BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Toni Cortez-Aguilar, a seasoned classical flutist in Southern California, embarked on her musical journey in San Diego Unified schools. As a young flutist, performance opportunities at San Diego's very own Spreckles Theater, Copley Symphony Hall, and the original Jack Murphy Stadium, were pivotal in Toni’s desire to perform. This led to college music scholarships and performances throughout the United States, Asia, and Europe.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Fullerton, and a Master of Science with an emphasis in student affairs in higher education from Colorado State University, Toni is not only a skilled musician but also a dedicated advocate for marginalized composers. Her performances reflect her commitment to exploring intersectional identities through music. After a hiatus from the music scene, Toni is fervently working on rekindling her career. A founding member of Connessa Collective, she has achieved acclaim as a finalist in the Chamber Music category at The American Prize (2021), a selected performer at the 2023 National Flute Association, and a finalist at the London Classical Music Competition (2024). Beyond accolades, Toni sees music as a powerful medium for community connection.

Valerie McElroy is a flutist, educator, music arranger and multi-instrumentalist who has traversed the world of music in her teaching and performance. In addition to co-founding Connessa Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting world music by living composers, she is founder and director of VM Studio, a private music education studio. Valerie is a regular performer with San Diego-based professional chamber ensembles Connessa (2024 Finalists in Chamber Music, London Classical Music Competition; 2021 Finalists in Chamber Music, The American Prize) and Flûtes de Salon (NFA Convention Performers, 2022).

A sought-after soloist, flute clinician and collaborator, Valerie is a conductor for two San Diego Youth Symphony ensembles, directs the Villa Musica Flute Ensemble and formerly served on the board of directors of the San Diego Flute Guild. Her original composition, Journey Chalan for Flute Quartet, was successfully world premiered at the 2023 National Flute Association Convention. A Chicago native, Valerie studied at DePaul University with renowned flutists Mary Stolper, Hideko Amano and Jennifer Clippert and has since worked with hundreds of music students in her educational career. Her pedagogy is centered around the development of the whole musician. 

Oscar Echeagaray, Ph.D is a distinguished scientist and passionate advocate for diversity in both science and the arts. With a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of California San Diego, he has dedicated his career to unraveling the complexities of cardiovascular biology, biomedical research and species preservation. His research, supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), focused on the molecular underpinnings of heart health and disease, with a strong emphasis on promoting diversity in health-related research.

Dr. Echeagaray has been an active member of the American Heart Association and the American Association of Anatomists, where he has contributed to initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity within the scientific community. As a Board Secretary of Connessa Collective, Dr. Echeagaray works to promote and support cultural awareness and appreciation through innovative compositions and educational initiatives, ensuring that the voices of all communities are heard and celebrated within the arts. He believes that music, much like science, is a universal language that can connect diverse communities and inspire future generations.