Executive Committee

LAHRC as a community group is governed by an executive committee which includes people from diverse backgrounds. The committee meets personally once a month. LAHRC  committee also operates through working groups which assist the full executive committee in its responsibilities. The committee is in an ongoing process of strategic planning to assure the governance and success of LAHRC.

David Cabrera is a Chemical Engineer with an extensive experience in the mining industry, his experience cover different aspect of production, planning, projects and business improvement.

Those close to David know that he works hard to develop others, to help them to find their strengths and mentoring to succeed on their projects. As a LAHRC Committee member David share his personal and professional experience to break barriers, redefine paradigms and open opportunities to others to see their true potential.

Areas: Events, Marketing and well-being.
Email: dcabrera@lahrc.org.au

Elizabeth Arenas is a Colombian lawyer living in Melbourne, highly passionate about leadership and human rights. As a LAHRC committee member Elizabeth  works and advocates towards equality  for Latinx transgender, non binary and non-conforming communities  living in Victoria. Elizabeth is currently studying a leadership and management diploma at Lonsdale institute in Melbourne.

Areas: Events, Women & Transgender and legal.
Email: earenas@lahrc.org.au

Oscar Adriano Prieto is a Colombian social worker and an abstract artist based in South Melbourne, who works mainly using a range of mixed media sources to create his art. Adriano also works with international students and advocate for access to services for queer immigrants from Latinx backgrounds organising events and activities. Oscar brings to LAHRC his knowledge   as a social worker but also his insights as an artist.

Areas: Events management, case management
Email: olinares@lahrc.org.au

Jorge Peña is a well know leader on the Argentinian community in Melbourne. Jorge has work in the hospitality and events industry catering to Latin Americans living in Melbourne.  Jorge is an active member of the Centro Argentino de Victoria .Inc Committee and LAHRC committee bringing his experience and knowledge on board.

Areas: Events management, treasurer and fundraising.
Email: jpena@lahrc.org.au

Henry Ruge-Rojas was born and raised in Bogotá Colombia Henry has called Australia home for almost ten years living here in Melbourne. I moved to US since 1997. with over 10 years with experience as former Dominican Friar, with my responsibility as reflection, prayer, study, preaching, learning, enjoy life and, worked with different communities in Texas fundraising and non-profit management experience. Volunteer with Colombian cultural community and President the Cumbiamba folklore group.

“I hope to collaborate with the group of LAHRC in the celebration and affirmation of our identity and Hispanic heritage. Don’t worry, be happy and enjoy the moment because the past is history, the future is a mystery and the present are a gift.”

Areas: Event management, treasurer and fundraising.
Email: hrugerojas@lahrc.org.au

Felipe is an accountant with a master degree with more than 5 years of Australian and overseas professional experience, and who is ready to give back to his community! Felipe is passionate about LGBTQ+ social justice and advocates for the true inclusion of minorities in society. He is educated in mental health issues among the queer and the immigrant communities, and is highly knowledge in sexual health. Felipe is a proud Bi Latino man who combats Bi invisibility.

Areas: Mental Health, Events, Bisexuality.
Email: fbermudez@lahrc.org.au

Cristian Cortes is from Colombian and Venezuelan background and he’s been living in Australia for ten years. He works in the area of  sexual health promotion services focusing on the prevention of and support for people with  blood born viruses and STIs. Working in on community services Cristian saw the need for a social and support group supporting to LGBTI people from Latin American and Hispanic background living in Victoria.

Areas: Events, Marketing and Health.
Email: ccortes@lahrc.org.au

Past Committee Members:

• Dolores – Spain 2016 -2017
• Veronica – Chile 2016 -2017
• Alfredo Landeros – Mexico 2017 – 2018
• Filipe Paiva – Brazil 2017 – 2018
• Peter Jacobsen – Australia 2017 – 2019
• Juan Chacon – Colombia 2016 – 2019
• Lynnette Chandia – Chile 2017 – 2019
• Samuel McMahon – Australia 2017- 2020
  
• Sandra Melo – Colombia 2018 – 2020
• Samuel McMahon – Australia 2018 – 2020