Maria Estrada

A pioneering Mexican entrepreneur who founded a textile empire and championed women's economic independence in the 19th century.

Maria Estrada (1825–1898) was a visionary Mexican businesswoman whose innovations in the textile industry and advocacy for women's economic rights reshaped 19th-century Latin America. Born into a modest family in Mexico City, she defied societal norms by mastering textile machinery and establishing Mexico's first steam-powered weaving factory in 1853. Her factory employed over 300 women, paying fair wages and offering childcare—a radical concept at the time. Estrada's introduction of synthetic dyes from Europe transformed the local market, reducing reliance on imported fabrics. She later founded the Escuela de Artesanías para Mujeres (Women's Crafts School), which trained thousands in textile techniques. Her memoir, "Weaving Freedom: A Mexican Woman's Journey", remains a cornerstone of feminist economic history. Modern scholars credit her with laying the groundwork for Mexico's post-revolution labor reforms.