Preserving History, Promoting Community

President

A fifth-generation Arizonan, Maritza graduated from the University of Redlands’ Johnston Center with a self-designed degree in Political Activism and later discovered a passion for public health while conducting HIV testing and education across Phoenix with Terros. She received her MPH from Columbia University in New York City and then worked in Washington, DC on multiple national initiatives. From 2015-2021 Maritza provided leadership on youth health initiatives at Denver Public Health/Denver Health. Maritza returned to Phoenix in 2021 and currently oversees injury and violence prevention programs at the state health department. She is most passionate about the intersections of social justice and public health, health equity, youth voice, systems change, supporting LGBTQIA+ communities, and addressing violence as a public health issue. 

Vice President

Secretary

Becky Valenzuela is a native Arizonan, born and raised in Safford, Az. She is a fifth generation descendent of a maternal grandfather who served at the Presidio San Agustine de Tucson in 1830. She has been a member of Los Descendientes since 2017, resides in Green Valley and serves as the board Secretary.

A lifelong educator, Becky looks forward to advancing the organization’s mission through community outreach and educational programming focusing on scholarship opportunities for post-secondary education students pursuing higher education or occupational training.

Treasurer

Marissa Betancourt has been a member of Los Descendientes since 2022. Marissa obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of California Santa Barbara and a Master of Social

Work degree from Arizona State University. Though a native of Arizona, Marissa had the opportunity to grow up in numerous places across the United States and internationally as the daughter of a career Marine. Marissa is a licensed clinical social worker who works for the VA Office of the Inspector General. Prior to joining federal service, Marissa provided care in a

community setting to adults and children experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness. Marissa enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her twin, 4-year-old sons.

Executive Director

Community Director

Member-at-Large

Mauro Trejo is a seventh-generation Tucsonense with a profound connection to the city's history. Growing up in a family that has called Tucson home since at least 1780, Trejo has developed a deep understanding and appreciation for the rich heritage that surrounds him.

From an early age, Trejo has been captivated by the accounts his grandfather shared with him about life in Tucson during his own childhood and that of his father and grandfather. These stories fostered a curiosity that has driven Trejo's interest in exploring and preserving the city's history.

Mauro is a member of the board of the Anza Trail Foundation as well as the board of los Descendientes de Tucson, which oversees the Mexican-American History and Heritage Museum in the historic Sosa Carrillo house. He also serves on the board of the Tucson Presidio Trust, which oversees the Tucson Presidio Museum and the Fort Lowell Museum. 

Most recently he served as the Visitor Experience Coordinator at the Tubac Presidio Museum and is the owner of Trejo’s Tucson Walking Tours. 

Mauro Trejo's passion for Tucson's history, nurtured by the stories passed down through generations, has guided his professional and personal journey. Through his various roles within historical organizations, his goal is to educate both locals and visitors about Tucson's remarkable past. 

Member-At-Large

Yvonne Carrasco Clay is a ninth generation Tucsonense, born at the Stork's Nest, listed on the National Registry of Historical Places. 

Her family history includes Don Torevio Otero who received the first recorded Spanish Land Grant in Arizona in 1789. He along with his family started a ranch, church and school in Tubac. In addition, great- grandfather Don Ramon Soto along with grandfather, Rudolph and wife, Clara Coenen Soto established El Tascalito homestead as part of the Sierrita Ranch in the Sierrita Mountains west of Tucson. Clara's father , Anthony Coenen, came from Belgium and was a Papal Zouaves guard at the Vatican under Pope Pius 1X.

Yvonne's heritage includes Don Jose Maria Sosa and Captain Antonio Comaduran who served in the Spanish Army at San Augustin Presidio de Tucson. In addition, the Carrillo heritage includes great-grandmother Maria Carrillo, the niece of Leopoldo Carrillo. Being affiliated with the Sosa Carrillo House and being a descendant to both the Sosa's and Carrillo's gives me a great sense of pride.

Yvonne was educated at the University of Arizona, earning a B.A. in Education. M.Ed in Education and a M.Ed. in Counseling and Guidance.  Her career included 34+ years in TUSD as an elementary teacher and a K-12 counselor.  Also, as an adjunct instructor at University of Arizona College of Education following retirement.

Yvonne volunteers as a board member, engraved brick fundraiser and is on the  membership committee for Los Descendientes de Tucson at the Sosa Carrillo House and The Mexican American Heritage and History Museum.  Yvonne is a board member of the Presidio San Augustin de Tucson ,founding board member the Southern Arizona History Connection and a Doña with Las Doñas de Tucson, a women's organization that promotes History and Culture of the Tucson region.  

Member-at-Large

Evelyn A. Jacobs, a 5th generation Tucsonense and native of Tucson is a retired registered nurse.

Although she loves to travel, she has lived in Tucson all her life. She is a great granddaughter of Leopoldo & Jesusita Suarez Carrillo of the historic Sosa Carrillo House.

She is a granddaughter of Elizardo A. and Bella Amanda Carrillo Jacobs, and the daughter of Benjamin Patrick and Carlota Arreola Jacobs of the Jacobs Assay Office which was on Main St. (the current southeast corner of Congress & Granada). The office relocated to South10th Ave due to Tucson’s Urban Renewal in the 1960’s.

She is the youngest of 6 and the only one born at St. Mary’s Hospital She grew up in the downtown area until the age of 19. Her father was one of the 3 builders/owners of the historic El Casino Ballroom in South Tucson.

She attended Immaculate Heart Academy, Salpointe High School and graduated from the University of Arizona College of Nursing in 1975. She retired from nursing after 40+ years of working in different positions from bedside nursing, to nursing education to nursing management to working in various settings in the community. Most of her working career was at St. Mary’s Hospital. The last 10 years were serving in the Tucson community.

In her retirement, she continues to be active with the Tucson community through organizations such Los Descendientes de Tucson, the South Tucson Lions Club and the Anza Society. She has recently been selected to join Las Doñas de Tucson. She has published throughout her nursing career and recently published interviews regarding her childhood time spent at the Sosa Carrillo House (Arizona Illustrated and Living Streets) as well as being a docent and event coordinator there. She plans to continue her involvement at the Sosa Carrillo House once it reopens. Her passion is to uphold the rich history and cultural traditions of the Old Pueblo.

Member-at-Large

Lisette Chavez was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, located on the southernmost tip of Texas near the Mexican border.  She is a multi-disciplinary artist and arts educator living in Tucson, Arizona. Lisette earned her M.F.A. at the University of Arizona and is the creator of Show Me Your Print Shop, an online resource and blog for print shop organization. Her artwork is held in museums, universities, and private collections, and she has exhibited at national and international exhibitions in Estonia, France, Egypt, Australia, and South America.