MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 1011,
BOISE, IDAHO 83701 USA
EMAIL: INFO@OINKARI.ORG
josie Wray, president
Josie is thrilled to be serving the board as president for the second year! She was born and raised in Boise, and this will be her 15th year in Oinkaris. She went to Carroll College for her undergraduate education, and went on to Washington State University to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine! She now works as a veterinarian at Hendricks Veterinary Hospital in small animal general practice. She plays the trikitixa in her spare time and enjoys many other creative and athletic activities throughout the year. She is looking forward to being a leader in Oinkaris during this Jaialdi 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 fourth 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 continue being 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. 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. 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
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 13th 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
Tiana Herrera, Secretary
Tiana grew up in Winnemucca, Nevada, dancing in both the Winnemucca and Reno dance groups. This is Tiana’s second year in the group and first year on the board. Tiana had the privilege of serving on the Reno club’s board of directors and help instruct their txiki and intermediate dance groups. She is excited to continue that work in Boise with her position on the Oinkari board and teaching for Boiskeo Gazteak. Outside of Oinkaris, Tiana is an elementary school teacher! She is thrilled to take on her new role as Secretary and welcome the new members of the Oinkaris this year!
Favorite Dance: Lapurdiko Makil
Jill Kaltenecker, Public Relations Director
As PR, Jill is responsible for interfacing with the outside community, overseeing all social media, updating the website and aiding in fundraising planning and advertisement. This is Jill’s 16th year in the group and previously served on the board as the Public Relations Director and President. Outside of Oinkaris, Jill works as a registered nurse at St. Luke’s. On her free time she loves to make pottery and travel. She is excited to welcome all incoming Oinkaris this year and help the board during this big Jaialdi year!
Favorite Dance: Jota Barri
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 13th 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
alaia campbell, Social Liaison
Alaia is born and raised in Boise Idaho and has been Basque dancing all throughout her childhood with the Boiseko Dance group. This will be her 3rd year in the group and she is super excited to take on a more leadership role for the first time as Social Liasison! Alaia attends Bishop Kelly and is a member of the soccer, track, as well as Basque Club there. She looks forward to spreading the Basque culture through dance to different types of people to build better relationships.
Favorite Dance: Jota Barri