Maura Cantano: A story of perseverance and cultural pride 

 

Born in Nayarit, Mexico, Maura Cantano is one of those people that, with effort and love for her roots, has left a significant footprint in the Latino community of Beloit, Wisconsin. Throughout the years, Maura has faced diverse challenges that, far from deterring her, have inspired her to build a life dedicated to her values, culture, and service to others. 

 

In 1988, Maura arrived in California, sent by her parents in search of a better life. Over the years, her husband found a better job opportunity, which led their family to move to Beloit, Wisconsin. The transition from California to Wisconsin was not easy; Maura faced unexpected obstacles like the extreme Midwestern weather and the lack of a Latin community that she could identify with. Nevertheless, her determination was key to adapting, and she was dedicated to learning English to be able to communicate better and advocate to herself. Today she defends herself in English and is involved in cultural activities that keep her close to her roots. 

 

Her pride for Mexican culture boosted her to join the Hispanos Unidos Rompiendo Fronteras organization, which organizes traditional celebrations, such as El Dia del Niño and El Dia de Los Muertos to transmit these traditions to the new generations. Additionally, Maura has played out an important role in spreading Mexican folk dance, or baile folclórico, in the community. She started a dance program for kids, teaching them steps and traditional wardrobe, and organized presentations at local events. Although she had no formal training as an instructor, Maura transferred what she learned in Mexico, giving the youth the opportunity to connect with their roots. “Lo hago por el amor a nuestra cultura y lo que nos dejaron nuestros antepasados”, she affirms with pride. I do it for the love for our and what our ancestors have left us. 

 

Beyond her community work, Maura also launched a business called Yoyi’s Bounce House. Inflatable bounce houses are rented with the intention of ensuring a stable future for her family. At the beginning of this venture, she was dedicated to learning every aspect of running a business - from organizing finances to promoting on social media, overcoming challenges in areas completely new to her. “Nunca imaginé que necesitabas un libro de cheques, que necesitabas uno de finanzas, que necesitabas reportar todos los taxes”, Maura shares, whom faces these learning curves with patience and perseverance; I never imagined that a checkbook was needed, that you needed a finance one, that you needed to report taxes. The support from her family and her entrepreneurial spirit have allowed her to build a loyal clientele, gained thanks to her dedication and work ethic. For Maura, every step represents an opportunity of personal and professional growth. She wants to leave a legacy, something that will inspire her grandkids to say: “Si mi grandma o mi mamá puede, yo también puedo”, reflects Marua with pride; if my grandma and my mom can do it, so can I. 

 

With a clear vision and the desire to support her community, Maura continues working tirelessly to strengthen and unite the Latinos of Beloit, demonstrating that, with great effort and cultural pride, they can overcome all obstacles. She dreams of opening a youth training center where they can work on homework, participate in recreational activities, and stay away from bad habits, providing a safe place for the local youth. Maura hopes this project will serve as a refuge and a guide for the next generations, helping them develop in a positive environment. 

 

Looking to the future, Maura imagines having consolidated her bounce house business in at least five years and having turned into a stable source for her family. While she continues to develop her vision for the future and support for Hispanos Unidos, Maurda hopes her legacy of unity and empowerment inspires the Latino community in Beloit, Wisconsin; and that her work helps to increase the visibility of Hispanics in the city. Maura advises: “ser humildes, que lo que hagan, lo hagan de corazón, que no pierdan sus raíces, que siempre se sientan orgullosos de los que son, hispanos, latinos, mexicanos.” Be humble, whatever you do, do it from the heart, do not lose your roots, always feel proud of who you are, Hispanics, Latinos, Mexicans. 

 

Written by Michelle Carlin, Beloit College student.