TIANA HERRERA, president

Tiana hails from Winnemucca, Nevada, and grew up dancing with the Winnemucca Irrintzi Dancers and later, Reno’s Zazpiak Bat while attending the University of Nevada. This is Tiana’s third year in the group and second year on the board, previously serving in the role of Secretary. Tiana has enjoyed becoming an active part of the Boise Basque community and is excited to continue that work with her position on the Oinkari board and teaching for Boiseko Gazteak. Outside of Oinkaris, Tiana is an elementary school teacher. In her free time you can find her reading, hiking, or traveling. She is thrilled to take on her new role as President administrating our business affairs and is excited to welcome this year’s new class of Oinkari dancers!

Favorite Dance: Iribaseko Ingurutxoa

SCOTT KALTENECKER, Vice President

Scott was born and raised in Boise, went to college in Montana and is now back working as an engineer. He began dancing at a young age and enjoys being part of the Basque community. This is Scott’s 14th year in the group and 3rd year on the board, previously serving as Sergeant at Arms. As VP, Scott is responsible for all travel logistics, budgeting, billing and permitting. Scott is excited to welcome in new dancers and looks forward to the year ahead.

Favorite Dance: Lesaka

Amaya Herrera, Women's Dance Director

Amaya grew up in Winnemucca, Nevada, and danced with the Winnemucca Irrintzi Dancers and later the Reno Zazpiak Bat Dancers while attending the University of Nevada. This is her fifth year in the group and fourth year on the board, previously serving as Fundraising Chair and Vice President. When she’s not dancing, you can find Amaya reading a book or adventuring with her sister, Tiana. Amaya works at Basque Museum & Cultural Center as the Curator of Collections & Exhibitions and also helps instruct for Boiseko Gazteak. In her new role as a Dance Director, she will work with the Men's Dance Director to plan and oversee all practices and performances, while ensuring the traditional accuracy of all choreography and costuming. She cannot wait to welcome the next generation of dancers to the group and help them find their love for Basque dancing, just like her instructors did for her! 

Favorite Dance: Jota Zaharra

Michael Lejardi, Men's Dance Director

Michael started dancing with the Oinkaris in 2012 after learning Basque dancing with the Homedale youth dance group, Herribatza Danzariak. As Dance Director, he will work with Amaya to plan and run all practices and performances. Starting his 14th year in the group, he is excited to teach the next generation of Oinkaris. Michael graduated from the University of Idaho as a Computer Engineer and is currently working at Micron.

Favorite Dance: Aurreko Ezpata 

JORDAN CUTLER, Secretary

Jordan grew up in Mountain Home, Idaho, and has always valued her Basque heritage. This will be Jordan’s 3rd year as an Oinkari, and she is excited to take a more active role in the group as this year’s secretary. The secretary is responsible for recording member attendance at practices and performances, taking meeting minutes, and maintaining the activities calendar. Jordan looks forward to welcoming new members to the group and furthering Basque culture through dance. Outside of Oinkaris, Jordan teaches middle school English, and spends her free time crocheting, sewing, and playing frisbee with her dog, Lily.

Favorite Dance: Sagar

Jaclyn Lasuen, PUBLIC RELATIONS

Hailing from Mountain Home, Jaclyn started dancing with Oinkari in 2007. She has previously been a part of our Oinkari board as Social Liaison, Public Relations Director, and Women's Dance Director. Public Relations Director is responsible for our active social media, communication with the public--especially our treasured alumni--and maintaining the yearly scrapbook. Jaclyn also serves on the boards of directors for the Mountain Home Basque Association and the Basque Museum & Cultural Center. She is the North American Basque Organization's Dance Chair and she teaches Boiseko Gazteak youth dancers. She also teaches high school Spanish.

Favorite Dance: Jota Barri

ALAIA CAMPBELL, Fundraising Chair

Alaia was born and raised in Boise, Idaho and has been Basque dancing throughout her childhood with Boiseko Gazteak. This will be her 4th year in the group and she is super excited to take on a larger leadership role as the fundraising chair. Alaia attends Bishop Kelly where she is a member of the women’s lacrosse team as well as Basque Club. She looks forward meeting people at different fundraising events such as Sagardotegi as well as the Western Idaho Fair!

Favorite Dance: Jota Barri

Carter lauer, SERGEANT-at-Arms

Carter was born and raised in Boise, Idaho, and will be entering his fourth year with the Oinkaris. This is his first year on the board. Carter has been dancing throughout his life with Boiseko Gazteak, prior to Oinkaris. Carter goes to school at Bishop Kelly High where he is on the soccer team and the ski team. As Sergeant-At-Arms, Carter looks forward to maintaining the condition of the equipment and updating the equipment that needs it. He is excited to travel to different festivals with the group this year.

Favorite Dance: Ezpata Joku Nagusia

leah mendive, Social Liaison

Leah grew up in New Plymouth, Idaho. She danced with the Ontario Basque club’s Beti Alai dancers for 11 years before joining the Oinkari dancers 3 years ago. She recently graduated from TVCC and is now working at St. Luke’s. This is Leah’s first year on the board, where she will be responsible for planning our social calendar. She is excited to welcome all of the new dancers this year.

Favorite Dance: Lapurdiko Makil