Author: beobasque

PUBLIC RELATIONS

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
Born and raised in San Francisco, I grew up immersed in the local Basque community, participating in the dance group from a young age. My passion for storytelling led me to Chicago for school, where I studied Public Relations. Now, I work with clients across diverse industries, helping them make headlines and connect with people at events. Outside of work, you’ll find me at live music and comedy shows or FaceTiming my family!

WHY THE BEO?
The BEO is an important organization—it’s taught me much about my own culture, heritage, and all the contributions the Basque community has made (just look at the talent in this group!). Its mission reflects what our ancestors came to this country to do, and I love how it brings people together through virtual programs. That’s been a great way for me to stay connected now that I’m living far away from my beloved San Francisco community. I’m excited to join the BEO and support their upcoming endeavors!

ENTREPRENEUR

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
Meggan Laxalt Mackey is a third-generation Basque. She worked in the federal, academic, and private sectors as a communications and education specialist for over 30 years. She has been actively involved in Boise’s Basque community since 1987, serving in multiple roles over the years, including educational programs, teaching, publication, book, and exhibit design, writing and editing, communications, and historical research. She has volunteered for the Basque Museum & Cultural Center since 1987 and also served on their Board of Directors. In her capacity as adjunct faculty in Basque Studies at Boise State University, she coordinates public programs. Meggan’s book, Lekuak: The Basque Places of Boise, Idaho, was published by the Center for Basque Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno. She studied at Scripps College in Claremont, California, and the University of Nevada, Reno, earning her Bachelor of Arts in History and Master of Applied Historical Research (with a focus on Basque Studies) from Boise State University. She owns and operates Studio M Publications and Graphics, a book arts and graphic design studio, in Boise, Idaho.

WHY THE BEO?
Why would I NOT say “Yes!” to working with BEO? I have witnessed BEO’s incredible energy, innovative programs, and creative approaches to education about Basque culture. I’m thrilled to be part of listening, doing, and thinking about more and more ways to keep the BEO ball rolling forward. They are leading Basques forward into a new era. Aurrera!

ATTORNEY

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
[coming soon]

WHY THE BEO?
[coming soon]

ARTIST DEVELOPMENT @ YOUTUBE

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
Hi! I’m Erica Fosse (soon to be Erica Johnson as I’m getting married in May!). My mother’s maiden name is Etcheverry. I grew up in San Bruno, close to the BCC in South San Francisco, and I enjoyed going to dance practice, and performing in the SF Zazpiak Bat dance group. These days, I live in Sonoma County Ca, and I LOVE attending basque festivals to keep in touch with the best community alive! I work at YouTube Music as a partner manager, growing musician and artist’s YouTube channels. I am passionate about the music industry and bringing people together through live music and events.

WHY THE BEO?
I want to continue educating people about our Basque culture and preserve the community that the generations before us have built. I want to bring the fun!!! And get more people out to events they normally wouldn’t go to, all while having a blast at those events (and learn something new). Life is too short not to have fun!

STUDENT
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
My name is Jean-Max (Max for short!). I’m a Basque-American from San Francisco and a current senior at UCLA. My grandparents were from Bidarrai and Makea in Baxenabarra, and I grew up in the San Francisco Basque Community dancing at the picnics and attending udaleku. Since graduating from high school, I have had a passion for researching Basque Linguistics and Basque Names, subjects which I have made presentations about with the BEO.

WHY THE BEO?
I love every letter in the acronym for BEO, I love being Basque, I love teaching others about the wonders of being Basque, and I love contributing to Basque organizations, so when the opportunity arose to join the BEO Brainstormer’s Board, I immediately jumped!

NEWS REPORTER

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
Danielle Echeverria grew up in Bakersfield, California, and danced with the Kern County Basque club from the ages of 4 to 18. She is also a member of the Chino Basque Club, which her grandfather Albert Goyenetche helped found. She now lives in San Francisco and works as a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, where she once wrote a story that exclusively quoted Basque people.

WHY THE BEO?
I said “yes!” to working with the BEO because I have always felt so inspired by its projects, especially Basque Cultural Day, and I wanted to be a part of it to continue sharing our Basque heritage!

FORMER BEO BOARD MEMBER
ACTIVE BEO PARTICIPANT

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
Raised in the very tight-knit and flourishing San Francisco Basque community, lived in France and Spain for several years, learning the local languages, and teaching English in return. My curiosity has led me to work in Finance, Education, Fashion, Construction, and in my spare time, I enjoy doing various crafts, reading, walking/hiking, and eating & laughing with friends & family.

WHY THE BEO?
The depth of dedication of this organization (BEO) makes the mind and soul dance a perfectly synchronized jota.

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
Born in San Francisco but raised in Gardnerville, NV, when my parents bought the Sierra Motel. They helped start the Gardnerville Basque club, which helped instill many of the things I enjoy about our culture today. I moved to CA in 1996 and started teaching math and coaching track at a public high school in Daly City, CA, and have been there ever since. I love the txistu, so as a hobby, I continue to play and have also helped out in teaching it at many Udalekus held at the BCC.

WHY THE BEO?
I enjoy supporting my culture in any way I can, as well as connecting with my Basque friends, which is one of the reasons I look forward to working with the BEO!

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
Hi, I’m Amaia Caballero! I’m an elementary school teacher with a passion for education and community. I’ve also had the joy of teaching Basque dancing, which has allowed me to connect with others through a shared culture. I’ve always been deeply involved in my Basque culture, and I want to share that with others, especially kids. Based on my experience at festivals, camps, and other cultural opportunities sparked my interest in being involved with the BEO.

WHY THE BEO?
I’m excited to bring new ideas to help expand the BEO to younger audiences and give them a chance to experience the same cultural richness I’ve enjoyed.

ARTIST

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
Zoe Bray is an artist, teacher and researcher based in Reno, Nevada. Her interests focus on identity, representation and ecology in today’s fast-changing world. Zoe’s Basque roots lie in Izura, BaxeNaforroa, where her parents live.

I look forward to helping brainstorming on future BEO initiatives, especially in the area of youth education and sustainability.

WHY THE BEO?
I said “Yes!” because I have been very impressed and inspired by the dynamic, diverse, and intergenerational programming of the BEO, and am excited by the opportunity to help make it even more successful.