Fearless Women, Champions Of Change: Lawyer, Actress, Entrepreneur, And Activist–All In One

By Carolina de la Cajiga

“I might be exaggerating if I say I was born in my parents’ hardware store, Ferretería Lara—but almost. Amongst nails and tools, there was my bassinet, then my crib, and later my stroller.”

“In my teens, I started working at Lara after school, on weekends, and during summers,” says Nuria Lara, smiling at the memory. “It was a unique and fun way to grow up—and prepare for life!” Early on, Nuria took dance lessons at Bellas Artes. While her peers advanced, she failed—three times. Just as she was about to give up, acting was introduced. “I went from failure to success in the blink of an eye! I was born an actress but only discovered it when I was 13,” she says with a wink.

She later moved to Mexico City to study law while continuing her acting studies. “I love both equally,” she admits. Nuria still manages to combine her two passions despite her packed schedule. After marrying and having a baby, they decided it was time to return to San Miguel. Her routine is anything but dull. “I wake up before six, head to the gym, then come home for breakfast with my husband. After that, I grab a coffee on the way to the hardware store—otherwise, I can’t function! I work until 5:30 p.m.” Except for Wednesday afternoons—when she records the improv show @improalaire at Radio Cascabel, airing at 6:00 p.m.

“Thanks to Christian Zaid, who brought improv to San Miguel! I love acting—no matter what—but comedy is my favorite,” she beams.

Her evenings don’t slow down either. After hours, Nuria dons her other professional hat as a corporate lawyer.

On Thursdays, she returns to the radio station to participate in Los Otros Datos (The Other Facts), a live show from 11:00 a.m. to noon. There, she discusses current events—local, national, and global. Her strongest tools? Her intellect and her voice. “I carefully analyze what I’ll share to counter misinformation.” Her goal is to give listeners facts they can trust—empowering them to make informed decisions.

Justice is often said to be blind, but is it truly impartial? This June, Mexico enters new territory: for the first time, voters will elect judges. It’s a pivotal opportunity to reform a long-standing, opaque judicial system. Nuria and the team at Los Otros Datos have spent the past two months interviewing nominees at Radio Cascabel—helping listeners get to know them beyond campaign slogans. “Systems reflect the values and integrity of those in charge. If we want an honest judiciary, we must elect candidates with the right qualifications and character,” Nuria says. “This initiative matters deeply to me.”

She’s also a proud member of Asociación Civil Yo Soy San Miguel de Allende since 2018, an organization created to help citizens counterbalance unilateral government actions. Among their successes: blocking the installation of parking meters in Centro without any effects, benefits, and drawbacks research and opposing a private company that would have claimed most of the revenue.

Another major win? Defending Parque Juárez against plans by the authorities to restrict residents' access in favor of private events. The group’s legal action led to a national ruling that protects all public green spaces from being modified without prior citizen consultation throughout Mexico. “These are huge wins!” says Nuria with pride.

But her days don’t end there—in the evenings, Nuria changes hats and takes her role as a corporate lawyer.

“Wow—amazing I do all this?” she jokes.

Her family roots run deep. “My mother, now retired, founded Ferretería Lara in 1980. Today, my father and one of my brothers handle the key-making side while I run the hardware store.”

They’re proud of their customer service. “Many clients come in unsure of what they need. We give advice—not just products. And we prioritize hiring young people still in school, offering flexible hours so they can work and study.”

Nuria also serves as the Social Assistance Officer for San Miguel Lions Club, an organization dedicated to helping those in need. Her motto? “Always be ready when the need arises.”

Contact Nuria:

nurialaralicea@yahoo.com.mx

Ferretería Lara: 415 121 4317

Radio Cascabel 92.1 FM