Annette Balelo
The United Portuguese S.E.S. (UPSES) is proud to introduce our 2026 President, Annette Balelo.
Dear Board of Directors,
It is with great honor and gratitude that I begin my second term as President of the United Portuguese SES, Inc. I am sincerely thankful for the trust and confidence placed in me, and I am proud to continue serving alongside such a dedicated board and community.
Serving this organization over the years has given me a deep appreciation for the commitment it takes to preserve and strengthen what we have built together. The United Portuguese SES is more than a building; it is a symbol of our heritage, our values, and the strong sense of family that defines our community.
As we move forward, my focus remains on honoring our Portuguese traditions while responsibly planning for the future. This includes maintaining our hall, improving our operations, supporting our events, and ensuring that our organization remains welcoming, sustainable, and relevant for generations to come. The work is not always easy, but it is meaningful, and it is made possible through collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect.
I want every person who walks through our doors to feel what I feel – that the hall is a place of belonging, where memories are made, traditions are shared, and friendships are strengthened. Whether you grew up attending events here or are newly discovering all the hall has to offer, I encourage you to get involved.
Attend our activities, support our fundraisers, enjoy Bingo nights, shop at our market, celebrate Festa, and consider the hall when hosting your life’s special events.
Our success depends greatly on our volunteers, and I cannot express enough gratitude for the countless hours given by those who step forward year after year. Your dedication truly keeps our organization running. I invite anyone interested to consider volunteering or sharing your talents – every contribution matters.
I am also excited about the Board serving this term. We have a strong blend of experience and new perspectives, and I look forward to working together with unity and purpose as we continue to serve the best interests of the United Portuguese SES.
Thank you for your continued support, involvement, and belief in our mission. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us, bless our volunteers, and watch over our community in the year ahead.
God bless,
Annette Balelo
President
“This hall feels like home, this hall feels like family.”
