program at 9Baci, their Adelante live TV show, their annual Vaughan Latin Fest in July, and the Fuerza Latina Gala in October. It is amazing how even local MPs and politicians are connected to this organization 

Darlene

Es una excelente organización comunitaria con apoyo de gran valor para las familias

Janeth Hernandez