Meet Our Team!
Dive into the lively world of Associação Cultural do Minho! Get to know our directors, the driving force blending tradition with leadership. Check out their bios, explore the unique stories shaping our cultural journey, and join us on a fun tour of passion, commitment, and the vibrant spirit of Minho!
President
Judite Lopes
Judite was born in Ponte da Barca, she is passionate about folklore and Portuguese traditions. Judite has been a senior accounting officer at Scotiabank for 34 years. She has been a part of ACMT for over 15 years and often sings with our choral group. She is also a grandmother of 3 granddaughters. In 2011, Judite was the first female president of ACMT and is excited to be apart of this board.
Vice President
Antonio Barbosa
Details coming soon...
Treasurer
Paulo Pereira
Paulo is a public accountant with a master's degree in Finance from Nova School of Business and Economics of Lisbon and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto. Paulo has been a member of ACMT since birth and is excited for the next chapter in his relationship with the organization.
Vice Treasurer
Joshua De Jesus
Joshua is a dedicated high school mathematics teacher at a local private school and an alumnus of the University of Toronto, where he earned an Honours Bachelor of Science in mathematics and philosophy. He is currently advancing his education by working towards a Master of Science of Education degree at Niagara University, located in Lewiston, New York. Committed to his role, Joshua is enthusiastic about continuing to serve the board and our sócios, aiming to exemplify and celebrate the rich Portuguese culture he cherishes.
Secretary
Nicole Figueiredo
Nicole graduated from Humber College and is currently a Fulfillment Supervisor at Scotiabank. From Nazare, Ribatejo, to Minho, dancing has been apart of Nicole's life since she was 12 years old. She is excited be apart of ACMTs board!
Vice Secretary
Beatriz Cardante
Beatriz was born in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. Immigrated to Canada at a young age and chose to continue her Portuguese roots at ACMT at 13 years old. She currently has her own small business as licensed nail technician doing what she loves. Beatriz is very excited to continue our Portuguese traditions as Vice secretary.
Vice Secretary
Melanie Goncalves
Melanie graduated from Ryerson University and has progressed from working in corporate companies to now working for a start-up company, Melanie is diving into her entrepreneurial passion. She has also danced rancho since she was 2 and continues to be a part of this Portuguese community.
Public Relations
Tania Angeira
Tania graduated from the Univeristy of Ontario with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and is a Registered Nurse. She works part time as a receptionist at a Real Estate Company and is working towards her nursing career. Tania is also the ensaiadora for ACMTs adult and youth rancho. She is very excited to be continuing the Portuguese traditions.
Public Relations
Marcos Pires
Marcos was born in Leiria, Portugal where he started dancing for the Rancho Folclorico de Pedreiras at 8 years old. Since immigrating to Canada, he has wanted to stay in touch with his heritage, and has since joined ACMTs rancho and bombos. He currently works for Valença Imports and is very excited to be a part of ACMT.
Director of Communications
Monica Goncalves
Monica Goncalves is a student of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto. She has been a volunteer with ACMT her whole life and has danced rancho ever since she could walk. She is excited and passionate to be involved in the Portuguese community to help preserve the tradition and culture.
Director
Anthony Guimaraes
Anthony is a finish carpenter who recently founded his own business, Red River Trim Carpentry. Anthony has been an active concertina player for many years, ACMT has been a part of his life since a very young age, and he is very excited to help continue all the success this club has had.
Director
Michelle Alves
Michelle is a biology student at McMaster University who is very proud of her Portuguese heritage. In 2024, Michelle will be endeavouring a new chapter in her academic journey, travelling to New Zealand for her final semester. She started dancing rancho at ACMT when she was 3 years old and has always been involved in the Portuguese community.
Director
Ethan Carrasqueiro
Ethan is a skilled full time bricklayer who has been playing soccer since he was 4 years old. He even played for Gil Vicente in Portugal. He is a dedicated dancer in our rancho and drum player in our Bombos. As a director on our board, he is deeply committed to our Association and takes great pride in his Portuguese heritage.
Director
Annabel Fernandes
Annabel graduated from George Brown college as an Early Childhood Educator.
Currently, she is a Program Supervisor at a childcare centre. Dancing rancho has always been a passion of hers and she demonstrates this through her dedication as ensaiadora of the adult rancho. Annabel is determined to continue pursuing this passion to help preserve her Portuguese traditions.
Director
Alex Leal
Alex is a student at Toronto Metropolitan University studying business and is currently working part-time at Sportchek. Alex has been apart of ACMT since birth and remains involved in the rancho and bombos group. He is very passionate about being involved in the community and is always willing to lend a helping hand.
Director
Lisa Lopes
Lisa Lopes is a high school student in grade 12, graduating this year. She is the eldest of three sisters and is pursuing life sciences and biology in post-secondary education. Lisa started dancing in our rancho when she was 4 years old until she was around 10 years old. She is excited to have now come back, continue dancing in the rancho and start as a director on ACMTs Board. Driven by her desire to preserve tradition and culture, Lisa is excited and passionate about her involvement in the Portuguese community.
Director
Maria Melo
Check out Maria Melos biography in Revista Amar's December addition!
Conselho Fiscal
Lucia Melo
Details to come...
Vice Conselho Fiscal
Lucie Barbosa
Details to come...
Vice Conselho Fiscal
Manuel Bandeira
details coming soon...
Director
Silvestre (D.J Swizzle) Skeleton
This is Silvestre. Silvestre is the newest member of our board. He is always dressed for the occasion. D.J Swizzle, as we directors call him, was a famous rancho dancer before he retired to join and help ACMT. Silvestre is excited to be with us and promises to help until the day he dies.
Culmination of Tradition
At the heart of Associação Cultural do Minho lies a collective dedication to our roots. Behold our board members, not just as directors but as proud Luso-Canadians, donned in traditional folklore attire—a symbol of our commitment to preserving and cherishing our cultural legacy. This image marks the conclusion of our 'Meet Your Directors' journey, a visual testament to the harmony between leadership and tradition within our vibrant community.