Tucson-México Sister Cities
Board of Directors
Luis E. Coronado, PH.D.
President
Luis E. Coronado Guel is the Director of SBS Mexico Initiatives. He holds a doctorate in Latin American History. He received a bachelor’s degree in law from the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí and a master’s degree in history from El Colegio de San Luis. His research interests include the cultural and intellectual history of nineteenth and twentieth century Mexico, specifically, its nation-state building processes by analyzing patriotic celebrations and public rituals. He is also interested in the history of mass media and technology’s development in Mexico as a result of 1910 Cultural Revolution. His first book, La Alameda Potosina ante la llegada del ferrocarril (2009, 2015) is an intellectual and cultural history on the impact the railway had in the region of San Luis Potosí. Coronado’s teaching experience includes a variety of survey, upper-level, and graduate courses in Mexico and the United States in the fields of history and law, both in English and Spanish.
Kim Freidah, PH.D.
Vice President
Kim Freidah retired from her work as a bilingual psychologist in the Sunnyside Unified School District in Summer 2022 and finds herself busier than ever with so many volunteer commitments and travel. In addition to serving as secretary of Tucson Mexico Sister Cities, Kim enjoys serving with Southside Presbyterian Church, Tucson Cyber Lions Club, Sonoran Spa HOA in Puerto Peñasco, and CEDO (Center for Study of the Desert and Ocean) in Puerto Peñasco.
A native of Sag Harbor, Long Island, she moved to Tucson in 1984 to begin her doctoral program at the University of Arizona School Psychology program. After four years as bilingual school psychologist with Sunnyside, she wanted more immersion in Latino cultures and took assignments in community development and higher education in Tamaulipas, Mexico and later Managua, Nicaragua. After 18 years abroad, Kim returned to Tucson and Sunnyside in 2010. She appreciates the strong connection with Mexico, where she has permanent residency, and travels to Puerto Peñasco or Ensenada whenever possible. Kim enjoys that her adult children and five grandchildren live in Tucson now. She loves to sing, play guitar, swim, kayak, laugh, and have fun.
Frank Valenzuela
Treasurer
Frank Valenzuela is a native Tucsonan, a graduate of the University of Phoenix. His career included 41 years in banking and 10 years as an executive director of a nonprofit. He has been involved with numerous boards throughout his career, including Pima County Industrial Development Authority, Southern Arizona Land Trust, El Rio Health Center and Patronato San Xavier.
Donna Whitman
Board Member
Donna Whitman is a native Tucsonan. She received her B.A. degree from the University of Arizona and her career consisted of 32 years as Director of Interpreter Services for the Arizona State Court System in Pima County and continues to work as her time permits as a freelance interpreter. Her Community and professional service were numerous as a member of the National Association of Judicial Interpreters and Translators and past president of the Arizona Court Interpreters Association, a board member of the Tucson Women’s Commission, and the Arizona Lung Association to name a few. She is also an advocate for shelter pets and enjoys her newly rescued pup Guapo. She has had the pleasure and honor of serving as past president and a current board member for 23 years of the Tucson Mexico Sister Cities Association. Donna is married to her husband Frank Valenzuela and has 2 sons Alejandro and Arturo Alcantara. Her hobbies include traveling, the beach, and giving back to her community.
Michelle Damon Panousopoulos
Board Member
Michelle Damon Panousopoulos was raised in Nogales, Arizona, where she was immersed in the vibrant cultures and communities on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Her early involvement in cross-border cultural and community events shaped her passion for fostering connections between the two regions. Michelle earned a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from the University of Arizona, focusing on Greek and Roman history, art, literature, and architecture, with a minor in Modern Greek Language.
Michelle has a strong background in community service, having served on the board of Tucson Community School, a parent cooperative preschool. With seven years of active involvement, she contributed in various capacities, including as a fundraising member and ultimately as president. “I am deeply committed to promoting dialogue around the importance of diplomacy, economic exchanges, and philanthropy between Tucson and our sister cities in Mexico,” Michelle shares. “I look forward to meeting new people, learning about their cultures and professional experiences, and helping friends and family connect within my networks. I’m especially excited to share what I learn through TMSC with my children and nurture a deeper understanding and appreciation for their Mexican heritage
Seidy Dominguez Wong
Board Member
Seidy Dominguez Wong has lived in Tucson for nearly 20 years and is proud to call it home. Originally from Mexico, she brings a deep appreciation for both her cultural roots and the Tucson community. Through her involvement with TMSC, she is passionate about fostering meaningful relationships, strengthening cultural understanding, and supporting connections between Tucson and its sister cities.
Seidy is especially committed to creating opportunities for families to engage in community service together. She believes TMSC can be a valuable platform for involving children in volunteerism while celebrating the rich culture, traditions, and shared experiences that connect Tucson with its sister cities. At the heart of her work is the belief that every person has something valuable to contribute and that strong communities are built when people give back and connect with one another.
Professionally, Seidy holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of San Luis Potosi and has developed her career in Corporate Procurement, where sha has supported Fortune 250 organizations in software investment and contract negotiation. In her personal time, she enjoys exploring new technology, traveling, cooking and watching movies.
