Our Co-Founders
Francie Nguyen, co-founder
Francie came from New York with a successful background in fashion, working for well-known retailers such as Anthropologie and Crate & Barrel, helping them create new business opportunities. Her work allowed her to travel the world, landing her in Puerto Vallarta. Always a savvy entrepreneur, she started Bonito Kitchen seven years ago because she saw the need for more Asian restaurants. Today, Bonito Kitchen is one of the more popular restaurants in Vallarta.
Volunteering for good causes was always in Francie’s DNA, whether helping in soup kitchens, joining disaster relief mission trips, or fundraising for remote village schools in Vietnam. When the pandemic hit Mexico, she co-founded Vallarta Food Bank to help provide food for the community.
Her work at the food bank allowed her to be in tune with what the community needs, and what it really needs is more opportunities for girls. Francie truly believes that when girls get the opportunities they deserve, amazing things start to happen; poverty goes down, economies grow, and families get stronger.
Francie knows the Vallarta School for Girls will help strengthen the local community in many ways. It will be a place of hope and inspiration for a better world.
Cecil Kerfont, co-founder
Cecil Kerfont has an undergraduate in liberal arts and a master’s in counseling psychology. Cecil has spent his career in executive roles in the non-profit world. Most recently as VP with the Canadian Cancer Society. He led a team that raised 100 million dollars for cancer research. In addition, he has had a private counseling practice for the past twenty years helping people with various mental health issues. He spends his winters in Puerto Vallarta where he’s involved raising money for various causes including the Vallarta Food Bank. His new passion is helping start a school for young girls. His motto is education equates freedom.
Our Board of Advisors
Linda Ellerbee
Linda Ellerbee, an outspoken journalist, best-selling author, breast cancer survivor, mom, grandmother and one of the most sought-after speakers in America, now lives an active retirement in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts.
Ellerbee began her career in 1972 at the Associated Press, before moving to television where she was national political correspondent for NBC News, and then anchor/writer of NBC News Overnight, cited by the Columbia duPont Awards as “the best written and most intelligent news program ever.” In 1986, Ellerbee switched to ABC News to anchor and write Our World, a weekly primetime historical series, for which she won her first Emmy. In 1987, Ellerbee quit network news to start Lucky Duck Productions, producing documentaries for PBS.
In 1991, Ellerbee and Lucky Duck Productions launched Nick News on Nickelodeon, known for its direct approach to addressing children about contemporary issues. The show, airing for 25 years, earned 12 Emmys for Outstanding Children’s Program. Ellerbee and Lucky Duck Productions also created specials for various networks, and in 2004, Ellerbee received an Emmy for her girl-empowering series, When I Was a Girl, on WE: the women’s entertainment network.
Ellerbee authored three best-selling books, including And So It Goes (1986) on television news, Move On (1991) about her experiences as a single working mother, and Take Big Bites: Adventures Around the World and Across the Table (2005), a humorous travelogue. She also wrote the eight-part fiction series, Get Real (2000), about middle school girls starting a school newspaper.
Retiring from TV in December 2015, Ellerbee continued to travel, addressing thousands of women annually on embracing change and contributing to the betterment of women.
Dr. Joyce Luján Martínez
Dr. Luján has devoted her personal and professional life to the education of children and young adults. Having spent more than 30 years as a teacher and school administrator, Dr. Luján earned her Doctorate in Education from the University of California in 1983. She holds a master's degree in Elementary Education and a Bachelor's in Spanish Literature from Colorado College. Dr. Martinez has extensive leadership experience in educational administration, both internationally and in the US.
She has been Head of School for several American schools worldwide, such as the American School Foundation, Mexico City; Schutz American School, Alexandria, Egypt; and the American School of Las Palmas, Canary Islands. Presently, she is the International Academic Coordinator for Endicott College's Master's Degree Programs in International Administration. In addition, she has completed over forty accreditation visits for NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges). She lives in Puerto Vallarta, México and Denver, Colorado.
Marsha Harris Meadows
Marsha Meadows is an educator, philanthropist, and advocate for community empowerment. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English & Secondary Education from Brenau University in 1970, followed by further studies at the University of the Americas in Mexico City..
Her professional journey commenced as a Public School English Teacher in the Georgia Public Schools from 1970 to 1973, where she nurtured young minds and instilled a love for language and literature. Later, from 1985 to 1995, Marsha transitioned to private tutoring, specializing in English as a Second Language (ESL) in Houston, Texas, where she played a pivotal role in helping individuals from diverse backgrounds achieve linguistic proficiency and confidence.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Marsha dedicated herself to volunteer work, particularly in education and community support. She actively participated in developing low to moderate income scholarship programs for Citizens National Bank in Houston, Texas, aiming to provide opportunities for deserving individuals to pursue higher education despite financial constraints.
Marsha's commitment to serving others extended to her involvement in various Hispanic support initiatives in both Houston, Texas, and Highlands, North Carolina. Through her volunteer efforts, she contributed to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for Hispanic communities, fostering cultural understanding and empowerment.
In her personal life, Marsha finds fulfillment in her passion for travel, eagerly exploring new cultures and expanding her worldview. Alongside her adventures, she embraces the discipline and philosophy of martial arts, viewing it as a path to personal growth and self-expression. Furthermore, philanthropy serves as a cornerstone of her identity, guiding her actions and leaving a lasting impact on the communities she serves.
We are deeply honored to have Marsha Meadows as a valued member of our board of advisors. Her wealth of experience, unwavering dedication to education, and commitment to community empowerment make her an invaluable asset to our organization.
Patricia Ann Lyman (Tricia)
Tricia retired from the real estate industry in Northeast Washington in 2012. After a year of "country shopping," Tricia and her husband, Mike, made Vallarta their permanent home in December 2013, marking a decade since the move. In November 2014, Tricia created the Facebook group "Puerto Vallarta: Everything You Need or Want to Know," which now boasts approximately 109,900 members worldwide. The group's purpose was to serve as a positive information resource for those living in or visiting Vallarta, a goal that Tricia believes has been successfully achieved.
Before settling in Vallarta, Tricia had a career spanning over 25 years in the real estate industry, working in various roles such as Asset Manager, Paralegal, and Commercial Underwriter in corporate settings, and spending over two decades as an independent real estate broker. Originally from Missouri, Tricia has lived in different parts of the United States with her two children.
Tricia and her husband, Mike, are active residents of Vallarta, participating in various areas of interest, supporting the arts in all its forms, engaging with Democrats Abroad, contributing to charitable activities, and savoring life in Vallarta to the fullest.
Chiara Montante
Chiara retired in 2015 and married Tom, her best friend. In 2018, they settled in Puerto Vallarta. Her diverse career includes co-founding ventures in real estate and building contracting. As a devoted mother, she raised five children and cherishes her three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Chiara is a published author and active blogger, having founded The Turning Point Integrated Therapies and Celebrations Weddings & Ceremonies.
A community leader, she served as Board President for 'Our School' and Vice President for Next Level Youth Association. Chiara, a vocal advocate for social justice, founded The Stand On 6th Ave and was previously the President of The Pleneurethics Society. In her current role, she serves as the Vice President of Vallarta Garden Club. Engaging in various educational pursuits, she explores interests in meditation and women's leadership circles.
In her leisure, she enjoys daydreaming, gardening, cooking, and fostering connections through friendship celebrations. Known for her empathy, Chiara actively contributes to her communities, valuing genuine connections and the pursuit of shared well-being.
Deborah Cole
Deborah Cole is a consultant, writer and photographer who divides her time between Austin, Texas and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. After 35 years managing commercial construction/maintenance projects, the former business owner and community volunteer leader enthusiastically offers support to women in business. She has degrees from Kilgore College and the University of Texas and post-graduate degrees from Texas A&M University and the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest.
Whether growing her business to the top 25 list in the industry, serving on community boards or using her teaching, writing and photography to educate, Deborah is dedicated to service. She currently acts as advisor to businesses and individuals, is the author of articles and 3 books and exhibits her documentary style photography in galleries in Texas and New York.
Derek Carkner
Derek Carkner is a Toronto native who has found his home in the vibrant coastal city of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. For the past seven years, he has immersed himself in the local culture and community, balancing his role as a dedicated real estate agent with a passion for the arts.
A versatile performer, Derek graces the stages of Puerto Vallarta as an actor, singer, and pianist, collaborating with some of the city's most renowned vocalists. His artistic talents extend beyond the stage, as he also expresses himself through writing and photography, with his work showcased in prominent publications like Out & About Vallarta, Vivo Vallarta, and the PV Mirror.
Driven by a deep commitment to philanthropy, Derek's altruistic spirit shines through his involvement in numerous charitable endeavors. Drawing from his two decades of experience in the Canadian not-for-profit sector, he dedicates his time and energy to initiatives such as the food bank, local river cleanups, animal rescue organizations, children's shelters, and toy drives, making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
Through his multifaceted contributions to both the artistic and humanitarian spheres of Puerto Vallarta, Derek Carkner embodies the essence of a dedicated community member and compassionate advocate.
Denise Bahrey
Denise, originally from North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada, has been working with children since her teenage years. With a Bachelor of Education in 1987, she taught in a Canadian elementary school before relocating to Japan with her husband, Al. After returning to Canada, she served as an elementary school administrator for seven years. In 2006, Denise and Al spent six months in Mexico, where she volunteered to teach conversational English in Mazatlan. Later settling in Puerto Vallarta, she contributed to a local orphanage. During Canadian summers, Denise worked as a Teacher Therapist for young offenders in custody.
Denise believes that her life has been blessed with educating children of all ages in many different learning environments in other countries and cultures. For this reason, she is honored to be part of a support team and experience this exciting new endeavor of educating young girls in Puerto Vallarta.
Elva G. Aguirre Lima
Elva is a highly regarded and accomplished executive with over 38 years of experience in the technology industry. She retired from Verizon and during her career held a variety of leadership positions within external affairs, foundation, public policy, internal and external communications where she was responsible for providing leadership oversight to ensure the success of corporate policies and strategies.
She was an active member of the community in the United States and served on various nonprofit organizations across the country like the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Los Angeles League of Women Voters - Education Fund, Greater Sacramento Urban League, Casa de Esperanza, and the Children’s Museum of Los Angeles.
Elva received several distinguished awards from organizations like the National Latina Women Business Association, Sacramento Urban League, The National Latina Alliance, Casa de Esperanza, Pomona Valley Boys and Girls Club for her community service and commitment to empowering diverse and underserved communities.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management from the University of LaVerne in California, where she graduated magna cum laude and a master’s degree in public policy and administration from California Lutheran University, where she also graduated magna cum laude.