Gemanereida Barragán Cruz

Gemanereida “Gema” Barragán Cruz is a vocalist from Portland, Oregon, raised in Salem, Oregon, and currently studying Music Education with an emphasis in voice at Portland State University. She is a versatile young artist who bridges classical and mariachi traditions.

In 2024, she won 1st Place in the Alto category through the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) and was selected as a finalist in the Mariachi Extravaganza, one of the most respected mariachi competitions in the country. She currently performs with the PSU Chamber Choir and continues to share her voice as a mariachi singer, proudly representing her culture and musical roots on stage.

As a first-generation Latina college student and future educator, Gema is passionate about using music to uplift and connect her community. She is dedicated to inspiring young musicians—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—to see themselves in music, pursue their voices with confidence, and experience the power of performance and storytelling through song.