Owner and Manager of Hotel Mercurio in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Paul Crist is a person with wide interests and broad experience. He holds degrees in Architecture and Political Science, and a Master's degree in International Economics. Prior to Puerto Vallarta, he lived for many years in Washington, DC      

Paul has been involved in the response to confront the HIV/AIDS epidemic since the late 80's. He was partnered at that time with an HIV physician, since deceased, who worked as Medical Director of a large Washington HIV clinic. Paul became a major fundraiser for the clinic, and served on its board of directors in the 90's.

The illness and subsequent death of a valued employee at his hotel alerted Paul to the problem of HIV in Puerto Vallarta. He began supporting the local response to confront HIV/AIDS in memory of both, his former partner, who passed away from a heart attack in 2001, and his employee at the hotel, who died from complications from AIDS in 2004. In 2007, Paul and a small group of Mexican activists founded Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA, A.C.

An avid writer and researcher on economic, public policy and healthcare issues, his articles in both Spanish and English are frequently published in Puerto Vallarta and various U.S. newspaper editorial pages.

Paul travels frequently both nationally and internationally. He maintains homes in Washington, DC and Puerto Vallarta. He is fluent in Spanish.

Julio grew up in Sonora where he has worked for some NGOs. He lived in New York City while he worked for the United Nations as a Junior Interpreter in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

He is currently a consulting member for the Commission on Sustainable Development in the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). He is a Consultant Member for the Latin American Section in the Department of Information of Non-Governmental Organizations (DIPONG). Julio started in VES as the Assistant Director and Grant Funding. He also collaborates in health fairs, rapid testing and counseling services while sharing his experience acquired with UNAIDS in campaigns in Malawi, Africa in 2004 when he served as an interpreter for Doctors Without Borders.

He fell in love with Puerto Vallarta he calls it his second home, he lives here with his boyfriend. Julio travels regularly to the US and Europe due to family and friends, as well as the UN duties. One of his passions is Geopolitics and he writes, from time to time, for some agencies and Mexican newspapers on this subject. 

Juan Carlos Mendoza González is originally from Guanajuato.  Since he was 7 years old, he lived in Nayarit, where he studied and graduated with a Bachelor of Psychology at the Instituto de las Americas de Nayarit.

During his studies he had the opportunity to work hard as a Psychologist in the Ministry of Health and the DIF  in Tepic, Nayarit.

Motivated by the desire to excel, Carlos moved to Puerto Vallarta, where he currently resides with his family.  He has worked in clinics and private schools, as well as the Center for Psychology presided by Dr. Miguel Angel Sosa.

He recently joined Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA, A.C., where he serves as a psychologist; he also provides support in health fairs, applies rapid HIV tests, and provides counseling.

The responsibility and dedication with which he carries out his work, along with his extensive knowledge, have contributed to his personal satisfaction and the professional experience in the health area, which he has been involved in over the past 5 years.

28 years old, originally from Lima Peru, was born on January 4, 1982.

First born, was raised and educated by her grandmother in an environment of love and family unity. With a taste for drawing and painting during her school at the end of high school at Colegio Bilingue Mater Purissima, automatically with the support of his family made the decision to fulfill her dream of studying abroad.

Entering the School of Medicine, at Autónoma de Guadalajara University. Made their year Revolving Undergraduate Internship in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, as an introduction to new opportunities. The following year made the social service in the community  Cabos in Talpa de Allende Jalisco. Upon returning to Puerto Vallarta consolidates romantic relationship and began work as a doctor on call at the Barceló La Jolla de Mismalolla.

Later he joined for two years, Outpatient Medical Care Clinic in Asintencial Puerto Vallarta A.C.

Also served in the Hotel Melia,  Medisim Pharmacies and Natural Body Care.

She currently serves as Occupational Physician in Coca-Cola, Puerto Vallarta and recently took the great opportunity to join to  Vallarta Confronts AIDS.