People of the Mercado

Yulissa Maqueos González is a talented musician and orchestra director who draws inspiration from her Oaxacan roots. Music played a crucial role in Yulissa’s life since her birth in San Andrés Solaga, Oaxaca, México. Yulissa’s father worked as a farmworker as a means to sustain his family, but his true calling was to be a musician and music instructor, which he actualized in the town’s municipal band. Unbeknownst to them, this work would plant the seed for Yulissa’s future.

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When Yulissa was two years old, her parents took a leap of faith and immigrated to the United States in search of better opportunities. They landed in Los Angeles, where they had to adapt to a new rhythm of life far removed from the slow-paced lifestyle of their hometown. To help sustain the family, Yulissa’s mother was forced to work outside the home for the first time and Yulissa was enrolled in preschool. At school, Yulissa became inconsolable as staff struggled to identify the language she was speaking; Yulissa’s mother later explained that Yulissa could only speak Zapotec. A resilient child, Yulissa quickly learned two new languages, Spanish and English, yet for much of her childhood, she continued to feel like an outsider.

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As Yulissa adapted to her new home, her father strove to pursue his own goals. Soon, he would accomplish one of his biggest dreams in opening the Maqueos Music school, which focuses on preserving Oaxacan culture and traditions through education. At first, young Yulissa resisted her father’s expectations to follow in his footsteps. For one, she just wanted to be a kid, but more profoundly, she continued to struggle with her identity as an immigrant and the feeling of not belonging. However, around the ripe age of 12, Yulissa became empowered by her natural musical talent and by the realization that her Oaxacan roots were a source of strength.

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With new resolve, Yulissa dedicated herself to music and to promote the richness of her heritage. Recently, Yulissa, a DACA student, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Cal State Los Angeles and is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Music Performance at Cal State Fullerton. Recognizing the healing properties of music, Yulissa will also pursue a Masters in Psychology in order to practice music therapy. Today, she proudly functions as Band Director at Maqueos Music, a role not often filled by women. Yulissa is excited to help expand her father’s music academy and bring wider visibility to the Oaxacan community. Yulissa prefers not to limit her dreams and welcomes the opportunities that come her way.