Jaltemba Bay Strong Women-Commitment to Family: Ana Bañuelos
Tara A. Spears
4th instalment. This five part series intends to applaud and share the stories of several JB women. While they range in age and economic background, all of the women showcased share a richness of character, a deep commitment to family and education, and a strong love of community. They are role models and the essence of a modern Mexican woman. This series pays tribute to the non-famous women of Jaltemba Bay that are excellent examples of modern Mexican women during this month of national pride and tradition.
An integral component of Mexican culture is the strong family bond. Ana Bañuelos Benitez has her extended family of parents Espiridion Bañuelos Rodríguez and Ana María Benitez Haro, and brothers are Rodolfo, Octavio, Cesar, Espiridion, Francisco Javier plus sister Abigail all in the area. She is married and has three children: Abigail, 17 years old, Daniel, 15 years old, and Ana María, 13 years old. “What I am most proud of is my family, of everything that my parents taught us such as values and love of work. Thanks to my parents I have what I need to succeed in life.” Ana’s extended family photo:
Ana is acknowledges that women have to work harder within a male-dominated culture. She has first -hand experience as a business woman in Mexico. Pursuing a university education in the 1990s was non-traditional. Next Ana went on to operating a construction material business in which she employs women. Among other community activities, Ana has been a sponsor of Women to Women scholarships for seven years. 
But all this personal achievement is secondary to Ana’s devotion to family. “My family is my life, and everything else comes second as far as what’s important to me,” said Ana in English.
“When I was a child, what I liked the most was going to school, I always had great teachers.” She was fortunate that her family supported her going to university to study Financial Administration. I started working part-time when I was in college and when I finished university, that company offered me a great opportunity in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. I worked for them 21 years. During that time I contributed to my family’s business, Koranay Hardware store in Las Varas and La Penita. But, my sister Abigail and I had this dream that has been a great adventure. Ten years ago my sister and I started the business InovArte Tile and Plumbing supply store.”
Ana has challenged herself to keep reaching and not settle for average. ”Bring your best to the moment. Then, whether you fail or succeed, at least you know you gave all you had.” Other advice Ana shares to those girls who are thinking about going into business is “I’m motivated to help others because I believe that if God gives you resources, it is so that you can help other people, to help our society become better. Personally, I believe a lot in education, because it is the best agent of change in the whole world. I also want my children to learn to be generous and to find happiness helping others.”
“Today the challenge as a woman is to learn that each human being is very valuable, be it a man or woman. That, although we are all different, we are all important and that by respecting each other we both make a better society” Ana sums up. “The pride of Mexico is family and the influence of father and mother to form children that care about the environment and community. Family is the tradition that guides one through good and bad times.”
Ana demonstrates that working through challenges is what makes you strong. Courage doesn’t always roar, sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day whispering’ try again tomorrow’ to a discouraged child; courage is caring about others. Thank you Ana!
