Sophea Munguia turned her passion for Mexican folk dance into a thriving business after joining GEI in 2023. Today, she leads Danza Folklórica del Oeste, teaching multiple dance groups and performing across the region.
For Sophea Munguia, that story is rooted in culture, leadership, and a passion for dance. Today, she is a dance instructor whose journey began in GEI and continues to unfold with remarkable momentum.
A past GEI participant, Sophea turned an idea into a successful business.
What began as a personal passion has now evolved into a platform that celebrates cultural identity and community.
Sophea has been dancing since she was 8. In middle school, she served as a Latin Community Ambassador, helping new students feel seen, welcomed, and connected. These early experiences shaped her confidence, her leadership, and her understanding of cultural representation.
She was passionate about sharing the richness of her culture through art, and she sought ways to transform that passion into something that could reach others.
She joined GEI in 2023, stepping into her entrepreneurial era with a dream to teach dance. The program gave her the structure, mentorship, and resources to turn her vision into a tangible business model.
Her business vision? A dance academy where respect, teamwork, and tradition are the heartbeat.
She specializes in Mexican folk dance, blending artistry with heritage to create meaningful experiences for her students and audiences alike.
At just 17, she launched Danza Folklórica del Oeste. What began as a bold idea has since grown into a thriving organization. Two years later, she’s teaching, choreographing, organizing, uplifting — and leading three groups (soon to be four).
Beginners. Intermediate. Advanced.
And a separate group for private events.
Her leadership reflects a rare combination of artistic ability, entrepreneurial initiative, and community-centered purpose.
This year alone: 30 performances
Highlights:
After earning 3rd place in 2024, Sophea returned to GEI as a leader, helping teach, mentor, and guide new entrepreneurs coming up behind her. Her return represents a full-circle moment, proof that GEI does more than launch businesses; it cultivates leaders who reinvest in the next generation.
Sophea is freshly accepted into Southern New Hampshire University
BS in Business Admin – Entrepreneurship
She is poised to expand her impact, further develop her business, and continue elevating cultural arts in the community she serves.
✨ DanzaFolklórica del Oeste
IG & Facebook: @danza.folkloredeoleste
Des Moines, IA — Ages 5+
DM to join the community, the art, and the movement.
