Texas Folklife Welcomes Sunny Sauceda as Deputy Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Texas Folklife Welcomes Sunny Sauceda as Deputy Director
A longtime culture bearer and collaborator steps into an expanded role supporting
Texas Folklife’s statewide work.
San Antonio, Texas | January 13, 2026
Texas Folklife is pleased to welcome Sunny Sauceda into the role of Deputy Director, a new
chapter that reflects both the organization’s growth and its continued commitment to community-
centered leadership across Texas.
In this role, Sauceda will work under the Executive Director and alongside staff to help carry
forward Texas Folklife’s mission of preserving, presenting, and celebrating the living traditions
that shapes our state. His focus will be on supporting programs, nurturing relationships, and
strengthening the connective tissue between culture bearers, artists, educators, and community
partners.
“Sunny has long been part of the heartbeat of this organization,” said Dr. Elisha R. Oliver,
Executive Director of Texas Folklife. “This role recognizes what he already brings—deep
cultural knowledge, generosity of spirit, and a genuine commitment to artists and communities.
I’m excited to continue this work together in a way that feels aligned, collaborative, and
grounded in our shared values.”
An award-winning musician and respected cultural leader, Sauceda’s career has been rooted in
mentorship, intergenerational learning, and the ongoing vitality of traditional music. His
appointment reflects Texas Folklife’s belief that leadership emerges from lived experience, trust,
and long-standing relationships.
“I’m honored to step into this role with Texas Folklife,” said Sauceda. “This organization has
always been about people, stories, and community. I look forward to continuing to support the
artists and culture bearers who make this work meaningful.”
As Deputy Director, Sauceda will contribute to program development, partner engagement, and
organizational planning, with particular attention to youth learning, intergenerational exchange,
and public access to folk and traditional arts. His work will help ensure that Texas Folklife
remains responsive, connected, and accountable to the communities it serves.
Sauceda has been a familiar and trusted presence in Texas Folklife’s programs, helping connect
audiences to the stories, histories, and traditions behind the music and cultural practices they
cherish. In this expanded role, he will continue championing culture bearers while supporting the
organization’s evolving needs.
This appointment comes during a period of continued momentum for Texas Folklife, as the
organization expands its education initiatives, deepens its documentation work, and creates new pathways for Texans to engage with the traditions that make the state a true mosaic of cultures.
About Texas Folklife
Texas Folklife is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and presenting the rich diversity of Texas traditions. Through education programs, apprenticeships, live events, and media projects, Texas Folklife supports culture bearers and community-based artists while inviting people of all ages to explore the traditions that shape everyday life across Texas.
Media Contact
Mariela Freire
Communications Director, Texas Folklife
210-275-2720
mfreire@texasfolklife.org
linktr.ee/texasfolklife
