Lesslie Nuñez is the founder and director of Mariachi Tradición and serves as Orchestra and Mariachi Director at Forest Grove High School in Oregon. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Oregon, where she studied violin under Fritz Gearhart, and later earned a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Policy with a focus on Leadership for Sustainability Education.
Since founding Mariachi Tradición in 2016, Nuñez has transformed the program into one of the most thriving mariachi programs in the Pacific Northwest. The program provides students with opportunities to develop their musicianship, leadership, teamwork and cultural pride through meaningful collaborations and performance experiences. Under her leadership, students have performed alongside renowned artists such as La Santa Cecilia, appeared at major festivals including the Pickathon Festival, and represented Oregon at international mariachi conferences and festivals in Arizona and Texas. The ensemble has also earned multiple state championships and is recognized for its commitment to musical excellence, cultural authenticity, and student leadership.
Nuñez is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces where students of all backgrounds can develop as musicians while celebrating the rich traditions of mariachi. Through her work, she continues to inspire young artists, strengthen community connections, and expand opportunities for mariachi education throughout Oregon. She is honored to serve as Co-Mariachi Chair alongside Valerie Gollman and is looking forward to supporting the continued growth of mariachi education excellence across our state.
Lesslie Nuñez
Mariachi Co-Chair
Forest Grove High School
Forest Grove, Oregon
Click here to contact Lesslie