Patricia Ruiloba Gitto - President
Nick Beliz - Vice President and Secretary
Born in Panama City, Republic of Panama, Patricia is an active cello player in multiple ensembles and has been a member of the National Symphony Orchestra of Panama. She has a Masters of Music in Cello Performance from Texas State University-San Marcos and she is faculty at the Community Music School of Webster University since 2012. She aims to keep our Panamanian culture alive in St. Louis and beyond, bringing Panamanians together and creating a space where we can share our traditions and support one another.
Nick Beliz - Vice President and Secretary
Nick Beliz - Vice President and Secretary
Nick went to high school in La Salle Panama, and studied Mechanical Engineering at UM-Rolla. His professional background is in project management and he has lived in several Latin countries. He is currently working at Millipore-Sigma/Merck. He's an active member of the St. Louis Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. In his free time, he enjoys road biking, flying, traveling, and being a girl dad to 2 young professionals.
Tracy Shepard- Director of Recruitment
Tracy Shepard- Director of Recruitment
Tracy Burke Shepard was born in Queens, New York, and is proud of her Panamanian heritage, with family roots in Panamá City, Panamá. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from The American College and an MBA from Webster University.
Tracy joined Edward Jones in 2004 and currently serves as a Field Supervision Director, overseeing branch offices across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, reading, working out, and riding her bicycle. Deeply connected to her heritage and community, Tracy looks forward to helping build strong connections in the St. Louis community
Indira Shoemake - Director of Events
Indira Shoemake - Director of Events
Indira Shoemake - Director of Events
Indira Shoemake was born in Panama City, Panamá. She was raised in California and moved to Missouri where she attended the University of Missouri. She obtained her minor in Dietetics and Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services Management. She and her husband are parents to 3 children, and currently reside in Florissant. Indira owns and operat
Indira Shoemake was born in Panama City, Panamá. She was raised in California and moved to Missouri where she attended the University of Missouri. She obtained her minor in Dietetics and Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services Management. She and her husband are parents to 3 children, and currently reside in Florissant. Indira owns and operates her bakery iced_by_indira, LLC. She enjoys spending time with family, traveling, baking, reading, and visiting her family’s home in Penonomé, Panamá. She looks forward to watching this organization grow and sharing Panamanian culture.
Sileny Arauz Wilds - Treasurer
Indira Shoemake - Director of Events
Indira Shoemake - Director of Events
Born in David, Chiriquí, Panamá, she completed her secondary studies at Fermin Naudeau High School before earning a volleyball scholarship that brought her to the United States to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Marketing. She later obtained an MBA with an emphasis in Finance. She is a dedicated and self-motivated profes
Born in David, Chiriquí, Panamá, she completed her secondary studies at Fermin Naudeau High School before earning a volleyball scholarship that brought her to the United States to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Marketing. She later obtained an MBA with an emphasis in Finance. She is a dedicated and self-motivated professional who strives for success through hard work, perseverance, and integrity. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing volleyball, traveling, and spending quality time with her family.