Meet the Team - Portugalo Fest

OUR AMAZING TEAM

Eddie Suliman

President

Intricately blending her Azorean roots with the vibrant threads of Canadian experiences, Eddie Suliman, born on the enchanting island of Pico in the Azores, embarked on a journey with her parents in 1973 which led her to where she stands today.

Infused with Portuguese values and traditions her heart beats in harmony with the soul of her ancestral heritage.

Eddie generously donates her time and expertise to numerous not-for-profit organizations and charities. It’s a reflection of her belief in the power of community and the responsibility to give back.

Eddie finds joy in her favorite pastime activities such as traveling to explore new horizons and allowing the haunting melodies of Fado music to touch her soul. Her true haven however, lies in the warmth of her family while making cherished memories.

Eduarda Lee Sousa-Lall

Vice President

Meet Eduarda Lee Sousa-Lall

CN Tower Edge-Walker, born and raised in New York embracing a family legacy of Portuguese-Italian Heritage, Eduarda Lee Sousa-Lall has an attitude for gratitude. Leading with kindness, passion, and an empathetic approach to life’s challenges. A proud mother of two sons, both are natives of Thailand.

Eduarda’s ability to adapt to change and challenges is a testament to her academic, entrepreneurial and expertise in client engagement. Displaying excellent communication skills, Eduarda strives to empower others to achieve excellence in service and community impact.

Dennise Alban

Treasurer

Meet Dennise Alban

Dennise Alban was born in Ecuador and immigrated to Canada in 2021. Shortly after arriving, she found her first sense of home within a Portuguese/Brazilian Baptist Church, where faith and community became central to her journey of belonging. Through meaningful relationships formed in church, everyday life, and work, Dennise came to experience Portuguese culture not as something distant, but as something deeply lived—through language, food, shared values, and genuine human connection.

As an immigrant herself, Dennise understands the importance of preserving one’s identity while building a future in a new country. Over time, Portugal and its culture became an integral part of her own story. Serving as Treasurer is both an honour and a responsibility she carries with gratitude, commitment, and a sincere love for the Portuguese community in Canada.

Shannon Pecore

Secretary

Meet Shannon Pecore

Sofia Lopes

Board Director

Meet Sofia Lopes

Sofia Lopes is a Portuguese Canadian multidisciplinary artist working across graphic design, painting, digital art, music, and writing. By day a graphic designer, she devotes her creative practice to expressive visual and musical projects rooted in identity, storytelling, and her Portuguese heritage.

She studied abroad in Lisboa at Universidade Nova Belas Artes in 2019 and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a minor in Lusophone Studies from York University in 2022. Guided by values of family, culture, and community (instilled by her mother, Sandra, and her grandparents, Elisabete and Rui) Sofia brings passion and purpose to her work.

Alongside visual art, she is deeply involved in the metalcore music scene, using sound as another outlet for emotion and storytelling. She is excited to contribute her creativity and energy to the committee and help create unforgettable memories.

Sandy Pitts

Board Director

Meet Sandy Pitts

Sandy brings over 20 years of experience in event planning and working with not-for-profit organizations in Mississauga. For 17 years, she served as the Coordinator of the Streetsville Founders’ Bread and Honey Festival and is currently an active and committed board member of the Art Gallery of Mississauga, ’Twas the Bite Before Christmas (Feed Mississauga), and the Mystical Wings Foundation. Sandy is also a member of many organizations, including the Streetsville Legion, 100 Women Who Care, and the Streetsville Historical Society.

Though not of Portuguese heritage, Sandy’s love of travel and her visit to São Miguel in the Azores inspired a deep appreciation for Portuguese culture and community. After several years of volunteering for Portugalo Fest, she is now honoured to serve as a Director of the Portuguese Festival and is passionate about celebrating culture, connection, and community.

Jose Gouveia

Board Director

Meet Jose Gouveia

Jose Gouveia is a proud Canadian of Portuguese descent, with roots in Madeira. Raised in a home deeply immersed in Portuguese culture after his parents immigrated to Canada in 1975, Jose grew up surrounded by tradition, music, and community. As a teenager, he spent many years dancing Portuguese folklore, strengthening his connection to his heritage and cultural identity. With a lifelong love for music, Jose continues to carry the spirit, rhythm, and pride of his Portuguese roots into everything he does.

Paula Correa

Board Director

Meet Paula Correa

Ana Costa

Board Director

Meet Ana Costa

Ana Cristina Costa is a very proud Canadian/Portuguese woman, mom, wife, and daughter to two incredible parents. Her favourite place to visit is her home in Portugal near Peniche in a town called Serra D’el Rei. She has many wonderful memories that have shaped the love she has for Portugal, the culture and the many beautiful traditions she has instilled in her day to day life alongside her family. She is very excited to be a part of an incredible team to put together this amazing event to celebrate our Portuguese culture right here in Mississauga!

Sara Costa

Board Director

Meet Sara Costa

Sara Vieira da Costa comes from a family with over 75 years in the photography industry and is proudly from the Azores, where culture and community are deeply rooted in who she is. She studied at a nun school from ages 6 to 12, which taught her discipline and strong values early on. She became a mom for the first time at 22 and is now a proud mom of two, which continues to shape her strength and purpose. She used to play volleyball, and that athlete mindset of teamwork and resilience still guides her today.

She is passionate about traveling, with the beach as her therapy, and from a young age she has always loved bringing people together, celebrating life, and creating moments that turn into lasting memories. Being able to celebrate traditions is what helps her stay close to her roots and pass that sense of belonging on to the next generation. What started as a love for gatherings grew into a true passion for entertainment, events, and meaningful experiences.