The Montérégie-Ouest Team

Lourdes Fretes began her career at Commerce International Québec Montérégie-Ouest (CIQMO) as Senior Export Consultant in 2009. In 2014 she was promoted to the position of Development Director and International Commissioner before becoming the Executive Director of the organism in 2018.

Specializing in consulting, international markets, sales, entrepreneurship and sales channel creation for more than 20 years, Mrs. Fretes holds a university education in Computer Science and Sales and Marketing, an International Business Seminar from Sherbrooke and an ASP in launching a company of the Ministry of Education of Quebec.

Mrs. Fretes has developed various fields of expertise, among others, in: assisting manufacturing companies in their international business development, identifying business opportunities and obtaining financial support for the realization of international projects, training, seminars and missions abroad planning, buyers' receptions, etc.

Mrs. Fretes is fluent in Spanish, French, English, Guarani and can communicate in Portuguese.

Mr. Padilla-Zarco has been an international market development specialist for more than 15 years. He studied international business at the European Business School in Lyon, France, and received an International Business Development (AEC) degree from Collège Saint- Lawrence.

Mr. Padilla-Zarco has developed various fields of expertise in his area such as: organizing and executing several trade missions abroad, implementing projects for the international marketing of products and services, opening doors to new markets and customers outside of Quebec, as well as promoting strategic alliances facilitating international projects, be it in Europe or in Latin America, and especially in Mexico.

Mr. Padilla-Zarco is fluent in Spanish, French and English.

Sadio Diop joined Commerce International Québec Montérégie-Ouest (CIQMO) in 2023 as an International Project Manager. She graduated from the Université Laval with an MBA in International Management, making her a perfect addition to our team. With her strong academic background in international management and expertise in digital marketing, she brings added value to the field of international trade and business expansion in global markets. Her role as a Project Manager is to support the development of companies in the Montérégie-Ouest region as they venture into international markets.

With her experience, expertise, and determination, she is ready to take on the challenges of international trade and support the success of regional businesses in their global expansion efforts. Her commitment to international trade development and her passion for helping local businesses reach their full potential on the global stage make her a crucial asset to CIQMO and its business partners. Her goal is to provide tailored solutions and high-quality guidance, thereby contributing to the success of CIQMO's ambitious projects and the prosperity of businesses in Montérégie-Ouest on a global scale.

In addition to her native language, Wolof, she is fluent in French and English.

Having completed her four-month internship at CIQMO, Tiguidanké Touré joins the team as an assistant communications advisor.

Holding a bachelor’s degree in Communication-Minor in International Development from the University of Quebec in Outaouais, Mrs. Touré also holds a Certificate in Public Communication. She also has experience in organizational volunteering, customer service, recruitment for activities and communication, assets that she is keen to put to work for the benefit of the growth of businesses in the region of the Montérégie-Ouest.

Originally from Guinea, Ms. Touré has an in-depth knowledge of the reality of the African continent as well as the different cultures and business cultures.

In addition to her native language, she is fluent in French and English.

Holding a master's degree in business administration and another master's degree in management and marketing, Mr. Guoqing Yang has been part of the CIQMO team as an International Advisor since 2021.

Through his positions based in Asia, Africa and Europe, he has more than 15 years of experience as an international project manager.

The aim of Guoqing is to support companies in the Montérégie West region by providing them with accessible relevant services so they can position themselves at an advantage on the international scene.

In addition to his mother tongue, Mandarin, he speaks English, French and Arabic.

Mr. Robert Elhen - Chairman of the Board of Directors

Ms. Josée Bilodeau - Vice-President of the Board of Directors

Position to be filled - secretary and treasurer

Mr. Éric Dugas - administrator

Mr. Don Keddy - administrator

Mr. Simon Rinella - administrator

Mr. Joël Lessard - administrator

Mr. Apollinaire Ganlaky - observer administrator

Mrs. Lourdes Fretes - observer administrator