Juanita is originally from Jalisco, Mexico and in 1990 she decided to begin a new stage in her life in southern California where she lived for seven years. While looking for a quieter place for her family, she found Boise in 1997. That same year she began dancing with a Mexican folkloric ballet through community classes in Boise.
As she watched enthusiastic mothers participating in the program, she decided to form her own group in 2000 with the idea of passing down her cultural heritage to her daughter and friends. She had the opportunity to share her traditions at community events, churches, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, private events, weddings, etc. In 2003, she was part of the IME (Instituto para los Mexicanos en el Exterior) where, together with a group of six members, represented the Hispanic community from Idaho and Salt Lake City, Utah for four years until the Consulate of Mexico in Boise was approved. The new Consulate location was a big achievement that greatly benefits the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Montana. During those same years, she was part of the Hispanic board of directors for Santa Maria, a church in Boise. Juanita has also actively participated as a volunteer in many different programs and community events with enthusiasm and with great pride in her roots.
To contact Juanita, please message her at: jsanchez@comunidadyjusticia.org