Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mildred Mariel Perez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mildred Mariel, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I think the first time I really wanted to pursue this path professionally was when I was 17. I had just finished high school and had started studying a degree in Communication Studies at a university. But I wasn’t happy. All I could think about was playing music. I was taking bass lessons at another school, and that was what truly called to me.

At the time, one of my teachers told me he believed I had the ability to play jazz and helped me through the process. Then, a friend convinced me to audition for one of the only two public and tuition-free music schools in Mexico City. So I did—and I got in. I was accepted into one of my top choices: the Escuela Superior de Música, part of the National Institute of Fine Arts.

I think that was the moment I realized I could actually do this. That’s when it all began—wow!

Mildred Mariel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Mildred Mariel Perez, and I’m a jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader based in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. I’m the founder and artistic director of the Mildred Mariel Jazz Orchestra, an ensemble dedicated to musical excellence, cultural representation, and gender equity in jazz.

I first got into music because I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. As a young woman growing up in Mexico City, I was drawn to the sound and freedom of jazz. But I also noticed how few women—especially Latina women—were in positions of leadership within the scene. That realization sparked something in me: not only did I want to play jazz, but I also wanted to help shape the future of it.

Through my orchestra, we create and lead innovative musical projects that empower women—especially from Latin America—to take on leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated spaces. We blend traditional and contemporary jazz sounds, offering high-quality performances that resonate both musically and culturally. We also engage in educational initiatives, workshops, and community events, aiming to inspire the next generation of musicians and audiences alike.

What sets us apart is our strong commitment to gender diversity and cultural representation. Being a female-led, Latin American-rooted jazz orchestra makes us a unique voice in this field, and we’re proud to carry that forward with integrity, artistry, and passion.

What I’m most proud of is seeing how our work resonates with others—especially young women who may have never seen themselves represented in this world before. I want potential clients, fans, and collaborators to know that this is more than just a musical project: it’s a movement. We’re here to make music, yes—but also to open doors, shift perspectives, and build something lasting.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I think I have many stories that reflect resilience, but one that stands out happened early in my career, when I was around 22 or 23. At the time, I was just starting to play gigs and had a close friend with whom I performed regularly. We had an important radio concert coming up, but the logistics were really complicated—she didn’t get the transportation details confirmed until the day of the performance. I remember feeling very frustrated with her, because from my perspective, things seemed disorganized.

What I didn’t realize then was how much effort she was putting in behind the scenes to make that performance happen. When we finally got to the venue, I was tense and, according to her, a bit harsh with the engineers. On top of that, she had already been feeling uncomfortable working with me for various reasons, and after that event, she decided to end our professional relationship. She told me it was hard to balance our friendship with the demands of collaboration.

That experience really marked me. It forced me to reflect, to take responsibility for my part, and to grow. I learned that attitude and communication matter deeply—especially in creative partnerships. Since then, I’ve made it a priority to stay humble and grateful, whether it’s asking for something simple like a glass of water or requesting a change in my monitor levels. I strive to speak with kindness and respect at all times.

I moved forward, and I continue to do so. That moment shaped my character, and I’m still in a process of resilience and growth—not just from similar professional experiences, but from everything I’m living and learning in this stage of my life.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Beyond any specific books I may have read, I believe what has impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking the most has been learning from my friends. For example, my friend Dani Toralla, a Guatemalan vocalist based in Denton, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, has been a big influence. Observing how she manages her schedule, builds her network, and maintains a warm, approachable attitude has helped me shape my own character—especially in realizing that I can be more sociable with other musicians and make the effort to connect. Watching her work has taught me so much about what it takes to succeed.

I’ve also learned a great deal from my friend Aakash Sridhar. Both of them have really shaped the way I think, not just in terms of entrepreneurship, but also in how I approach creativity and leadership. They’re both incredibly proactive—booking their own shows, building their own projects, and taking full control of their artistic paths. That level of initiative is rare, and it continues to inspire me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mildredmarielbass.wixsite.com/mildred-mariel-jazz
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mildredmarielperez?utm_source=qr&igsh=MWZ1eXhpam82d28yeg==
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mildredperez6273?si=B_aE5nyMfCnF8em9

Image Credits

By Marcy Bishop