BIOS

Katalina Gomez (Creative Director) – was partially raised in South America. She was raised by her Spanish/Cuban father & Czech-Austrian Mother and had the privilege of visiting Havana twice as a child. Her experience in Quito, Ecuador cemented her identity in the Latin Culture. She was captivated by the Hispanic family structure, the perspectives, delicious food, music, dances and most of all the – passion! Katalina relocated to Arizona in 1990.     While living in Arizona, she carved out a niche for herself in the interpreting field, by founding Spanlink Translations. She worked for 7 years as an interpreter in Scottsdale for the Mayo Clinic, and had several clients, including doctors, lawyers, and professionals. 2004, brought the beginning of the Scottsdale Latin Group – which inspired her to study Special Events In 2007, Katalina graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Special Events Management & Volunteer Management. Now, she is in her 6th year as Creative Director of the Scottsdale Latin Group, she designs the events and coordinates with the Entertainers, Hosts, and Caterers. She also is in charge of the Scottsdale Latin Group image (photography, print media, marketing, videos etc…). Katalina enjoys music from around the globe, traveling to Europe, Hiking/Bicycling, and helping people. Katalina Gomez: 480.451.8742

Gabriel Proano (Managing Director)- was born in Quito, Ecuador and has lived in Scottsdale since 1994. Gabriel has spent many years as a teacher for children with diverse backgrounds and he enjoys guiding them to be proud of their cultural heritage. He graduated from Southwestern Bible College with an Elementary Education Degree and has since taught at private schools and International Academies in the valley.       He joined Scottsdale Latin Group as Managing Director in early 2005 and works with Partnerships and manages the logistical aspects of the events. He is currently pursuing a degree in Film Production at the Film School @ Scottsdale Community College. Gabriel enjoys writing screenplays, making films, sports and studying history. Gabriel ProanoG. 480.246.7740 gabeproano@yahoo.com

Words from the Founder -
I thrived on the diversity and rich culture of Quito, Ecuador . As with most capital cities, Quito is bursting with political activity, cultural/religious celebrations, diverse cuisine, intriguing history, and plenty of opportunities to meet fascinating people.
 
In Quito, I had friends from abroad who spoke Spanish, Portuguese, French, Korean, German etc…However, when came to Phoenix, it was still developing the aforementioned characteristics. Phoenix is a rapidly expanding metropolis consisting of many foreign people who have no way of meeting other likeminded individuals.
 
Most South American and European cities have Plazas that are filled with restaurants, cafes, musicians, street performers, poets and most importantly the noise of groups talking, laughing, and meeting other people. Phoenix was not designed that way but we hope to create a sense of community through our events that will spill into the lives of individuals. Although, the Latin Group was created with Latinos in mind, we strive to promote all cultures
Katalina Gomez

Latino Perspectives Article

 

They have roots in countries as diverse as Cuba, Brazil and Ecuador, but are united by their passion for all things Latino. The Scottsdale Latin Group is led to culture by Ecuadoran dynamo Katherine Gomez. The group – about 100 strong – celebrated their fourth anniversary on April 16 at Frank and Lupe’s restaurant in Scottsdale. Katalina, as she’s fondly known, organizes a monthly roster of art and cultural events that appeal to the members’ Latin American aesthetics. A recent line-up included an Italian film presented by the Sirio Calogero (Italian faculty) at Scottsdale Community College, attending en mass a concert by Latin jazz pianist Eddie Palmieri at the Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts, and a presentation by French photographer Michel Sarda on the life of Antonio Vivaldi, who composed the venerable Four Seasons. “We want to make an impact on the cultural scene in the Valley,” Katalina says. “We celebrate, educate, preserve and pass on the Latino culture.” To learn more about the Latin Group, e-mail her at katherinesg3@yahoo.com.