Director

Susana Diaz-Lopez

AISD Mariachi Facilitator 

Strings Director, Director of Mariachi Ensemble, Mariachi Region 18 Chair

Susana Diaz-Lopez holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Washburn University. An accomplished musician with over a decade of performance experience, Susana served as Principal French Horn for the Washburn University Wind Ensemble and Orchestra and has performed extensive classical guitar repertoire with the Washburn University Classical Guitar Studio and the Topeka Community Guitar Ensemble.

Currently, Ms. Diaz-Lopez serves as the Austin Independent School District (AISD) Mariachi Facilitator and the TMEA Region 18 Mariachi Chair. Prior to joining Akins High School, she collaborated with Austin Classical Guitar (ACG) as a private instructor and educator within their Juvenile Justice Programs. Recognized early in her career as a "Teacher of Promise," she returned to Texas in January 2021 and has spent the past four years growing the strings and mariachi programs at Akins.

Under her direction, the Akins High School Mariachi ensemble has earned widespread community recognition—including features on PBS and KUTX Radio—and made history in 2024 by competing at the UIL Mariachi Competition and bringing home a trophy. Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, Ms. Diaz-Lopez will step into the role of Lead Director for the entire Akins Strings Department, continuing her commitment to musical excellence and student development.