Connecting Portland
& Guadalajara
A 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to creating and strengthening partnerships and fostering goodwill between two great cities.
Who We Are
The Portland Guadalajara Sister City Association (PGSCA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to creating and strengthening partnerships and fostering goodwill between the City of Portland, Oregon and the City of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
PGSCA achieves this endeavor through ongoing cultural, educational, and economic development initiatives.
Our Mission Statement
Portland Guadalajara Sister City Association's mission is to foster intercultural exchange, promote goodwill, and stimulate economic development between the cities of Guadalajara, Jalisco in Mexico and Portland, Oregon in the United States.
Some of the ways our dedicated board members accomplish this mission includes the development of municipal partnerships between Portland and Guadalajara, providing opportunities for city officials and citizens to experience and explore the culture of Guadalajara through long-term community partnerships, and by creating an atmosphere in which economic and community development can be implemented and strengthened.
Portland Sister Cities
Guadalajara was established as a Portland sister city in 1983. Portland has 8 other sister cities and 1 friendship city:
- 🇯🇵 Sapporo, Japan
- 🇮🇱 Ashkelon, Israel
- 🇰🇷 Ulsan, South Korea
- 🇨🇳 Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- 🇷🇺 Khabarovsk, Russia
- 🇹🇼 Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- 🇿🇼 Mutare, Zimbabwe
- 🇮🇹 Bologna, Italy
- 🇳🇱 Utrecht, Netherlands Friendship City
Making an Impact
in Our Communities
Over the years, PGSCA has fiscally supported a number of organizations and causes in the community focusing on education, cultural exchange, the arts and other programs. PGSCA's multi-day Cinco de Mayo Fiesta held at Portland's Tom McCall Waterfront Park provides the primary source of funding for the organization's charitable and cultural activities.
Education & Scholarships
Cultural Exchange
Arts & Athletics
International Business
Innovative Projects
Organizations We've Supported
We support non-profit organizations and causes that meet our community giving criteria. Our capacity to provide financial support rests primarily on the success of our annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta.
Education
- OALA (Oregon Association of Latino Administrators) $1,000 scholarship
- Hispanics in Unity for Oregon — Cesar Chavez Leadership Scholarships
- Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Scholarships
- Portland State University's Chicano/Latino Studies Program
- SOL — Somos Orgullosos Latinos Scholarship Program
- Latinos of Oregon Golf Association (LOGA) Scholarships
- Fundación Faro de Alejandria Nuevo Siglo A.C. in Guadalajara
Arts & Athletics
- Miracle Theatre Group arts outreach programs
- Oregon Potters Association
- Mexican Women's Art Display at Portland City Hall
- L.E.A.R.N — Latino Educational and Recreational Network
- Oregon Latino Basketball Tournament
- Official sponsor of Chivas Soccer Match at PGE Park
Community Service
- PGSCA Team contribution to Race for the Cure
- Portland Rose Festival and Unsung Heroes Banquet
- Cascade AIDS Program
- Hacienda Golf Tournament — Centro de Niños Child Care Center
- The Mexican Consulate and the Mexican Center
- Oregon Human Development Corporation's Hispanic Access Center
Cultural Exchanges & International Trade
- Donation of a Fire Truck to the City of Guadalajara
- Translation services for Northwest medical teams after the 1986 Mexico earthquake
- Financial support for 1993 Guadalajara gas explosion recovery efforts
- Hosted Young Ambassadors — 18 youth from Guadalajara in cultural exchange
- Several trade missions including Semana de Guadalajara in Portland
- Hosted Guadalajara Girls Youth Softball team for international tournament
Our Board Members
PGSCA is led by a dedicated group of volunteers committed to strengthening the bond between Portland and Guadalajara.
-
Cindy Avila
President
-
Erin Courtenay
Vice President
-
Jaime Ramirez
Treasurer
-
Barbara Gamez
Secretary
-
Ivette Flores
Board Member
-
Bryce Lamberson
Board Member
Advisory Board
Former officers whose experience continues to guide the association.
Be Part of the Story
Join our all-volunteer board and help shape the next chapter of the Portland–Guadalajara partnership.