Vanessa Moreno

Alteña since: 2002

Instruments: Vihuela, Guitar, Guitarrón, Vocals

Vanessa Fact: Vanessa got married in New York City while participating on America’s Got Talent

Vanessa Moreno was born and raised on the south side of San Antonio. She was introduced to mariachi music by her parents and has played the vihuela since age 6. Vanessa has been a founding member of Mariachi Las Alteñas since 2002 and is the group’s assistant administrator. In 1992, she began playing with the Wesley Community mariachi program but moved to the Harlandale ISD mariachi, where she remained a part of that program until her senior year in 2004. Vanessa graduated from McCollum High School in 2004 and 2013 graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish with a minor in music plus a mariachi certificate from Texas State University. While attending Texas State, Vanessa had the opportunity to perform with the award-winning Mariachi Nueva Generacion. In 2010, she competed at the national Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Vocal Competition and received 1st place in the university category. In 2012, she traveled with the university group to South America, where she had the opportunity to perform for a live audience in Santiago, Chile. Music has allowed her to perform at prestigious venues such as performing live on America's Got Talent while accompanying Sebastien De La Cruz. Vanessa is a featured vocalist in Las Alteñas and is the spokesperson for the group during performances. She has a way with the audience that leaves people smiling and wanting more. Vanessa is known for her skills on the vihuela and was nicknamed "manita de oro." She was also the mariachi director at a public school for several years. In December 2021, Vanessa graduated with a double master's in Strategic Leadership and Business Administration and is now pursuing her new career in that field of study. Vanessa and Jackie have been married since 2012 and have a beautiful daughter named Mia Isabella.