Hats (and Sombreros) Off to Jo Ann Andera

Jo Ann Andera has much to be proud of.  As the Institute of Texan Cultures approaches a major milestone this month, the 40th anniversary of the Texas Folklife Festival, Jo Ann is reaching her own milestone: over 25 years as director of this monumental event, the largest cultural celebration in Texas, and she isn’t slowing down.

A native of San Antonio, Jo Ann began her journey into the world of cultural diversity with her first breath. Born to immigrant parents from Lebanon, she heard Arabic and Spanish spoken in the home; English came later. “My upbringing really helped me in my job to understand firsthand cultural diversity,” Jo Ann states proudly. 

A graduate of Incarnate Word High School and St. Mary’s University, Jo Ann has built her life in San Antonio, dedicating herself to the community, to her church, St. George Maronite Church, and to her vocation as director of the Texas Folklife Festival, UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures.  “It has been more than just a job; it’s a passion,” she says.

Like her immigrant parents before her, Jo Ann labored her way through the ranks of the Institute of Texan Cultures, starting out as a bilingual tour guide and eventually finding her way to the Folklife Festival, not as director, but as a performer for the Lebanese folk dancers. “It was a long time ago,” she laughs. “Unfortunately, there are pictures to prove it!” But she doesn’t regret the experience.  “Working as director, you see one side of the event. But I’ve been on the other side, as well. I think I brought to the event a certain knowledge of what it takes to do this job and how much preparation it takes for the performers to come to the festival.”

In 1981, eleven years into her tenure at the Institute of Texan Cultures, Jo Ann was made director of special events and the Texas Folklife Festival, a job requiring more hats than any dance troupe coming through the festival can claim. Each year, the festival draws up to 60,000 visitors who come together to celebrate their culture and heritage. With over 40 different cultural groups represented, and more than 300 participants (some with as many as 300 members per group), as well as 1,000 civic volunteers, planning, organizing, and executing an event with over 10,000 participants is no easy feat.