Meet Maria And Josue Founders Of We Can’t Stop Won’t Stop

We were lucky to catch up with Maria And Josue Founders Of We Can’t Stop Won’t Stop recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria and Josue , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

We’ve learned that the key to success, even when we’re the only ones in the room who look like us, is to fully embrace who we are. Instead of following the crowd, we focus on doing what feels authentic to us—thinking outside the box, pursuing multiple passions, and refusing to shrink ourselves to fit expectations. It’s easy to doubt your ideas when they seem “too different” or “too weird,” but true growth comes from listening to the voice inside that pushes you toward discomfort and new challenges. We don’t settle for making everyone else happy; we aim high by staying true to ourselves and trusting that our uniqueness is our greatest strength.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

We Can’t Stop is deeply personal to us. It was born from our own journey, finding healing through music, dance, movement, and community when we needed it most. We know what it’s like to feel stuck, to struggle with physical and emotional challenges, and to wonder if the things we love can actually help us heal. For us, they did. That’s why we built this foundation, to create a space where others can experience that healing too.

Through dance, music, and movement practices like ELDOA, we help people reconnect with themselves. We want dancers and creatives to feel seen, to know they don’t have to push through pain alone, and to realize they’re more than just their art. Mental, physical, and emotional well-being all matter, and we’re here to support that journey.

Right now, we’re focused on growing our community through events, education, and creating accessible opportunities. Our monthly event, O.C—Our Casa, Our Community, is a space where anyone who loves dance can come together in a family-friendly environment with live DJs, performances, and more. It takes place every first Thursday of the month at Ashley’s Performing Arts. We also sponsor free DJ classes for anyone passionate about music and interested in learning the art of DJing, with our next session starting this fall at Innergy Dance Company. Additionally, we’re launching a Movement Healing Class designed for dancers, creatives, and movers who want to find healing techniques to reduce pain, improve circulation, flexibility, and mobility. Looking ahead, besides raising funds to continue supporting trauma victims, we’re actively raising funds to open our own location—a resource center for dance and art entrepreneurs—where we can provide tools, education, and a space to grow.

At its core, We Can’t Stop, is about resilience. It’s about finding new ways to move forward, even when things feel impossible. Because healing doesn’t mean stopping, it means learning to move in new ways.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Josue’s answer:

As a DJ, one of the most important skills is beat matching with your ears. While technology is helpful, learning to mix without relying on a laptop is essential. It’s all about feeling the music and understanding how to blend different tracks seamlessly. Learning your music—listening to different genres and understanding their structures—is key to finding the right vibe for any crowd. Another crucial element is mastering your equipment. The more you understand what your gear can do, the more you can use it creatively to enhance your performance. The best advice I can give is to keep listening to music—all types of music—and stay open to what each genre offers. It will only improve your craft and allow you to adapt to any situation.

Maria’s answer:

As a dancer, choreographer, dance instructor, graphic designer, and ELDOA practitioner, I’d say the three qualities that have most impacted my journey are versatility, discipline, and curiosity.

First, training in various dance styles has been essential. The more styles I learned, the more my body and mind opened up to new movements and techniques. It’s not just about expanding your physical skills, but also about connecting with different communities, meeting new people, and staying inspired. The diversity in movement has helped me connect with others who are just as passionate, which pushes me to grow even more.

Second, discipline has been key to progressing in both dance and teaching. It’s easy to get distracted or take breaks, but consistency in training and pushing myself to keep learning has been the foundation of my success. Whether it’s mastering a dance move, refining my choreography, or staying updated with new techniques, making time to keep learning is non-negotiable.

Finally, curiosity is what keeps me evolving. As a teacher and practitioner, I always have to remain a student, always asking, “What’s next?” or “How can I improve this?” Whether it’s through new dance techniques, expanding my knowledge in ELDOA, or exploring other creative outlets like graphic design, there is always something new to learn. This mindset of continuous learning has shaped everything I do and keeps me from becoming stagnant.

For those early in their journey, I’d say: never stop exploring. Stay disciplined in your practice, but also remain curious and open to learning from every experience and every person you encounter. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but by remaining passionate and committed to learning, you’ll discover a world of endless possibilities.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When we feel overwhelmed, we each have our ways of resetting and recharging. Josue finds that stepping away from the noise of society helps him regain balance. He takes a break from social media and people, giving himself space to reset and reconnect. Music plays a big role for him in this process, as it helps him unwind and clear his mind.

Maria, on the other hand, reminds herself that overwhelming moments are temporary and will pass. Taking a break, allowing herself to breathe, and pausing for a moment to step away from the stress is key. For her, breathing exercises are invaluable in calming her mind. Music, particularly relaxing tunes, also helps her recharge. Additionally, reading and writing provide a way to feed her mind and release tension.

Our advice? Take the time you need to step away from what feels overwhelming, whether it’s through moments of silence, breathing, or engaging in something that brings you peace. Remember, it’s important to care for your mental and emotional health, especially during challenging times. Everyone needs space to reset, and taking that moment can make all the difference.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Samantha Ramsahai from VIBEXVISUALS, Brendan Eldom from SHADELIFE, Tuyen Le

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