FOLKLORE Y RITMOS
DE PANAMA
Panama culture in Austin, Texas
BOARD MEMBERS
Welcome to the Board Members Page of Folklore y Ritmos de Panama!
Our dance group is led by a dedicated team of individuals passionate about promoting Panamanian culture through traditional music and dance. Our Board Members work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that our group runs smoothly and successfully, from organizing events to managing finances.
On this page, you will find information about our Board Members, including their background and role within the group. We are proud to have such a committed and diverse team of individuals leading our dance group, and we hope this page helps you get to know them better.
Folklore Y Ritmos De Panama is a 501-(c)(3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Panamanian culture through music and dance.
Thank you for supporting Folklore Y Ritmos De Panama, and we hope you enjoy learning more about our Board Members!
Director
Martha McInnis
Born in Panama and raised between Panama City and Kingston, Jamaica, Marta McInnis has always been surrounded by cultural richness. That early exposure to diversity shaped her passion for dance and became the foundation for her life’s work — sharing the vibrant traditions of Panama through performance and education.
Marta is best known for her radiant stage presence, signature choreography, and unwavering commitment to authenticity. She began her professional journey with the folkloric group of Dale Carnegie and later joined the renowned dance troupe Baila Panamá Baila at the University of Panama. Her talent and leadership have since taken her across the U.S. and abroad, most recently performing in Italy and France.
In 2000, she brought Panamanian folklore to Austin for the first time. Inspired by the community’s response, she founded Folklore y Ritmos de Panamá in 2001. For over two decades, Marta has taught and mentored dancers of all ages, proudly leading a troupe that reflects the soul of Panama — from its rhythms to its hand-crafted Polleras. Her passion continues to inspire cultural pride and connection in every performance.
President
Rogelio McInnis
Rogelio is a dedicated and experienced leader in the field of arts and cultural preservation. As the current president of Folklore y Ritmos, he has led the organization in its mission to promote and preserve traditional music and dance. With a passion for the arts and a deep understanding of the power of music to bring people together, Rogelio has been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of the organization.
A Panamanian native, Rogelio McInnis is a founding member of the dance troupe Folklore y Ritmos de Panama. He expresses his leadership through his contribution of ideas, representation in legal and public meetings, and guidance of the board during organizational gatherings.
He has served on the board since its inception, currently serving in the capacity of President, charged with organizational needs and important decision-making.
Vice-President
Sulipsa Luque
Born in Panama and proudly rooted in Caribbean, Chinese, and European heritage, Sulipsa Luque sees herself as a blend of cultures — much like her homeland. She joined Folklore y Ritmos de Panamá in 2005 as a way to reconnect with her roots and share the richness of Panamanian traditions with the Austin community.
Sulipsa comes from a family of performers, with a great-aunt who danced in a Congo ballet and a cousin who toured the world with a national folkloric troupe. That legacy of embracing diversity shaped her passion for cultural expression.
She holds a BA in Journalism from the University of Texas and has written for outlets like the Austin American-Statesman, Texas Observer, and La Prensa. A certified bilingual educator, she later earned a graduate degree from St. Edward’s University and now works as a psychotherapist.
Beyond performing and teaching with the group, Sulipsa has supported everything from costume creation to publicity efforts. She’s proudly served on the board since 2008 and especially cherishes every moment she gets to wear her Pollera, Panama’s national dress.
Treasurer
Jeannet Mueller
Born and raised in Panama, Jeannett Mueller has cherished Panamanian folklore and traditions her entire life. With deep family ties to the town of Ocú, known for its vibrant “El Manito” and “Carnival” festivals, and a great uncle who crafted traditional gold jewelry, her love for culture runs deep.
She began dancing in college at Universidad Santa María La Antigua and later joined the prestigious Ballet Folklórico de la Profesora de Céspedes, performing internationally and participating in Miss Panama events. In 1991, she was honored as the Monday Queen of Ocú's Carnival.
Since moving to the U.S. in 1992, Jeannett has made her home in Buda, Texas. She joined Folklore y Ritmos de Panamá in 2001 and now serves as Treasurer, bringing over 35 years of experience in finance, banking, and budgeting. When she’s not dancing or keeping the books, Jeannett enjoys kayaking, camping, fishing, and teaching Sunday school.
Assistant treasurer and Director
Fernando Vilca
Born in Panama and raised in Texas, Fernando Vilca brings a vibrant bicultural perspective to Folklore y Ritmos de Panamá. He joined the group in 2017 with a simple goal of learning dance — but it quickly became a journey of rediscovering his heritage, language, and identity.
A former heavy metal guitarist and extreme sports enthusiast, Fernando’s path to cultural dance was anything but traditional. Yet his love for learning and curiosity led him to reconnect deeply with Panamanian traditions. Since then, he’s performed locally and internationally, including in the French-Italian Riviera.
Beyond dancing, Fernando contributes his tech skills and creativity by managing the group’s social media and producing digital content to promote Panamanian culture. He joined the board in 2022 and also mentors others looking to reconnect with their cultural roots. A small business owner and passionate cultural advocate, Fernando leads with heart, energy, and vision.