The Team
Who We Are
Valerie Vargas
Executive Director
Valerie Vargas was born and raised in San Antonio TX. Her passion for mariachi music, leadership and business began at an early age. In 2002, Vargas founded one of the first all-female groups in Texas, Mariachi Las Alteñas. Considered Texas’ finest all female mariachi, Las Alteñas has performed throughout the United States at many prestigious venues and events. After over 20 years of experience in mariachi music management, performance and event production, Vargas became the Executive Director of Los Altos Mariachi Arts Council. With a mission to promote, elevate and preserve the mariachi music genre, LAMAC brings awareness about mariachi music to communities through educational initiatives such as workshops, concerts, and festivals throughout the US. Valerie holds a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Texas at San Antonio as well as a Master’s Degree in Strategic Leadership from Hallmark University.
Vanessa Moreno
Director
Vanessa Moreno was born and raised on the south side of San Antonio and was introduced to mariachi music by her parents. In 1992, she began playing with the Wesley Community mariachi program, then moved to the Harlandale ISD mariachi, where she remained a part of that program until her senior year in 2004. Vanessa graduated from McCollum High School in 2004 and in 2013, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish with a minor in music and a mariachi certificate from Texas State University. While attending Texas State, Vanessa had the opportunity to perform with the award-winning Mariachi Nueva Generacion. In 2010, she competed at the national Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Vocal Competition and received 1st place in the university category. Vanessa has been a founding member of Mariachi Las Alteñas since 2002 and is the group's assistant administrator in addition to being a featured vocalist and the spokesperson for the group during performances. She was also the mariachi director at a public school for several years. In December 2021, Vanessa graduated with a double master's in Strategic Leadership and Business Administration and is now pursuing her new career in that field of study. Vanessa and Jackie have been married since 2012 and have a beautiful daughter named Mia Isabella.
Claudia-Renée Gonzalez
Director | Media & Public Relations
Claudia-Renée Gonzalez was born in Oakland, California, and began playing trumpet at the age of 10 in Central California at a local nonprofit center for hispanic arts. Before moving to Texas, she played mariachi for several years professionally with her siblings. While attending the University of Texas at San Antonio for Music Composition and Music Technology, she became increasingly involved in the administrative and functional work of the musical groups she participated in, and helped direct the Mariachi Los Paisanos Student Organization and launch UTSA Sonora Correcaminos. Shortly after, Claudia became Media Coordinator for Texas' Finest All-Female Mariachi, Las Alteñas. Aside from performing lead trumpet with Las Alteñas, Claudia now manages the different avenues of the band’s multimedia: managing social media, marketing, creating and directing music videos, designing merchandise, providing custom music arrangements, and more. Claudia is the lead designer for the Viva Mexico Women's Festival.