Meet Our Musicians

Alicia Rubio is a violinist, vocalist, and music educator from San Diego, California, who relocated to Texas in 2023. She performs throughout Central Texas and holds a Master’s degree in Latin Music with a concentration in mariachi performance from Texas State University, where she studied under mariachi specialist Professor Michelle Quintero. She also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from The Bob Cole Conservatory, studying classical violin under Andrea Byers.

With over 20 years of teaching experience, Alicia serves as a mariachi instructor at Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos, a mariachi and violin professor at Palo Alto College, and is an active mariachi clinician and adjudicator throughout Central Texas. She has collaborated with prominent artists and participated in numerous musical productions, most notably as a former member of the two-time Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea.

Alicia Rubio is a violinist with Mariachi Chicanas, bringing her extensive experience as a performer, educator, and leader to the ensemble’s artistry, mentorship, and cultural mission.

Mireya Batres is a California-born mariachi vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who grew up in Juárez, Mexico. With over 34 years of experience, she has performed across the U.S., including headlining as a singer at Universal Studios and Six Flags in Orlando, Florida.

An accomplished vihuela, guitar, and guitarrón player, Mireya is also a songwriter, with several of her original songs recorded and released. She works with autistic children, using music to foster communication and expression, and aspires to become a certified music therapist.

She is a core member of Mariachi Chicanas, contributing her decades of expertise as a vocalist, instrumentalist, and songwriter to the ensemble’s artistry and cultural leadership.

Rebecca Reba Rodriguez is a vihuela and guitar player from Houston, Texas, with over 20 years of performance experience. She attended Texas State University and has been an active member of some of Texas’s most prominent all-female mariachi ensembles, bringing expertise, passion, and cultural knowledge to every performance.

A dedicated young mother, Rebecca balances her family life with her commitment to music, sharing her skills and mentorship with audiences and fellow musicians alike. She is a valued member of Mariachi Chicanas, contributing her extensive experience as a vihuela and guitar player to the ensemble’s artistry, leadership, and cultural mission.

Abby Garcia is a mariachi vocalist and instrumentalist from Edinburg, Texas, currently pursuing her studies at Texas State University. Her mariachi journey began in Edinburg, where she developed a deep passion for the music and culture, and she was featured in Netflix’s Going Varsity in Mariachi, showcasing her talent and dedication to the art form.

Abby aspires to become a mariachi educator, sharing her knowledge and love of mariachi with future generations. She actively performs as part of Mariachi Chicanas, contributing her growing expertise, vibrant performance skills, and commitment to cultural preservation to the ensemble’s artistry and mission.

Leila Elizondo is the guitarrón player for Mariachi Chicanas and is from Edinburg, Texas. She is an inspiring General Education teacher and currently pursues her studies at Texas State University, balancing her dedication to education with her passion for music.

In addition to her role on guitarrón, Leila performs harp in mariachi and euphonium in band, showcasing her versatility as a multi-instrumentalist. As a young and talented musician, she brings fresh energy, dedication, and promise to Mariachi Chicanas, helping shape the ensemble’s future while contributing to its artistry and cultural mission.

Monique Grijalva is a trumpet player from Arizona with over 20 years of performance experience. She comes from a mariachi family and has performed mariachi music throughout her life, while also showcasing her versatility by performing in other genres, most notably as a member of a U.S. Army band, a highly selective and prestigious ensemble.

In addition to her musical career, Monique serves as a police officer, balancing her dedication to public service with her passion for mariachi performance. She is a valued member of Mariachi Chicanas, bringing her decades of experience, technical skill, and cultural heritage to the ensemble’s artistry, leadership, and mission.

Kayla Hinton is a trumpet player for Mariachi Chicanas from Seguin, Texas, pursuing her studies at Texas State University. She has performed with prestigious ensembles, including Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps and the Bluecoats. Kayla also plays trumpet with Texas State Salsa del Río, sings in the Texas State Choir, and has performed across multiple genres, including mariachi, jazz, salsa, and classical, demonstrating her versatility and technical skill.

She aspires to become a music teacher and pursue a master’s degree after graduation. Kayla brings her experience, energy, and passion for music to Mariachi Chicanas, contributing to the ensemble’s artistry, cultural richness, and dynamic performances.

Breah Ford is a violinist for Mariachi Chicanas from Kyle, Texas. She grew up performing in orchestras and playing mariachi, and continues to showcase her talent today as part of the San Marcos SMART Orchestra, blending classical training with her passion for mariachi music.

Breah balances her musical pursuits with a professional career as a crime scene specialist and works as a cast member at Once Upon A Party, LLC. She earned a degree in Anthropology from Texas State University, bringing curiosity, discipline, and versatility to all aspects of her life. As a dedicated musician, she contributes her skill, professionalism, and artistry to Mariachi Chicanas, enriching the ensemble’s performances and cultural mission.