APSWL Founders and Executive Committee Members

President | Dr. Luis. J. Solórzano

Based in London U.K., With a PhD in mathematics and several years’ experience in the insurance industry, Luis is an experienced team leader with his own international consultancy firm. He is bilingual in English and Spanish, but also speaks Italian, French and German with a smattering of Greek and Japanese. He has worked in various club and society executive committees, as well as an advisor to one of only two, to date, national pole sports federations to gain recognition as an official sport by their government. With an ever increasing respect for the motivation and talents of aerial and pole sports athletes, Luis is well placed as President to lead the APSWL towards becoming a leading world sporting organisation.

Vice President | Estefanía Fernández

With a master’s degree in chemical-biological sciences, 9 years as a certified pole and aerial sports instructor, 6 years as a certified judge with IPSF, head judge in over 25 national and international competitions, plus 30+ medals as an athlete’s instructor, Estefania is very experienced in the aerial and pole sports industry. As APSWL Vice Secretary, she is focused on promoting and driving athletes to continue to make strides within the world of aerial and pole sports to reach their full potential and break barriers within the sporting industry. Having previously held the position of Vice President and now the current Director of Continuing Education for the Mexican Federation of Pole Sports, Estefania is fully immersed in industry development and bringing those skills to the APSWL.

General Secretary | Kate Whitley

Kate lives in Oxford U.K. and is no stranger to the world of aerial and pole sports having been in the industry since 2006. With a degree in Social Work and a masters in Neuro Linguistic Programming plus 2 additional years studying English Language and Intercultural Communication (Linguistics), she was a founder member of the IPSF and a key person in taking them to recognition as an international sporting federation with WADA, GAISF and the Olympic Committee. As General Secretary for APSWL, Kate is now concentrating her efforts on uniting, promoting, and supporting organisations and individuals to work collaboratively to further an inclusive environment for aerial and pole sports worldwide.

Regional Vice President: Pan America | Jezabel Olmus Lemus

As the President of the Mexican Federation of Pole Sports, Jezabel has first-hand experience of the lengthy process required to gain recognition as an official sport by the Mexican government and CONADE. FEMEXPOLE is one of only two national federations to have done so. Having over 15 years international experience in the aerial and pole sports industry and a degree in International Relations, she has been perfectly positioned to help and assist other national federations also work towards recognition for aerial and poles sports in their countries too. As an instructor, a head judge and events organiser, Jezabel believes the only way forward for any sporting industry to develop and evolve is through collaboration and partnership.

Events Commission | Jimena Otero

Jimena found a love for aerial and pole sports as a young child when she discovered the trapeze and then pole sports, participating in numerous national aerial and pole sports competitions as an athlete and volunteer. She also danced ballet for fifteen years in the Royal Academy of Dancing system and balances her professional life with training athletes in pole sports, and providing support for the institutional development of the sport. With a degree in political science and a masters in statistics and data analysis, Jimena has worked on over 25 projects evaluating public policies, gender, and violence prevention and is looking forward to developing inclusive events and competitions for a range of diverse abilities.

Chair of Medical Research | Kelly Valdovinos Bergland

As an advocate for diversity and inclusivity, Kelly believes every athlete deserves to reach their upmost potential with the support and integrity of the highest quality of sport and medical professionals overseeing their development, and has a particular interest on injury prevention and mindful programming as an Exercise Therapy Specialist and Vegetarian Sports Nutrition Specialist. Beginning her journey in athletics at the age of 15 as a member of the National Fencing Team for the Olympic Committee in Mexico, she now has 30 years of experience giving her valuable insight into using her expertise and knowledge. Established in New England U.S.A. and undertaking a degree in nursing, Kelly looks forward to infusing the aerial and pole sports industry with sound science, research, and resources to educate and support athletes.