Gina Chavez makes her Tryon debut this Saturday, March 9 at 8:00 p.m. at Tryon Fine Arts Center. 

  

With 10 Austin Music Awards, an NPR Tiny Desk with more than half a million views, tours as a cultural ambassador with the U.S. State Department, 5 years as an official 2018 SXSW artist, European tours, and a brand new EP, Gina Chavez is truly an artist on the rise. However, in addition to an enviable career in music, Gina’s travels around the world have led to a passion for women’s rights and educational opportunities. 

  

In 2009, Gina Chavez was teaching English in El Salvador at the Maria Auxiliadora School, a Catholic institution that aims to educate the “poorest of the poor.” One day, Gina asked the senior class who wanted to go to college. Every hand shot up. Then she asked who was planning to attend college. Every hand dropped. Even for eager students, prospects in El Salvador are bleak. 

  

Inspired to take action, Gina founded Niñas Arribas, an organization which funds college educations for young women in a gang-dominated suburb in El Salvador, as well as internships after graduation. 

  

Four girls have now graduated with help from Niñas Arribas, and have begun careers in El Salvador’s education, business and non-profit sectors. 

  

Gina Chavez performs at Tryon Fine Arts Center as part of the 2018-2019 Main Stage Series on Saturday, March 9. Parsec Financial is the Main Stage Series Sponsor. Gina Chavez is sponsored by Main Street Financial Group. WNCW is a Media Sponsor. 

  

For more information call 828-859-8322. 

 

– Submitted by Michelle Flemming