Texas Latino Pride started in 2014 as an event to promote and honor the diverse Hispanic/Latinx culture in a way that would promote inclusivity within our embedded communities. It has evolved into one of the lone star states premier music festivals that have raised thousands to support agencies that provide affordable and quality mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and housing services to people living with HIV/AIDS. Texas Latino Pride is the Fiesta with a Purpose and the funds raised help continue supporting organizations who provide services to our communities throughout the year.
About TXLP
Our Mission
To unite the Hispanic/Latinx community in celebration of our culture, and providing advocacy, educational, and health services through our community partnerships.
The Numbers
With over 3,100+ recorded attendees in 2021, we’re projecting to reach over 3,500+ as we increase our presence and online footprint to over 15,000+ fans!
Equals THOUSANDS of engagement opportunities for you!
El Equipo
Juan C. Contreras
President
Juan Contreras is a Operations Analyst far Bank of America, who also co-chairs their employee resource group (ERG) in North Texas; Hispanic/Latino Organization for Leadership & Advancement (HOLA), which helps promote employee growth, engagement, and fosters local partnerships with organizations in the region. After spending over a decade in civic engagement during his free time as a volunteer with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Juan knows the importance of being involved in his local community. In 2014, Juan co-founded Texas Latino Pride, an annual gathering of celebration becoming a unique space of culture, welcoming the LGBTQIA+ Hispanic/LatinX communities, while also raising funds for local agencies. In addition to his community involvement, Juan has co-chaired the national Latinx institute at Creating Change and continuously advocates for basic humane rights for members of the LGBTQIA+ and immigrant communities. Juan studied at El Centro College for Culinary Arts & applies his studies to help his families taquerias in the Dallas/Metro area.
James Ware
Vice President
James Ware is Vice President and has been on the Board of Texas Latino Pride for 6 years. In his previous position he served as Director of Vip and Hospitality Services. James has a passion for community service and volunteerism and joined the board to be more effective with his commitment to LGBTQIA issues, with focus to the underserved Latin community. James recognizes the importance of the power of music in bridging cultures to foster understanding, tolerance and acceptance. As such, he is committed to provide guidance to help shape the future of Texas Latino Pride for years to come. He holds Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Psychology from Texas Tech University and PhD from Southern Methodist University and is currently seeking his Law Degree.
Matthew Paul
Treasurer
Matthew Paul is the Treasurer for Texas Latino Pride. He has served for 4 years as a board member. As treasurer, he provides strategic financial goals and oversight of the organization’s financial well-being and day-to-day billing operations. Matthew is thrilled to be able to give back to the LGBTQ+ community through this grass-roots, culturally driven, organization. He comes to the organization with previous financial experience within the luxury apartment industry. Matthew holds with him a bachelors degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. Matthew is excited to be able to share his ideas and network, all while having fun!
Luis Quintanilla
Secretary
Luis Quintanilla is the Board Secretary for Texas Latino Pride. He joined the organization in 2018 as a volunteer and became a board member in 2019.
In his professional career, he’s a Regional Manager for Favorite Brands. Favorite Brands is an alcohol distributor/importer that prides itself with a unique and elite portfolio of some of the best craft & import beers, boutique wines and spirits from all over the world.
Luis is happy to bring his experience to Texas Latino Pride, and feels honored to work for an organization that has made him feel safe and included in his own life.
Josh Garcia
Director of Operations
Josh Garcia is the Director Operations for Texas Latino Pride. He began volunteering in 2018, and joined the board the following year. He’s a passionate member and supporter of the Dallas LGBT community. He is also passionate about sharing his own career experience with those just starting their careers, technical or otherwise, and are looking for guidance. He’s a professional Project Manager for the State of Texas and provides operational services for a private software firm in North Texas.
Robert Alvarez
Hospitality Director
Robert Alvarez is the Hospitality Director for Texas Latino Pride. He started as a volunteer in 2018 and became a board member in 2019. He has been a board member for 2 years. Robert chose to serve on the TXLP board of directors because he wanted to be a part of giving back to the Latino and LGBT+ community that he is a part of. He loves serving on the board of directors because he enjoys bringing people of different communities together, to support each other and give back to the community.
Chris Huerta
Entertainment Director
Chris Huerta is the Founder of Tejanos Taking Over Entertainment with over 13 years of experience in the Tejano Entertainment Industry. Chris Huerta specializes in concert venues of all genres and has been responsible for bringing well known Tejano Artists to the Dallas to perform at both concert venues and night club venues. Chris is inspired by all the great connections he makes when he brings people together from all walks of life. In his free time, Chris loves to cook, play pool and grill by pool.
Luis Valencia
Creative Director
A Caffeine based life-form, proud nerd and talkative introvert who likes cuisine, movies, photography and traveling. I was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico. Since coming out I became interested in LGBT+ activism, learning about people and their problems, needs, strengths and contributions. Now in Texas, I’m trying to “be the one I needed when I was younger”, hopefully spreading smiles like they are covid (too soon?). He/Him/Él.
David Cantera
Social Media Director
David Cantera is serving on the Board for Texas Latino Pride as the Social Media Director. This is his first year serving on the board for TXLP. He is really passionate about LatinX and LGBTQIA+ rights and hopes to use this platform to celebrate both communities and also use this as an opportunity to advocate for these communities. He loves the strength that every board member brings to the table, and is excited for the 2021 Texas Latino Pride Festival.
Celestia Moon / Marco
Marketing Director
They love what TXLP stands for and the exposure it has on latin LGBTQ community which for many years been shunned by religion in our community.
They love the group of people who are on this wonderful team and they have found family in them. They are a manager at a restaurant, They are from Brownsville Texas and They are 24.
Vincent Marotta
Creative Director
Vincent Marotta is serving on the Board for Texas Latino Pride as Creative Director. This is his first year serving on the board, and he is extremely excited to be a part of this year’s team. Vinny has been in the creative field for over 10 years, now, after earning his degree in Graphic Design, at the University of the Incarnate Word, in San Antonio, TX; his hometown. A lover of both creativity and community, this is Vincent’s way of bringing the two together, in hopes for a more inclusive and accepting future, for and from the Latinx community.
Mariano Pintor
Director of Public Relations
Mariano Pintor is serving on the Board for Texas Latino Pride as the Director of Public Relations. As an advertising executive, Mariano spent most of his career in New York City working on global brands, including Mastercard, Visa & JP Morgan Chase. Raised in Oak Cliff, with a passion for social media & creative production, Mariano leverages his skills to put on cultural events that celebrate the LGBTQIA+ and Latinx communities. In his spare time, you can find him dancing to salsa, working out or going to a local drag show.
