Our Leadership Team
We are a passionate community of storytellers, bridge-builders, and cultural stewards—celebrating Portuguese heritage and fostering connection across generations and borders.
Meet our leadership team here…
Abel Chaves
President, Chairman of the Board
A professor and Program Chair at Ensign College, where he has taught since 2023. Born in Guinea-Bissau, Africa, Abel moved to Lisbon following the 1974 revolution and pursued music studies at the Conservatory. He later lived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, serving a mission for the LDS Church, and upon returning, married his wife, Paula.
In 2000, Abel relocated to Frankfurt, Germany, earning both a BA and an MBA from Schiller International University in Heidelberg. He went on to work as a business consultant for companies across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, while also teaching Film Studies and Media Production at Frankfurt International School. Among his accomplishments, Abel helped establish the school’s film and media studies program and played a key role in organizing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s 1998 Lisbon concert as part of their European tour.
Now based in the United States to be closer to his two children and five grandchildren, Abel continues to share his passion for education and the arts. Outside of academia, he enjoys reading, listening to classical music, and traveling with his family."
Cristina Baldaia Costa
Vice-President, Consular Liaison
Cristina’s path to serving as Vice President, Consular Liaison has been shaped by a lifelong dedication to learning, service, and community. She earned her Juris Doctorate from the Universidade de Coimbra in Portugal. In practicing as an attorney, she found fulfillment in advocating for others. She later shared her passion for justice and education as a professor of Sports Law at Instituto Piaget, inspiring future professionals in the fields of Sports Sciences and Human Motricity.
Fluent in Portuguese and English and proficient in Spanish and French, Cristina has extensive experience as an interpreter and translator across legal, clinical, and professional settings—helping people connect, understand, and be understood. Her love of history and heritage also led her to become an experienced genealogist, where she has spent years helping families discover and preserve their stories.
Beyond her wide-ranging professional accomplishments, Cristina considers motherhood her most precious vocation. Through it she has received her greatest education and a true understanding of relentless effort. She brings this same spirit of dedication and deep care to this role, promoting Portuguese culture and strengthening ties in the Utah community.
In her free time, Cristina loves to travel, reading historical novels, and watching true-to-life movies.
Cristina Cowley
Director- Cultural Relations
Cristina serves as the Director of Cultural Relations at the Portuguese Heritage Alliance of Utah. In this role, her primary focus is to promote Portuguese culture through events and initiatives that introduce the people of Utah to the many rich and diverse aspects of Portuguese heritage. These cultural expressions—ranging from music, dance, gastronomy, and storytelling—also highlight and honor Portugal’s long and distinguished history.
Cristina holds both a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Portuguese, with a minor in English, from Brigham Young University. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to teach Portuguese at Brigham Young University, where daily engagement with her native culture allows her to share meaningful experiences with students. Through teaching grammar, writing, literature, and broader topics of the Lusophone world, she fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Portuguese language and culture. Associating with students of Portuguese is the highlight of Cristina's professional life.
Beyond academia, Cristina is the founder of Tuga Treats, the first Portuguese microbakery in Utah, which has enjoyed four years of notable success. She is also dedicated to bilingual writing, authoring children’s books inspired by the legends and myths of Lusophone traditions.
In her personal life, Cristina treasures time with her family. Her husband, children, and grandchildren remain her greatest joy and pride.
Ruth Baptista
Director, Education
Ruth was born in Portuguese Africa and moved at age two to Sintra, Portugal, where she grew up before heading to London, England, for college. In her mid‑twenties, she relocated to Utah, USA.
Ms. Baptista holds graduate degrees in public administration, foreign language pedagogy, and education, and is currently pursuing a graduate program in instructional psychology and technology.
Her expertise lies in designing research‑ and data‑informed curricula grounded in best practices, particularly for online and technology‑enabled learning. She has contributed to the development of courses ranging from languages and medical translation to wellness education, across both in‑person and online formats.
Ms. Baptista speaks several languages, including Spanish, French, and Italian. She believes that—with opportunity and the right tools, especially education—anyone can cross the finish line.
Outside of work, Ruth enjoys Portuguese gastronomy—above all, cooking for friends and family—and serves her community in any capacity she can.
Paula Chaves
Treasurer
Paula works for a Non-Government Organization as a Management Control Auditor. With over 35 years of experience in finance, she brings expertise in supporting nonprofit initiatives and global projects to support the organization’s global efforts.
Originally from Lisbon, Portugal, Paula began her career in the financial sector and later earned her finance degree from the Open University, while living in Frankfurt, Germany. She and her family moved to Frankfurt in 2000, where she worked for 22 years as a budget manager for the LDS Europe Area headquarters, contributing to key financial operations and initiatives. In 2022, they relocated to the United States to be closer to their two children and five grandchildren, and soon after transitioned into her current role in auditing.
Paula is known for her strong faith and active involvement in her church community. Outside of work, Paula loves spending time with her family – especially her grandchildren - whether it's playing games, sharing stories, or just enjoying their company. She's a big fan of music and entertainment—always up for a good concert, movie night, or uplifting show. Paula also enjoys trying new foods and sharing meals with family and friends. Traveling is one of her favorite ways to unwind and explore, and she’s always excited to discover new places and cultures.
Luiz Luz
Director, Administration
Luiz was born in São Paulo, Brazil—a son of diaspora heritage. His great-grandparents, originally from Pataias in the Leiria district of Portugal, emigrated to Brazil in 1896 for a brief period before returning to Portugal with their Brazilian-born child—Luiz’s grandfather. A few years later, they settled in Brazil permanently. Shortly after World War I, Luiz’s grandfather eventually married the daughter of Italian immigrants
Growing up in a home shaped by a rich blend of cultures and languages, Luiz developed a deep curiosity about the world. This multicultural upbringing inspired him to pursue a Bachelor's degree in International Relations in Brazil. His professional journey took him across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the United States. In 2017, he moved to Utah to study English and continue his academic path.
Luiz earned Master’s degrees in Public Administration and City & Metropolitan Planning. While conducting research in Puerto Rico, he began working for the State of Utah, where he serves as the Disaster Recovery Planner for Utah’s Division of Emergency Management, coordinating federal and state resources during crises. He has been deployed by the Governor to assist other states as a disaster response expert, including during the Palisades and Altadena fires in California in 2025.
His expertise in public administration, combined with his leadership as President and Chairman of a nonprofit focused on international geopolitics, helped streamline the legal establishment of PAHU. Luiz’s connection to Portugal is evident in his commitment to speaking Portuguese, his love of Fado music, and his passion for history, gastronomy, and family history. He has indexed over 7,000 names from the historical archives of the Leiria District (spanning the 17th to 19th centuries), making them freely accessible to the public through their website.
In his free time, Luiz can often be found at the LDS Temple, at the gym, at home with his family, or traveling with them—always grounded by faith, heritage, and service.