Maigua Fuentes breaks barriers with sign language in Ciudad Juárez
Maigua Fuentes helps bridge communication gaps in Ciudad Juárez through sign language. For nearly four years, she has worked as an interpreter, ensuring access for the deaf community. Her work extends beyond public events to teaching courses in collaboration with local organisations. Fuentes first learned sign language by observing her in-laws, who are deaf. Over time, her entire family—including her husband and daughters—also became fluent. This personal connection deepened her commitment to the language.
She now interprets at key public gatherings, such as City Council meetings and government press conferences. One of her regular roles is assisting Councilwoman Dina Salgado Sotelo, the first deaf person to hold office in Ciudad Juárez. Fuentes ensures Salgado Sotelo can fully participate in discussions and decisions.
Beyond interpreting, she teaches sign language courses in partnership with the Chihuahua State Deaf Union (USECH). Recently, she joined Intérpretes LMS Paso del Norte, a group of 15 interpreters working across the region. Fuentes believes more people would learn sign language if they understood its importance in daily life. Fuentes’ efforts make public spaces and official proceedings more inclusive. Her teaching and interpreting work helps break down barriers for the deaf community in Ciudad Juárez. She continues to push for wider recognition of sign language as a vital tool for communication.
