Meet the Team
Our team passionately works to keep the doors open, the energy welcoming and the space inspiring for all the guests who find themselves at our refettorio.
Odette Solis Espinosa
Project leader
Odette has worked in different social and design projects throughout her career. She created an initiative that benefited several families around the Yucatán state.
Nowadays coordinates the Palace Foundation in Mérida and the Refettorio, where she is in charge of directing and creating synergy with allies from the private sector, community organizations and government entities.-
José Ángel Zamudio Dominguez
Executive Chef
Ángel has always been passionate about giving back to the community and feels personally committed to social issues. At Refettorio Mérida, he is responsible for creating menus for the guests using recovered surplus ingredients that he turns into nourishing and delicious meals. Through his food, he wants guests to feel a sense of hospitality and dignity in a place that fosters human connections.
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Claudia G. Bolio Pacheco
Operational Coordinator
Claudia has an academic and professional background in communications and social work for different civil society organizations. From the women in her family, she inherited a deep love for food as a social tool. At the Refettorio she manages and organizes the daily operations of Refettorio Mérida, including leading the team and working with our guests.
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Claudia Ortiz Hernández
Training Coordinator
Claudia has been working in linking projects for 15 years, in favor of vulnerable communities. In recent years, she has accompanied children and youth to improve their quality of life at Casa Hogar Fundación Palace. Now she joins the Refettorio Mérida team to encourage young 18-year-old women in the transition to an independent life.
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Gabi Vega Valencia
Administrator
Gabi has significant experience in administration in both private institutions and civil society organizations. Gabi has close ties with the local community, which makes him particularly sensitive to the problems of those who live in the area. At the Refettorio he is responsible for administrative tasks and follow-up meeting with Palace Foundation's committees.
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Isidro Ulises Velasco López
Cook
Ulises has developed within kitchens for more than 18 years. His passion for food preparation has led him to hold various positions and even his own projects, all related to food preparation. In his experience obtained in the missions, he internalized the value of the service and hospitality that he offers every day through his activities. He is currently the cook and chef support within the Refettorio.
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Jesús Eduardo Canché
Cook Assistant
Eduardo is studying a bachelor's degree in Gastronomy and inherited his mother's passion for cooking. At Refettorio Mérida, he assists the cooking area and the part he enjoy the most is being able to witness and participate in the transformation of simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes.
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César López
Assistant
He is currently studying a bachelor's degree in financial accounting, throughout his professional development he has worked in administrative jobs and in the areas of purchasing. Currently in the Refettorio he is in charge of the rescue of food as well as the collection of donations and all the procedures and transportation in support of the food service. Cesar recognizes the value of service and human warmth as two important elements in human interactions..
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María Irene Chuc Dorantes
Cleaning Officer
María has been working in various places for more than 20 years and with different activities focused on support and general assistance. In all of them, she has stood out as a woman full of skills, responsible and honest. The service and kindness are part of her day to day as well as an excellent performance that has led her to know many places and have pleasant experiences. At the Refettorio María is the cleaning officer and a special and important element for the spirit of the team and the house.
