For all of us, including those in rural Cancun, Mexico, we do what we’ve seen. We often parent in the same ways we are parented; our work ethic is often influenced by the adults we grew up watching, and it is these lessons we carry over into adulthood.  

As recently as 2020, more than half of the Mexican population who can’t read or write are women.* 

As a result, only 19% of all Mexican entrepreneurs are female (as compared to the 51% of female entrepreneurs in the U.S.) And only 33% of women in Mexico have a bank account, and so face limited access to financial investments for women-owned businesses

Women who want to keep their families together and still provide for them face complications due to generational poverty and trauma. Back2Back’s solution to this uphill climb is the Strong Families Program. Families within programming remain together while working toward goals, receiving therapies, and accessing resources. Together with staff, they work hard to move from struggling to flourishing- growing in skills and fighting to remain healthy.  

Orphan’s Promise is a partnering organization with Back2Back’s Cancun site. They share a vision for keeping families together and equipping safe adults to lead their families. Their initiative helps parents who are struggling financially to begin microenterprises using natural and learned skills. Within this programming, they obtain job skills, learn money management, grow in responsibility, and achieve their set goals. 

These microenterprises have been transformative for four women in Cancun’s Strong Families Program and their families. They are creating a community, understanding they are better together and never too old to learn something new. Over time, this untapped potential has become a galvanizer for four women, ultimately impacting future generations.  

Lucia:

Lucia* transforms foam and ribbon into stunning floral arrangements, mastering her craft through classes and YouTube tutorials. The result of her creativity means she can afford to fix a stubborn bathroom leak and completely remodel their kitchen. What began as artistic passion has blossomed into skills, transforming her family’s daily life.

Carmen:

Carmen’s* journey began with a single handcrafted book, meticulously bound with French stitching and hand-painted details. That first creation sparked something powerful – a passion that grew into mastery of leather, wood, varnishing, and even painting with coffee. Now her unique notebooks have created a foundation to improve her family’s quality of life. Every stitch and brushstroke has created the financial flexibility for home improvements –  a new roof, expanded kitchen and living spaces, two additional bedrooms, and a bathroom under construction. Most importantly, her business is changing her children’s future, covering their educational expenses one notebook at a time.

Emilia:

Emilia’s* dreams began with handmade desserts. With the generous donation of an oven, mill, and pastry training, something extraordinary was unlocked in her. She went from desserts to an expanded menu of bread, tamales, and pizzas. Her growing business now supports her older children and funds home improvements, but the real transformation happened within Emilia herself. She discovered the power of self-care and the skills of money management, moving from a home baker to a community leader who mentors others. 

Blanca:

Blanca* weaves love into every stitch, and her embroidery business is thriving. As a devoted mother of four, including three teenagers, she masterfully balances her needle and thread with home, church, and community service. Sewing pillows, baby kits, and custom linen, her artistry has helped rebuild her kitchen and improve her family’s home.  She shares her knowledge and proves that when you lift one determined woman, you transform an entire community. 

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Each of these stories reflects a powerful shift occurring across Cancun. 

Women learning new skills. 

Families growing stronger. 

Children having opportunities.

Communities being strengthened. 

Four mothers rewriting their futures while their children watch; this is transformation in action.