Reyna Montoya

organization overview

Aliento invests in the leadership and the well being of undocumented youth and children impacted by detention, deportation, and unjust immigrant laws. Aliento has a holistic approach rooted in resilience and leadership. Aliento provides an art and organizing program for youth and children to build their leadership and uplift their voices. Through popular education and leadership development trainings Aliento creates a safe space where youth and children are trained to become agents of change in their communities. Aliento is reshaping the image of who immigrants are and shining light to the unheard voices of our society.

Personal Bio

Reyna E. Montoya is a DACAmented social entrepreneur, educator, dancer, and community organizer born in Tijuana, Mexico. She migrated to Arizona in 2003, fleeing violence, and has dedicated her life to advancing justice, healing, and education equity for Dreamer students and mixed-status families. Reyna is the founder and CEO of Aliento, a nonprofit that uplifts these communities through art, leadership development, and advocacy. Under her leadership, Aliento has impacted over 70,000 individuals and educated nearly 100,000 voters, playing a key role in passing Prop 308, which secured in-state tuition for Dreamer students in Arizona.

Reyna holds degrees in Political Science and Transborder Studies, a Dance minor from ASU, an M.Ed from Grand Canyon University, and an executive education certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School. She is a Teach For America alum, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Ashoka Fellow, and Echoing Green Fellow, among other recognitions. In 2013, she helped stop a deportation bus and protect her family. Outside of work, she enjoys dancing, long walks, reading, and spending time with her fur babies.