International Department Directory

Joanne Cañedo
AQHA Manager of Multilingual Resources and Communication

As a previous professional with the AQHA Member Experience Department, Joanne brings a vast knowledge of AQHA rules and processes to AQHA International as the new AQHA manager of multilingual resources and communication. During her time with AQHA, she has grown to love the agility and diversity of the American Quarter Horse.

International experiences and travel abroad have been rooted in Joanne’s life in many different aspects. Starting her life in Okinawa, Japan, gave her an appreciation of Japanese cuisine and culture. Exploring Vianden Castle, located in Luxembourg, and completing multiple volksmarches in Trier, Germany, inspired her love of Europe and international exploring. From Europe, she would sail across the English Channel to the port city of Plymouth in Devon, England, to visit her extended family. As her family settled back in the United States, she found a passion for the French language and culture through her secondary education cultural classes. Across numerous international experiences, it is clear to say that Joanne has a wealth of experience in international affairs and is excited to relate those experiences to our international affiliates and members at AQHA. 

Prior to moving to Texas, Joanne attended Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico, where she graduated with her bachelor of science degree in psychology and a minor in communications. She later obtained her master of arts in communication from ENMU. During her time at ENMU, she served as a student leader, which gave her the unique opportunity to attend several multicultural events and meet international students from 26 different countries, including Africa, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Mexico and many more.

Joanne joined AQHA in April 2019 as an AQHA member experience professional. Since then, she has assisted hundreds of AQHA members through her proficiency in membership, web navigation, registrations, transfers, duplications and corrections, and genetic testing. In her current role within the international department at AQHA, Joanne assists with the management of programs and initiatives that are committed to improving the international member experience. This includes the international educational marketplace program, international on-site service events and activities related to the translation of forms and resources into AQHA's five core languages – French, Italian, German, Spanish and Portuguese. Improved communication and implementation of easier-to-access, multilingual resources are at the forefront of her goals.

Kym Baird 
AQHA International Affiliate Member Support Professional 

Kym Baird launched her career with AQHA in August 1998.  Through the years, she continued to grow with the company and has become proficient within the member experience department. Kym brings her extensive experience in registration and transfer processes, including genetic testing and on-site services, to the international team. In Kym’s role, she provides regular support to AQHA’s international affiliates to address more complex or high-priority requests and assists customers with navigating the normal AQHA processing methods.

Kym was born in Landsthul, Germany, to her Air Force Veteran parents, beginning her love of travel. Upon coming back to the United States, Clovis, New Mexico, became her new home. After high school, Kym attended college up to her employment with AQHA. She has since attended classes to refresh her speaking and understanding of the French language and to further her education.

Kym has traveled with family, visiting multiple places within the United States and internationally. Kym is enjoys being able to meet and assist our international affiliates to continue to expand the American Quarter Horse worldwide.

Alex Joyce
AQHA International Administrative Coordinator

In October 2023, AQHA International welcomed Alex Joyce as the international administrative coordinator. In his role, Alex will support international members by assisting with the organization and implementation of international activities, programs and initiatives. Alex began his professional career at AQHA in October 2019, as an AQHA Member Experience professional assisting walk-in member at the Amarillo headquarters, as well as members who attended the AQHA member services on-site booth at various shows, sales and AQHA-approved events. Being a part of the walk-in team has allowed Alex the chance to help many domestic and international AQHA members. Alex assisted in the completion of these members’ pending and new work, including registrations, transfers, duplicates and more.

Alex was born in Monterrey, Mexico, and lived there until his family moved to Hereford, Texas, in 2001. After graduating high school, Alex continued his education at Amarillo College. Alex is a native Spanish speaker with a high proficiency of the language. Alex has been able to connect with AQHA’s Spanish-speaking members in a deeper level. The ability to assist with Spanish-speaking members is what sparked Alex’s drive to join AQHA International. Alex looks forward to supporting international membership and assisting customers.  

Questions or want to learn more about AQHA International programs and events? Contact us at international@aqha.org.