05/28/2026
What an extraordinary and humbling evening for Localism as our Founder & CEO joined Grammy award winning Campanas de America in performance during the inaugural Serenata Gala honoring the remarkable legacy and life’s work of Belle Ortiz.
Belle Ortiz forever changed the cultural and educational landscape of our country through her visionary advocacy for mariachi education in public schools beginning in the 1970s. Because of her tireless dedication and unwavering belief in the power of culture, music, and identity, there are now more than 250 mariachi education programs across the United States, as well as international mariachi competitions celebrated throughout the Americas. Her impact transcends music — it has empowered generations of young people to embrace their heritage with pride and purpose.
We are deeply grateful to have been included in such a historic and heartfelt evening recognizing one of the most influential cultural leaders of our time. At Localism, we believe that preserving and elevating cultural traditions is essential to strengthening communities, identity, and opportunity for future generations.
We look forward to continued collaboration with Campanas de America and leaders across the mariachi community to help sustain and expand Belle Ortiz’s extraordinary legacy for generations to come.