2025 UPSES President

The United Portuguese S.E.S. (UPSES) is proud to introduce our 2025 President, Annette Balelo. 

Dear Board of Directors,

First I want to say it is such an honor and privilege to have been elected President of the UPSES Inc. I am very proud to represent this board and our community in this position. Over the past 8 years, I have served on many committees in various capacities which gave me the insight to the hard work and passion it takes to not only maintain but also to strengthen the future of our Portuguese community.

Executive Board

• President: Annette Balelo
• Vice President: Ricardo da Rosa
• Treasurer: Tamy Branstetter
• Financial Secretary: Diana Balelo
• Secretary: Jeanette Diana Finete
• Parliamentarian: Karinna Feliciano

Community-Centered Vision

This year, I am most looking forward to working together to achieve our common goal – to ensure we continue to honor our Portuguese heritage, traditions and bring our community closer. I would like everyone to experience the same feeling I experience each time I enter the hall – that this hall feels like home, this hall feels like family and I am very proud to be part of this community.

This hall was built by people who wanted to share our culture, traditions and ensure we had a place to come together in our community. For those that grew up coming to the hall I encourage you to come and bring your family and friends as we want future generations to share our traditions and enjoy the fun activities we have at our treasured hall. Come with friends to enjoy Thursday night at Bingo, participate in our fundraisers, shop at our market, and of course come and experience everything that is our Festa (115 years and counting). I hope you consider hosting your life events at the hall, such as birthday parties, anniversary parties, graduations, bridal or baby showers, weddings, and even family reunions to name a few.

Our hall is run and operated by many dedicated volunteers, it truly takes a village, and we are so very thankful for each and every one of them. I hope you consider volunteering at a future event or even offer your talents in whatever capacity you can. When I think of the diverse board we have this year, I am energized and excited.

We have many new faces with fresh ideas and talents. We also have many familiar faces, with lots of experience and knowledge. I am very excited to work with each of you. I am grateful for this opportunity and for your support. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide me in this journey and bless all of our community members and our volunteers in the year to come.

God Bless, Annette Balelo President UPSES Inc.