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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 of the General Assembly
Olivia Rites
Olivia was born in Castelo do Neiva, Viana do Castelo, Portugal, and immigrated to Canada in 1989. She joined ACMT in 2007, inspired by her youngest daughter, and soon after, in 2010, became part of the board of directors. Over the years, she has had the privilege of serving in various roles within ACMT: Since then, Olivia has been actively involved with the Rancho and Rusga, embracing our Portuguese culture and folklore.
Vice-President of the General Assembly
Raquel Amorim
Coming soon...
Secretary of the General Assembly
Catarina Cruzeiro
Coming soon...
Conselho Fiscal
Lucia Melo
Lucie Melo has been involved with ACMT since her youth, when she joined the Folklore Group. She is excited to be part of the board, committed to preserving and promoting the culture and traditions that shaped her upbringing.
Vice Conselho Fiscal
Lucie Barbosa
Lucie Barbosa has been part of ACMT's board several times over the years. She is excited to rejoin the team, dedicated to working for the preservation of her culture and tradition.
Vice Conselho Fiscal
Manuel Bandeira
Manuel Bandeira is always ready to work and offer a helping hand. With renewed enthusiasm, he remains committed to preserving and promoting the culture and traditions he values so much.
4o
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
Tony works as a construction superintendent, and has been with acmt for more than 30 years. He has been apart of the rancho and former boards. He is excited to be apart of this new board, and be able to work with all the youth!
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.
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.
Public Relations/Ensaidadora do Rancho
Tania Angeira
Tania holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Ontario and is a Registered Nurse specializing in Acute Medicine at Humber River Hospital. She also serves as the ensaiadora for ACMT's adult and youth ranchos. Passionate about preserving Portuguese traditions, Tania is thrilled to continue contributing to her community's cultural heritage.
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 is the ensaiador dos bombos. He currently works for Red River Trim Carpentry and is very excited to be a part of ACMT.
Ensaiadora do Rancho/ Director
Annabel Fernandes
Annabel graduated from George Brown college as an Early Childhood Educator, 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 of Culture
Carlos Goncalves
coming soon...
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
Elisabete Cardante
Elisabete was born in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. She has been apart of many boards of ACMT as a secretary and director. She is back to continue her help with ACMT. One of her main goals if to keep the Portuguese traditions alive in Canada by volunteering her efforts towards ACMT. She is happy to be back on board.
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
Alex Leal
Alex is a student at College of Sports Media and is currently working part-time at ItalSports. 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 studying Life Sciences at the University of Toronto. Lisa started dancing in our rancho from 4 - 10yrs 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!
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.
