Maria Telleria: An Immigrant’s Journey to Innovation and Success

From Mexico to MIT: How Determination and Robotics Transformed a Life

Maria Telleria: An Immigrant’s Journey

Maria Telleria’s journey as an immigrant embodies the spirit of determination and innovation. Maria immigrated to America from Mexico as a teenager. She faced a daunting challenge: starting over in a new country. “I think the biggest challenge was being 14 and being told you have to leave your friends, where you grew up, and switch from a school with 60 in your class to one with 500,” Maria shared in an interview. Yet, she found ways to thrive despite the upheaval.

Joining her high school’s robotics team became a transformative experience for Maria. It helped her navigate the challenges of adolescence in a new country. It also complemented her upbringing in Mexico. Her father encouraged her curiosity and hands-on problem-solving skills. Her father was an engineer and sales executive in the automotive industry. He often involved Maria in fixing things around the house. He also arranged tours of manufacturing facilities during his sales calls. This early exposure to engineering and manufacturing planted the seeds of her future success.

Maria’s path took a significant turn. She attended a six-week summer program at MIT. It was designed to introduce minority students to engineering and entrepreneurship. That experience inspired her to apply to MIT. There, she would eventually earn a bachelor’s degree. She also completed a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. “The biggest culture shift was being uprooted from what you have always known and starting over in a place in the middle of adolescence,” she recalled.

Maria’s time at MIT also marked another milestone in her life—becoming a U.S. citizen. She was sworn in at Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall, a location rich with Revolutionary history. “I got to become a citizen in a place where America was born,” Maria said, reflecting on the significance of the moment.

As Maria’s academic journey progressed, she began envisioning new applications for robotics beyond traditional manufacturing settings. Near the end of her time at MIT, she collaborated with Kevin Albert at Boston Dynamics. They eventually co-founded Canvas. The company is dedicated to developing robots that enhance worker safety and productivity. Their first product, a robotic drywall finishing machine, is equipped with artificial intelligence to produce consistent, high-quality finishes while protecting workers from injuries. “We had the challenge of an unstructured environment, which robotics didn’t tackle much until recently. That was our passion from the beginning: How can we bring automation to other industries that haven’t benefitted from it?”

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Maria emphasizes that Canvas’s mission is not to replace workers but to augment their skills. By shifting weight-bearing tasks to robots, workers can focus on precision and creativity, reducing the risk of injuries. “Construction is an industry that uses a lot of Spanish,” Maria noted. Her bilingual skills have been instrumental in connecting with operators and understanding their challenges. To further bridge the gap, Canvas’s robotic interface is available in both English and Spanish.

Maria’s journey as an immigrant and entrepreneur offers valuable lessons. “One of the biggest lessons for me is to use opportunities that exist,” she said. She encourages immigrants to seek out internships. She advises them to join teams and take advantage of resources that might not be readily available in their home countries. “Instead of sticking only where you’re comfortable, take advantage of company internships or join teams. That is what can put you on an accelerated track.”

Reflecting on her journey, Maria expressed gratitude for her family’s decision to immigrate to the United States. “I don’t think I would have had these opportunities if I could not have come to the United States, expand my wings and challenge myself,” she said. “When you have had to think in two different ways, I think it makes you better understand other people and why they’re different. Coming to America has been an amazing opportunity.”

Maria Telleria’s story is a testament to the resilience and contributions of immigrants. Her achievements highlight the value of embracing new opportunities, leveraging diverse perspectives, and using innovation to make a meaningful impact.

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