Our Mission

The Mariachi Women’s Foundation (MWF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its primary mission is to make the performing and cultural arts available to all through music performance, music education, and community engagement

The MWF was established in 2014 and highlights the important role of women and girls in preserving mariachi music which is traditionally performed by men.

MUSIC PERFORMANCE - The MWF launched the world’s first annual International Mariachi Women’s Festival in 2014 and in the same year began traveling with mariachi women’s groups to perform in areas outside of Los Angeles through its Mariachi Women Warriors Tour.

MUSIC EDUCATION - Music education is provided through the Mariachi Pathways for Youth program that includes: 1) an annual Youth Mariachi Showcase; 2) Mariachi Workshops in collaboration with school districts and community organizations; 3) Mariachi Femenil; and 4) The Mariachi Women’s Institute that provides opportunities for mariachi women to teach music.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - Educational Initiatives promote community engagement in the research and understanding of mariachi women’s history, culture and lived experiences. They include mariachi performance demonstrations, history presentations, community dialogues, films and cross cultural exchanges. The Trailblazing Women of Mariachi Music Exhibit, was researched and curated by our Director Dr. Leonor Xóchitl Pérez who is a leading expert in the field and also a resource for the community. This exhibit has been displayed in museums and community centers throughout California, Texas and Arizona.