OUR TEAM AT ANDIAMO AVANTI
Paola Cristal Vilches
As founder of Andiamo Avanti, Paola Cristal Vilches Malavé is a hospitality accounting and project management professional distinguished for her precision, leadership, and results-driven approach. With a strong foundation in financial auditing, compliance, and operational reporting, she has cultivated a career dedicated to maintaining transparency, efficiency, and service excellence across hospitality and corporate sectors. Her professional background includes valuable experience with renowned brands such as InterContinental Hotels and The Walt Disney Company, where she enhanced financial controls, optimized revenue processes, and supported guest-focused operations aligned with global standards of quality and integrity. Recently serving as Project Manager at Engineered Advantage, PSC, she leads the financial and operational oversight of multi-million-dollar projects across public and private entities, ensuring accountability and performance excellence through strategic planning and meticulous financial management. Paola’s ability to connect financial insight with operational efficiency allows her to strengthen business performance while supporting superior guest experiences, an essential asset to hospitality ventures seeking sustainable growth and credibility. A graduate of the University of Puerto Rico with a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management and certification coursework in Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute, she embodies a disciplined, collaborative, and forward-thinking approach to every project. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish. Paola represents the values of precision, responsibility, and integrity that define modern hospitality leadership.
Jesus Gabriel Torres
With over 15 years of proven leadership across the hospitality and infrastructure industries, Jesus Gabriel Torres Colon is a results-driven executive specializing in hotel operations, pre-opening strategy, and project management for luxury hotels, resorts, and development firms in Puerto Rico, United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, China, Europe, and beyond. Jesus Gabriel has successfully managed dual property and multi-department hotel operations, directed property renovations, and executed strategic growth initiatives that have consistently improved profitability, guest satisfaction, and operational efficiency. His portfolio includes leadership roles in world-class brands such as Marriott Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt, InterContinental, Hilton, Grand Melia, as well as independent boutique and lifestyle hotels. Throughout his career, Jesus Gabriel has been recognized for: Driving operational turnarounds and implementing innovative revenue management systems. Leading pre-opening projects and brand transitions with meticulous budget control and quality assurance. Managing multi-site portfolios, including resorts, urban hotels, hostels, and extended-stay operations. Building high-performing teams through strategic training, engagement, and leadership development. Coordinating grant-funded projects under FEMA and CDBG programs for reconstruction and infrastructure initiatives. A graduate of the of the Inter-American University, Fajardo Campus of Puerto Rico with a Bachelor's in Business and Administration Management and as a bilingual professional (English & Spanish) with expertise in strategic planning, hospitality technology integration, and financial stewardship, Jesus Gabriel bridges operational excellence with visionary management. His professional focus centers on elevating guest experience, optimizing revenue channels, and ensuring sustainable, community-driven growth within the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Johanette Rivera
At the heart of every successful hospitality experience lies the art of genuine connection, and few embody that principle as naturally as Johanette Rivera Ortiz. A dynamic, multilingual professional with extensive experience across Puerto Rico, Italy, and the United States. A graduate of the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus with a Bachelor's in Modern Languages and a certification coursework in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Florida Atlantic University and a cultivating certification in Advanced Bartending from In Motion Bartending Academy, Johanette has built her career on elevating guest satisfaction, nurturing team excellence, and transforming service standards into memorable experiences. With a strong foundation in hotel and restaurant management, she brings a refined balance of operational expertise and human-centered leadership. Her work spans luxury boutique hotels, fine dining establishments, and international hospitality environments. Each reflecting her commitment to precision, efficiency, and integrity. From implementing Standard Operating Procedures and training programs to leading teams through high-volume service settings, Johanette’s leadership ensures excellence at every touchpoint. Guided by the values of ethics, respect, and continuous improvement, she approaches every project with a focus on delivering results that inspire both guests and teams. Trilingual in English, Spanish, and Italian, and with a working proficiency in French, Johanette bridges cultures seamlessly, bringing warmth and professionalism to every interaction. Within Andiamo Avanti, she represents the company’s core mission; to create authentic, lasting experiences built on trust, elegance, and passion for service. Her dedication, global perspective, and unwavering standard of excellence continue to strengthen Andiamo Avanti’s reputation as a symbol of distinction in the hospitality and restaurant industry.