MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 1011,
BOISE, IDAHO 83701 USA
EMAIL: INFO@OINKARI.ORG
josie Wray, president
Josie has been with the group for 13 years, this being her first time serving as President! In the past, she served the board as Social Liaison. She went to Carroll College for an Undergraduate program and finished her education to become a veterinarian at Washington State University! She now works at Hendricks Veterinary Hospital in small animal general practice. She also plays the trikitixa in her spare time! She is looking forward to leading the Oinkaris this year!
Favorite Dance: Lapurdiko Makil
amaya herrera, Vice President
Amaya grew up in Winnemucca, Nevada, dancing in both the Winnemucca and Reno dance groups. She moved to Boise a few years ago to complete her Master’s in History at Boise State University. This is Amaya’s third year in the group and second year on the board, serving as Fundraising Chair last year. Amaya works at Basque Museum and Cultural Center as the Curator of Collections & Exhibitions and also helps teach for Boiskeo Gazteak. She is excited to take on the new role as Vice President and welcome the new members of the Oinkaris each year, just like the group did for her!
Favorite Dance: Uztai Haundi
Jaclyn Lasuen, Women's Dance Director
Hailing from Mountain Home, Jaclyn started dancing with Oinkaris in 2007. Oinkari Dance Directors work together to plan and organize practices and performances to ensure traditional accuracy of steps and choreography. Jaclyn is excited to work with Michael to bring in new dances for Jaialdi. In addition to dance, Women's Director also coordinates the seamstress for our new girls' costumes. Jaclyn has previously been a part of our Oinkari board as Social Liaison and Public Relations Chair. Jaclyn also serves on the boards of directors for the Mountain Home Basque Association and the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, and she teaches Boiseko Gazteak youth dancers. She is a high school Spanish teacher.
Favorite Dance: Jota Barri
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. Starting his 12th 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
josephine aldape, Secretary
Josephine grew up in Boise, Idaho getting her started with the Boise group, Boiseko Gazteak. She is a sophomore at Boise High School and this is her second year in the group. Josephine stepped up for the group and decided to tackle a difficult role, even with no prior experience on the board. You can find Josephine spending her free time with friends, playing tennis, or skiing.
Favorite Dance: Ustai Txiki
Molly Mai, Public Relations Director
Molly began her dancing career with Boiseko Gazteak and has been a member of the Oinkaris for six years, this year being her third time on the board. She previously served on the board as Social Liasion. Molly is looking forward to representing the Oinkaris online and throughout the community well. She is excited to tackle the role of the Public Relations Director and strengthening connections with our community. She is a sophomore at Boise State University and is majoring in Pre-Nursing with a minor in Basque Studies. Molly is excited to continue serving as Public Relations Director!
Favorite Dance: Ustai Haundi
Brenna garro, Fundraising Chair
Brenna grew up in Horseshoe Bend, Idaho but spent most of her time in Boise. She joined the group in 2012 and was excited to get back to the Oinkaris after graduating from the University of Idaho in 2020 (Go Vandals!). She works as a Policy Analyst at the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources and is pursuing a Masters in Public Administrations. In her free time, Brenna loves to spend time outside whether thats backpacking, hiking, or biking. She is excited to represent the Oinkaris as Fundraising Chair and looks forward to Sagardotegi, Lambpage, the Fair, and other events throughout the year!
Favorite Dance: Jota Barri
Scott Kaltenecker, SERGEANT-at-Arms
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 12th year in the group and second year on the board. He looks forward to being involved in a larger capacity and excited as we plan for international travels. As Sergeant-At-Arms, he is responsible for the upkeep, maintenance, and coordination of equipment to performances. Scott is excited to welcome in new dancers and looks forward to the year ahead.
Favorite Dance: Lesaka
alazne campbell, Social Liaison
Alazne grew up in Boise, Idaho dancing with the Boise dance group, Boiseko Gazteak. She is a sophomore at Bishop Kelly High School. Alazne has been in the group for two years with this year being her first time on the board! She is looking forward to bringing new ideas to the group while helping the Oinkaris grow closer together! Her favorite memory so far is dancing at the Winnemucca Basque Festival and being able to travel with the group!
Favorite Dance: Jota Barri