Strong Women of Jaltemba Bay- Perseverance: Tere Maldonado
Tara A. Spears
Final installment. 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.
So many little -known Mexican women have had an awe-inspiring impact on their community, their country, and the betterment of their town. Local entrepreneur, Tere Maldonada, is one of these inspiring Mexican women you should know.
As with the previously showcased women, Tere values education. “I studied Preschool Education but never practiced that profession,” explained Tere. “I got married and had three children while helping my husband Arturo Pina to start the business.” Ferreteria Pina was one of the first hardware stores in Jaltemba Bay. The store is open seven days a week and has a great variety of tools and plumbing supplies. Tere believes that it’s important to recognize what you’ve accomplished, but raise the bar a little higher each time you succeed. In her case, she has also operated a pharmacy, clothing store, NICE jewelry and a Bonagua water filtration plant in addition to the hardware store.
“We chose to operate our business in La Penita because we saw that here in this region there was more prosperity than where we lived (Compostella). The tourism sector was growing.” She also liked the town as a place to raise children due to the schools, activities available and the people. “I really feel that dedication, perseverance and love for your work and what you do are needed to run a business.” Tere’s satisfaction from work is being able “to serve our customers and know that they leave happy when they leave our business.”
The most successful entrepreneurs are optimistic. The belief that success is possible should be part of the job description. Tere believes that good leaders organize and align people around what needs to be done; Great leaders motivate and inspire people by example. “I like to contribute something positive to society and the community where I live.”
Tere has been involved with the volunteer group Clinica Cancer de Mama/Breast Cancer for more than ten years. She also participates in the local women’s Breast Cancer Awareness march in October each year. You will also find her supporting other community causes which is quite a challenge for a working mom!
“I thank my parents for the values and customs that I learned. It is due to these values that I have been able to become a good person and that I have been able to guide my children.”
For Tere it has not been a straight line to success but a path with lots of detours before reaching a goal. But with perseverance in business and in personal life, she has succeeded. “I’ve gotten to where I am by setting a higher goal as soon as I accomplished one thing. Mexican women have always been very hard-working and struggling, wanting to contribute financially to our families.”
Her advice to young women who are interested in business is “They should be constant and persevering so that their business can prosper. But these days there are more opportunities for women. You have to do what you dream of doing even while you are afraid. New business strategies, such as social media and the internet, present fast ways to increase customers.”
The influences of these featured women are the essence of the cultural and intellectual identity that gives Mexico its uniqueness. Each woman embraces many roles: as a mother, wife, business woman, friend, and a volunteer. Without the subtle effect of all of the strong women of Jaltamba Bay, Mexico just wouldn’t be the country we know today. While personal circumstances can be wide-ranging, one thing is for sure: these women are resilient and courageous in their ordinary lives. “Courage doesn’t always roar, sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day whispering I will try again tomorrow.” (Radmacher)
Are the featured women perfect? No. Are these women famous? No. But their strength lies in persevering to achieve personal goals while never losing sight of community. Elaine, Doris & sisters, Lucely, Ana, and Tere share a richness of character, a deep commitment to family and education, and have a strong love of community. They are role models and the essence of a modern Mexican woman.